Xanax Hangover: What It Feels Like And How To Prevent It

Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders, and other mental illnesses.

Unfortunately, taking Xanax for as little as a few days has the potential to cause a Xanax hangover, as well as other side effects. The symptoms of a Xanax hangover can be very similar to an alcohol hangover.

To prevent a Xanax hangover, you should only ever take your prescription medications as directed by your healthcare provider.

Toward the end of your prescription, your doctor will taper your drug use to decrease the risk of withdrawal.

What Is A Xanax Hangover?

A Xanax hangover sounds like it shouldn’t be a big deal, but it’s actually a major warning sign. Think of a hangover as a lesser form of Xanax withdrawal.

Experiencing a hangover after using Xanax indicates that your body is developing drug dependence, or a physical reliance on the drug, and could be at risk for addiction.

If you feel hangover symptoms following Xanax use, you should contact your doctor for medical advice.

Physical Symptoms Of A Xanax Hangover

The physical symptoms of a Xanax hangover are unpleasant. These are just a few of the most common symptoms resulting from changes to the neurotransmitters in your central nervous system.

Fatigue

The day after Xanax use you may feel over-tired. Extreme fatigue may prevent you from leaving bed. This symptom shouldn’t last more than half a day, but can be more severe with long-term use.

Insomnia

Despite your exhaustion, withdrawal from Xanax may cause sleep disruption the day following your last dose. That includes making it difficult for you to fall asleep and stay that way.

Increased Body Temperature

You’re unlikely to develop a serious fever during a Xanax hangover, but you will experience increased blood pressure and body temperature. This may be unnoticeable to you, or you may feel slightly feverish.

Muscle Tension And Stomach Cramps

The effects of withdrawal are often the opposite of the effect of the drug, because your body is relying on the drug to maintain a sense of normal.

Xanax is sometimes used as a muscle relaxant. As a result, you may experience muscle tension, stomach cramps, and gastrointestinal upset during a hangover, also known as Xanax gastritis.

Excessive Sweating

Your increased body temperature and other effects of your hangover may cause you to sweat heavily. This is your body’s attempt to cool you down.

Psychological Symptoms Of A Xanax Hangover

Severe psychological symptoms are rare, but instances of psychosis have been reported. More often than not, the psychological effects of a Xanax hangover will be mild to moderate.

You may struggle a bit with your memory and have difficulty concentrating. You may also experience other changes in your mental health, including agitation, depression, and increased anxiety.

In severe cases, a Xanax hangover could bring up suicidal thoughts. If you experience any thoughts of self-harm, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255.

How To Prevent A Xanax Hangover

Xanax has a higher risk of producing substance use disorders as a result of its short half-life in comparison to other benzos. High doses of Xanax come with an even higher risk.

To prevent a Xanax hangover it is necessary to follow your physician’s exact instructions and give your body the daily care it requires.

Limit Caffeine

While you are taking Xanax, it may be a good idea to refrain from caffeine. If you absolutely need a little boost in the morning, one cup of coffee is usually safe.

Take Xanax As Prescribed

Xanax is a prescription drug for a reason. To prevent hangovers and the possibility of addiction, you should only ever use Xanax in the exact dose, interval, and method prescribed by your doctor.

Get Plenty Of Sleep

Getting eight hours of sleep is another way that you can keep a potential Xanax hangover in check.

This trick will not work if you’re engaging in drug abuse, but it can help people who are on a high, short-term dose.

Medication Tapering

To prevent withdrawal symptoms, your doctor will need to gradually taper you off of Xanax. Depending on your initial dosage, the taper could take as long as four to eight weeks.

Treatment Programs For Xanax Addiction

Xanax addiction can be serious. A hangover is unpleasant but relatively mild for most. That is not the case with withdrawal.

Withdrawal from Xanax can be dangerous and requires medically assisted detox to guarantee your safety.

Fortunately, treatment programs in the United States are poised to respond to the prescription drug crisis.

A qualified treatment center will provide Xanax detox assistance, as well as a number of inpatient and outpatient programs to allow for maximum flexibility.

Find Substance Abuse Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

At Bedrock Recovery Center, we understand the nature of addiction. In our facilities, your medical condition is taken seriously.

Through detox and therapy, we will do everything we can to help you reclaim the life you had before addiction.

If you or a loved one is tired of waking up with a Xanax hangover, give us a call at our Massachusetts treatment facility to discuss options for addiction treatment.