Alprazolam , more commonly known by its brand name, Xanax, is a medication indicated to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Xanax is in a class of medications known as benzodiazepines. Xanax helps to calm the nerves and induces a feeling of relaxation. In high doses, however, it has the potential to be abused and can lead to dependence addiction. Xanax is taken by mouth and is readily absorbed into the bloodstream.
You should start feeling the effects of Xanax in under an hour. The medication reaches peak concentrations in the bloodstream in one to two hours following ingestion. People who take Xanax will often build up a tolerance. For these people, it may take longer to feel the sedative effects of Xanax or the sedation may not feel as strong.
One way to find out how long a drug will last in the body is to measure its half-life. The half-life is the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. Xanax has an average half-life of roughly 11 hours in healthy adults. In other words, it takes 11 hours for the average healthy person to eliminate half of the dose of Xanax. Studies have shown that the half-life of Xanax ranges from 6.
It takes several half-lives to fully eliminate a drug. For most people, Xanax will fully clear their body within two to four days. This is why you may be prescribed Xanax up to three times per day. The half-life of Xanax is higher in elderly people. Studies have found that the average half-life is For obese individuals, it may be more difficult for your body to break down Xanax. The half-life of Xanax in people who are obese is higher than average. It ranged between 9.
Studies have found that the half-life of Xanax is increased by 25 percent in Asians compared to Caucasians. A higher basal metabolic rate may decrease the time it takes for Xanax to leave the body. People who exercise regularly or have faster metabolisms may be able to excrete Xanax faster than people who are sedentary.
It takes longer for people with alcoholic liver disease to break down, or metabolize, Xanax. In high doses, Xanax effects may include:. Xanax effects peak around one to two hours. They begin to gradually subside after reaching their peak. Usually any noticeable effects of Xanax are gone within about four hours. People prescribed Xanax for anxiety may take Xanax two or three times a day depending on their needs.
There is also an extended release form of Xanax that is taken once a day. Extended release means the effects of the drug are spread out throughout the day instead of being delivered right away. Though effects of Xanax may wear off in four hours, the medication stays in your system longer. The length a prescription drug stays in your system depends on its half-life. The half-life of Xanax is around 11 hours. This varies depending on factors like how quickly you metabolize drugs.
People can metabolize drugs at different rates. In general, it usually takes two to four days to eliminate Xanax from your system. These may include saliva, blood, urine and hair tests. How long Xanax stays in your system depends on your individual makeup. On average, these are the time periods for detecting Xanax:.
These sometimes include:. Xanax may stay in your system for a shorter amount of time if you have high metabolism. Things that impact the way your body metabolizes Xanax may include activity level, ethnicity, muscle mass, age and size.
How long Xanax lasts may also depend on the dose. Higher doses may take longer to metabolize. Xanax comes in. Physicians typically prescribe Xanax in.
People with panic disorders may take around 4 mg of Xanax a day. It may take older adults longer to process Xanax. The half-life of Xanax in older adults is often over 16 hours. A bottle of Xanax should carry an expiration date and the date that the pharmacist filled the prescription.
Expiration dates indicate how long the drug is safe and effective to take. This date is based on when the manufacturer made the drug. Taking an expired drug may no longer provide full benefits. Also, there is an additional risk of adverse effects. Storing Xanax correctly helps ensure that the drug will remain effective until its expiration date.
Do not store Xanax in a bathroom, as moisture and humidity can cause the medication to break down sooner. Also, keep the bottle out of direct sunlight and out of the reach of children and pets. Make sure it stays in its original container.
If Xanax has expired, it may not be effective or safe. Do not take expired Xanax before consulting a healthcare provider. Because Xanax carries a high risk of dependency, it is important to dispose of expired or unwanted pills correctly.
In the United States, correct disposal means taking the medication to an authorized Drug Enforcement Administration DEA controlled substances disposal location.
There are also drug take-back days at select times of the year. If a person cannot drop off their expired medication at an authorized location, they should follow the instructions for safe disposal in the trash from the Food and Drug Administration FDA. Factors such as other medications and certain health conditions can affect how Xanax works and how long it stays in the body. Anyone with an anxiety or panic disorder should work with their healthcare provider to develop a safe and effective treatment program.
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