Alprazolam or Xanax is a Schedule IV drug classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is currently the 9th best-selling drug and the 5th most prescribed drug in the United States.
It is important to educate ourselves about the dangers of Xanax and the possible dangers it can cause to our lives. In this blog, we will talk about how long Xanax stays in the body.
Why do People Abuse Xanax?
Xanax is a benzodiazepine. This drug class usually works by binding and improving the inhibitory effect of the brain’s gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is a type of neurotransmitter that is located in the central nervous system. It produces a feeling of calmness and relaxation, and because of these feelings, the drug minimizes the levels of excitement in the brain, which helps manage anxiety and panic disorders.
Half-life of Xanax
The half-life of Xanax can range anywhere from 6.3 to 26.9 hours, with an average of 11 hours. It is important to be reminded that the half-life of a drug is only an estimate of how long it takes for the amount of the drug in the body to be reduced by exactly one-half or 50%.
When Does Xanax Expire?
The shelf-life of Xanax is normally two to three years. The term shelf-life means the timespan that is considered for the drug to work properly and be stable. It begins from the date when the drug is manufactured until the time it is expected to be effective and safe to use.
How Long Does it Take to Feel the Effects of Xanax?
The timeframe of when you can feel the effects of Xanax can differ depending on whether you have developed a tolerance to the drug or not. Generally, people who take Xanax can feel the effects of the drug an hour after they stop taking the drug. However, there have been some instances where people have felt the impact as early as 5 to 10 minutes after they have ingested the drug. It reaches its peak concentrations in your bloodstream within 1 to 2 hours.
Why is Drug Testing Done?
Drug testing is important in several ways. It enforces and maintains safety in settings such as the workplace, schools, and other institutions. It reminds employees and the general population not to be under the influence while performing their responsibilities in their respective places.
Drug testing is also done to monitor the progress of treatment in people going through drug rehabilitation treatment. It serves as a reminder to avoid or abstain from the misuse of substances.
How Long will Xanax Show up on Drug Tests?
The timespan of how long Xanax will show up on tests depends on several factors, as well as what type of test will be done. Xanax will show up on a test for an average of two to eight days.
Xanax and Pregnancy
Benzodiazepines like Xanax belong to the FDA Pregnancy Category D. The medications in this pregnancy category have been shown to pose a risk to the developing baby during pregnancy. Babies who were exposed to Xanax in the later trimester of pregnancy have shown symptoms of sedation, feeding difficulties, irritability, and tremors. Category D drugs are only prescribed when there are no safer alternatives available and the medical condition being treated poses a serious threat to the mother’s health.
Breastfeeding: To date, the effects of Xanax on milk production and lactation are not yet known. However, some studies report sedation in breastfed babies. Hence, mothers who take Xanax are advised against breastfeeding.
If a mother takes Xanax while pregnant, there is a possibility that the infant will be born with Xanax in the system. It is important to disclose to your doctor if you are taking Xanax while pregnant to determine how it can affect your baby.
What Things Affect How Long Xanax Stays in Your System?
Several factors affect how long Xanax lasts in the system, including:
Age
The half-life of Xanax is relatively longer for older people. Studies have shown that 16.3 hours is the average half-life of Xanax in older people who are considered healthy.
Weight
The bodies of people who are overweight or obese may have a harder time to break the drug. The average half-life of the drug for people who are on the heavier side ranges from 9.9 to 10.4 hours, with an average of 21.8 hours.
Ethnicity
The half-life of the drug is higher by 25% in Asians compared to Caucasians, according to some studies.
Metabolism
A higher metabolic rate minimizes the timespan it takes for the drug to leave the body. People who consistently exercise or have faster metabolisms can eliminate Xanax faster.
Liver Function
People who are suffering from chronic liver disease take longer to metabolize the drug. For people struggling with this disease, the average half-life of Xanax is 19.7 hours.
Dose of Xanax
Xanax has a variation of dosages from 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, and 2 mg. The body tends to take longer to metabolize the higher dosages.
Other Medications
Xanax clears the body through the cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A). Some drugs prevent the CYP3A, making it harder for the body to metabolize the drug. Some medications that increase the body’s metabolization period are azole antifungal agents, nefazodone, fluvoxamine, macrolide antibiotics, and many more.
Alcohol Use
Mixing alcohol with Xanax can increase the effects of the drug, which means it will take longer for it to be eliminated from the body. The combination of the two substances can also result in harmful side effects and a possibility of a fatal overdose.
False Positives for Xanax
Several medications can cause a false positive for benzodiazepines like Xanax:
- Sertraline
- NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, Oxaprozin and Tolmetin
- Ranitidine
- Efavirenz (HIV medication)
What Kind of Tests Can Detect Xanax in the Body?
The detection window is different for each type of test. A urine test is normally used in office scenarios; alternative tests may be requested depending on what the test is for.
Urine Drug Test
A urine test for Xanax can detect up to 7 days after the last dose. However, for someone who only takes the average prescribed Xanax dose, the drug can only be detected for at least 2 to 4 days.
Blood
Xanax remains detectable through a blood test for 6 days after the last use of the drug. However, the earliest it can be eliminated from the system is 40 hours; frequency of intake and dosage also affects its detection in the blood.
Saliva
A saliva test can only detect the presence of the drug for up to 36 hours after the last intake. This test is also rarely ordered for the use of benzodiazepines. However, if the drug is rarely consumed or consumed in small doses, it will be undetectable after 24 hours of the last use.
Hair
Hair tests can detect Xanax for up to 90 days after the most recent use of the drug. This test is used to build a history of Xanax use. However, the drug will take 2 weeks to be visible in the test.
Breast Milk
The half-life of Xanax in breast milk is 14.5 hours. The drug stays in your system for at least three days, depending on the severity of the drug use.
Can Xanax Be Flushed from the System?
It is not possible to flush Xanax from the system. The body absorbs the drug within 2 to 5 hours and is distributed to several tissues, such as the brain. The liver will eventually metabolize the drug, and it will take a couple of days, usually 2 days, to be eliminated from the system. Your age, liver function, genetics, and overall health are important factors that influence how fast Xanax is cleared from your body.
Xanax Addiction Treatment
Treatment for Xanax use disorder is possible, and there are several strategies available. However, this will depend on your consultation with a licensed professional. We must seek guidance about the severity of addiction to be aware of the potential damage and what is the right course of action to take.
It may seem intimidating at first; however, it is worth the investment. Some of the strategies or levels of care you can expect are detoxification, inpatient or outpatient treatment, medical options, and therapy. Addiction recovery may be a long-term journey, but with the right people by your side and trusting the process, recovery is possible. At Luxe Recovery, we offer different treatment programs for addiction that can suit individual needs. Contact us today to learn more.
