If you recently took Xanax and are now required to take a drug test, or you are looking to switch up your medications, you might be wondering, “How long does Xanax stay in your system?”
Xanax is a benzodiazepine that doctors may prescribe when a person is experiencing anxiety or panic disorder. While this medication is effective at relieving symptoms of anxiety, some people misuse it for its calming effects, leading them down a path of tolerance and dependence. How could the very medication that was meant to help them now harm them? It’s a difficult position to be in, but there are many paths to healing.
In February 2023, 35.8% of Arizonans reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depression disorder, which is slightly higher than the national average. Many of these people take medication to treat their symptoms, and this may include Xanax. But, Xanax is not without risk. Not only can you form a physical or psychological dependence on this medication, but also it can have dangerous interactions with other substances. This is why it’s important to know how it acts in the body.
Let’s learn more about how long Xanax stays in the system, the various testing methods—blood, urine, saliva, and hair—and the factors that affect metabolization and elimination.
Xanax Duration and Half-Life
The duration of Xanax’s effects and its half-life vary depending on the dose, the individual’s metabolism, and other factors. The immediate effects of Xanax are typically felt within 15-60 minutes after taking it. The peak effects occur within 1-2 hours, though the calming and sedative effects last around 4-6 hours total. However, it’s possible for some residual effects, like drowsiness or mild sedation, to last longer.
Xanax’s half-life refers to the time it takes for half the substance to exit the body. Regular Xanax (immediate-release) has a half-life of 11-12 hours. For most people, it takes about 4-5 half-lives (roughly 2-3 days) for the substance to be eliminated. The extended-release version of Xanax has a similar half-life, but it’s released slowly over time, so the effects last longer (around 12-15 hours).
How Xanax Is Metabolized in the Body
Xanax is metabolized in the body through a series of processes primarily involving the liver. When ingesting Xanax, the substance is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1-2 hours for immediate-release forms and up to 9 hours for extended-release forms. Xanax is then metabolized in the liver, where it’s converted into inactive metabolites, which are easier for the body to process. The kidneys excrete the metabolites through urine, with about 80% eliminated within 24-48 hours.
How Long Does Xanax Stay in Your System?
The length of time Xanax stays in the system depends on several factors, including its half-life, metabolism, and frequency of use. While the half-life of Xanax is approximately 11-12 hours in healthy adults, the substance is detectable by drug tests for a longer period of time.
How Long Xanax Stays in Your Urine
Xanax is detectable in urine for 2-7 days from the last dose. This wide range depends on how frequently or infrequently the person takes the medication. Regular users might see positive urine tests for up to 7 days or longer, while infrequent users may only see a positive result for 4 days. Attempting to “flush” the body and remove traces of Xanax sooner are typically not effective, and may even lead to further strain on the body.
How Long Xanax Stays in Your Blood
Blood tests can pick up Xanax for about 24-48 hours after the last dose. Most of the substance leaves the bloodstream within this period, but traces can linger, especially with the extended-release version. Due to its more invasive nature and shorter detection period, blood testing is generally used in emergency or acute situations.
How Long Xanax Stays in Your Hair
Xanax is detectable in hair samples for 90 days or more after the last dose. Hair testing is often used to identify long-term or past substance use rather than recent consumption. When Xanax is metabolized, its chemical markers are deposited into the hair follicles, remaining trapped in the hair shaft. Results can vary based on hair type, treatment (e.g., bleaching), and growth rate.
How Long Xanax Stays in Your Saliva
Saliva is a quick, easy, and convenient way to test for substance use. Xanax is usually detectable in saliva for 1-2 days from the last dose. People who use Xanax regularly or in higher doses may test positive slightly longer. Saliva tests are primarily used to determine recent substance use in workplace settings, roadside testing, or legal proceedings.
Factors That Affect How Long Xanax Stays in Your System
When answering the question of, “How long does Xanax stay in your system,” it’s important to consider the factors that influence this. The length of time Xanax remains in the body varies significantly between individuals. Let’s look closer at the factors that play a role in the metabolization and elimination of benzodiazepines like Xanax.
Dosage and Frequency of Use
Larger amounts of Xanax take longer to metabolize and clear from the body. On the other hand, smaller doses are eliminated more quickly. Additionally, people who use Xanax regularly or long-term often have higher levels of Xanax in the body, leading to longer detection times. Single or infrequent use has the opposite effect, clearing faster from the system.
Individual Factors
There are a number of individual factors that play a role in how long Xanax can be detected in the body. People with faster metabolic rates process and eliminate the substance more quickly. A slower metabolism delays clearance. Younger adults also have an easier time metabolizing Xanax compared to older adults. Other individual factors that affect detection times are liver and kidney function, body composition, and overall health. Essentially, the healthier and younger the person, the faster they move Xanax through the body.
Ingestion Method
Xanax taken as pills or tablets follow the standard metabolism process. However, other methods like snorting (if misused) can affect how quickly the substance is absorbed and cleared. Since snorting Xanax bypasses the gastrointestinal system, it typically speeds up the cycle of metabolization and elimination.
Finding Xanax Treatment Near You in Prescott, AZ
If you or someone you care about is misusing Xanax, know that help is out there. Some people feel that because this substance is legal, they’re unable to take advantage of treatment services, but this isn’t the case. Treatment is available for all types of substance use disorders, including benzodiazepines like Xanax. These medications encourage repeated use because of their euphoric effects, and they require specialized attention when attempting to quit. With the right support in place, you can safely remove Xanax from your life while also learning how to better manage the symptoms of anxiety or panic disorder.
Xanax rehab involves a combination of supports, starting with supervised detoxification. Because benzos cause intense and even life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, it’s important that you are monitored during this period. Once stable, you can move onto treatment for the psychological components of your Xanax use, such as therapy and counseling, medication-assisted treatment, support groups, and long-term recovery planning. It’s also important to address any underlying mental health disorders that may be contributing to your problems, such as anxiety, panic disorder, or phobias. Recovery is a journey that takes time and commitment, but it is entirely possible with the right support.
Wolf Creek Recovery is here to guide individuals toward a path of healing and happiness. Many people who become dependent on Xanax are also trying to manage anxiety, which can make the process feel even more burdensome. Our whole-person approach eases this, ensuring the mind, body, and spirit are given proper attention. Clients participate in counseling and therapy, while also enjoying time outdoors, playing sports, practicing yoga, or meditating. Get in touch with us today at 833-732-8202. Build a life you love.
