How Long Does Xanax® Stay in Your System? (2025 Clinical Guide)
Xanax® (alprazolam) is one of the most commonly prescribed benzodiazepines for anxiety and panic disorders. While it is effective for short-term relief, Xanax® has a high risk of physical dependence and withdrawal. Understanding how long Xanax® stays in your system is essential for safety, medical monitoring, drug testing, and treatment planning.
On average, Xanax® stays in your system for 2-4 days. However, in some cases, it may be detectable for a week or longer depending on the test type and individual factors. Below is a complete breakdown of detection windows for urine, blood, saliva, and hair tests.
Xanax® Detection Times by Test Type
The following chart summarizes how long Xanax® can be detected in the body:
| Test Type | Detection Window |
|---|---|
| Urine | Up to 4 days (longer with chronic use) |
| Blood | Up to 24 hours |
| Saliva | 1-2 days |
| Hair | Up to 90 days |
These timelines vary based on frequency of use, metabolism, age, weight, liver function, and whether the person has developed a physical dependence.
Xanax® Half-Life: How the Body Breaks It Down
The half-life of Xanax® is approximately 11 hours in healthy adults. This means it takes 11 hours for the body to eliminate half of the drug. It generally takes five half-lives for a drug to fully clear the system.
Xanax® may remain in the body longer for:
- Older adults
- People with slower metabolism
- Individuals with liver conditions
- Chronic Xanax® users
- People taking other benzodiazepines or CNS depressants
Factors That Affect How Long Xanax® Stays in Your System
- Frequency of Use: Long-term use leads to drug accumulation.
- Dosage: Higher doses stay in the system longer.
- Age: Older adults metabolize medications more slowly.
- Liver Function: Xanax® is processed in the liver via CYP3A4.
- Weight and Body Fat: Benzos are fat-soluble.
- Other Medications: Certain drugs slow metabolism.
Can You Fail a Drug Test for Xanax®?
Yes. Standard drug tests often include screening for benzodiazepines. Most tests detect alprazolam and its metabolites. Employers, probation officers, medical providers, and addiction programs may use these tests.
Xanax® Withdrawal Timeline
Stopping Xanax® abruptly can lead to significant withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal may begin within 8-12 hours after the last dose and peak within 1-4 days.
Common Xanax® withdrawal symptoms include:
- Anxiety or panic
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Nausea
- Seizures (in severe cases)
Learn more in our full guide:
Xanax® Withdrawal Timeline.
Is Xanax® Addictive?
Yes. Xanax® can be habit-forming, especially when used daily or at higher doses. Many people begin taking Xanax® for legitimate anxiety or panic symptoms but develop tolerance and dependence over time.
Treatment Options for Xanax® Misuse
People struggling with Xanax® dependence often benefit from structured treatment, especially if anxiety or panic disorder co-occur. At The Heights Treatment in Houston, we provide:
- Psychiatric evaluation
- Medication management
- CBT and DBT therapy
- Panic disorder treatment
- PHP and IOP programs
- Dual diagnosis treatment
Explore our treatment options:
When to Seek Help
If you are struggling with Xanax® dependence or withdrawal, professional support can significantly improve safety and recovery outcomes. The Heights Treatment offers confidential assessments, outpatient programs, and evidence-based therapy in Houston Heights.
Contact us at (832) 979-3625 or visit The Heights Treatment.
Sources
- National Center for Biotechnology Information – Alprazolam Overview
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration
