What happens when you quit Alprazolam (Xanax)
Read this firstNEVER quit cold turkey after regular use — benzodiazepine withdrawal can cause fatal seizures. Taper under medical supervision (diazepam-switch / Ashton-style).
The timeline
During taper — Slow reduction
A proper taper reduces dose ~5–10% every 1–2 weeks so symptoms stay manageable.
Post-taper wk 1 — Rebound
Anxiety and insomnia return hard — the brain recalibrating, not a need for the drug.
Weeks 2–6 — Acute withdrawal
Sensory hypersensitivity, muscle pain, waves of panic. Peaks around week 2–3.
Months 2–12 — Protracted (some)
A minority get months of windows-and-waves. It resolves — peer support groups help enormously.
What actually helps
- Seizure risk is exactly why you taper — never stop abruptly
- Tell a prescriber honestly; they help with this every day
- Avoid alcohol completely during withdrawal
The relapse ruleAfter even a week clean, your tolerance drops dramatically — an old dose can kill. If you slip: treat it like your first time, never use alone, keep naloxone close.