Drug Education: How Long Does Xanax Last?

How Long Does Xanax Stay In You?

What is Xanax?

Xanax is a very powerful drug used to treat the physiological signs of anxiety disorder, panic disorder, as well as anxiety caused by depression.

Although effective in its own right, this should not be taken in place of therapy as it is not a permanent solution. Instead, it should be used to work with therapy.

Xanax alters some chemicals in your nervous system, the most prominent of which is GABA. Used only as prescribed by the doctor, this can result in normalization of the signs and symptoms observed in the patients.

However, it comes with certain side effects, all of which can be severe when going beyond the recommended dosage.

Today, this drug is the seventh most prescribed medicines in the United States and the number go-to medication for the disorders listed above.

How Long Do The Effects of Xanax Last?

Although remaining in your system for a longer time compared to other drugs, its effect usually does not last for more than four hours. This is the reason it is usually taken for more than once a day, depending on the severity of the condition.

Its presence in the blood peaks in about two hours, then slowly goes down. Because the effectivity of Xanax does not last for very long, it is not always the drug of choice for treating chronic anxiety disorders.(1)

Why Is It Only Second-Line AgainstChronic Anxiety Disorders?

Such situation may require a dosage higher than usual, which will build up tolerance much quicker than normal.

There are many risks associated with taking high dosages of Xanax. Continuous consumption for more than a few months will definitely lead to addiction later on.

This would require additional medical attention for rehabilitation. This would include slowly lessening the dosage until the patient is no longer taking it.

How Long Does Xanax Last In Your System?

On average, Xanax will be completely flushed out of your system in four days. However, this can take longer or shorter depending on which end of the spectrum you are on.

There is a range of factors that come into play in determining how long Xanax will remain in your system.Here are some of them: (2)

Age – Because of metabolic changes or deterioration of liver, older people are known to need longer time to eliminate Xanax from the system.
Body Size – The larger the body size, the quicker the Xanax would be removed from your system. A larger body size means the drug would be distributed to a larger area.
Genetics – to some extent, how you look does matter. Research has shown that Asians metabolize Xanax 15 to 25 percent more quickly than Caucasians. The CYP450 isoenzymes determine whether one would be fast or a slow metabolizer.
Health of liver and kidneys – Healthy liver and kidneys mean more efficient screening out of drugs from the blood.
Frequency of use – Infrequent users can get rid of Xanax of their system more quickly than frequent users because the latter build up a tolerance quicker to this drug’s effects.

Xanax is one of the most prescribed medicines for various mental disorders. Its effectiveness has earned it a reputation among doctors and medical practitioners. However, it is important to know how long it would last inside the body as to avoid situations that could endanger us while it is still affecting the body.