How Long Does Xanax Stay in Your System?

Xanax can remain detectable in drug screenings for varying durations—ranging from days to weeks or even months—depending on the specific body part tested and factors influencing its absorption.

Key Takeaways

• Detection Periods: Xanax can be identified in urine for up to four days, in saliva for as long as two days, and in hair follicles for up to 90 days.
• Influencing Factors: Age, liver function, body weight, and genetic background can affect how long Xanax stays in your system.
• Breastfeeding Considerations: Xanax can be present in breast milk for up to three days. Nursing mothers should consult their healthcare provider about alternative treatments.
• Elimination: Once ingested, Xanax cannot be expelled from the body any faster.

Xanax, also known as alprazolam, is commonly prescribed to manage anxiety and panic disorders, among other mental health issues. As a member of the benzodiazepine family, Xanax can be detected in the body for up to 90 days, depending on the testing method—whether it’s through urine, blood, or hair samples.

Benzodiazepines like Xanax work by enhancing the activity of gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain. This increased GABA activity suppresses nerve signals and chemicals that induce anxiety or panic. Additionally, Xanax triggers the release of brain chemicals that promote feelings of pleasure and relaxation.

The euphoric effects of Xanax can lead to dependence, and the resulting relaxation may impair activities such as working or driving. Due to its addictive nature, employers and law enforcement may conduct tests for Xanax, prompting users to question the drug’s duration of effect and detectability in the body.

Xanax’s Half-Life

A drug’s half-life is the time required for the body to eliminate half of the drug present in the bloodstream. Typically, it takes about five half-lives to completely remove a substance from the body, making it undetectable.

Xanax has a half-life of up to 12.5 hours for immediate-release versions and up to 16 hours for extended-release formulations. However, the exact half-life can vary based on individual differences such as age, overall health, weight, and the presence of other medications.

Duration in the Body

As a Schedule IV controlled substance, Xanax usage can have legal or employment repercussions, leading many users to wonder about its detectability duration. Breastfeeding mothers may also be concerned about Xanax’s effects on their infants. The detection period largely depends on the testing method employed.

• Urine: Urine tests are the most frequently used method for drug screening, and Xanax is typically detectable for up to four days after the last use. Its metabolite, alpha-hydroxyalprazolam, can also be identified within this timeframe.
• Blood: Blood tests generally detect Xanax only shortly after consumption, often used by law enforcement immediately following incidents like car accidents. Xanax can be found in blood for up to 27 hours.
• Saliva: Saliva testing is less common but can detect Xanax for up to two days after the last dose.
• Hair: Hair analysis for Xanax is relatively rare but can be used when longer detection periods are needed. A half-inch hair sample can reveal Xanax usage within the past 90 days.
• Breast Milk: Xanax remains in breast milk for approximately three days, given its half-life of around 14.5 hours. This duration means a breastfed infant could potentially be exposed to the drug. Reports have indicated withdrawal symptoms in babies whose mothers took Xanax while breastfeeding. Nursing mothers should consult their healthcare provider about shorter-acting benzodiazepines if necessary.

Factors Influencing Absorption & Duration

Several elements can affect how Xanax is metabolized, influencing both its effects and its detectability in drug tests.

• Body Fat: Xanax is fat-soluble, meaning it is stored in body fat and gradually released into the bloodstream. Individuals with higher body fat may retain Xanax in their system nearly twice as long as those with lower body fat.
• Liver Health: Since Xanax is metabolized in the liver, any liver impairment, such as alcoholic liver disease, can significantly extend the time Xanax stays in the body by almost doubling its presence.
• Age: Aging affects metabolism and kidney function, reducing the body’s ability to process Xanax efficiently. Additionally, decreased nutritional intake in older adults can lower blood protein levels that bind to Xanax, prolonging its presence in the system.
• Genetic Factors: Certain racial groups, particularly Asian individuals, may metabolize Xanax more slowly, resulting in the drug remaining in their system approximately 25% longer than in other populations.

Can Xanax Be Cleared from the System Quickly?

Once ingested, Xanax cannot be rapidly expelled from the body. For short-acting forms, Xanax is absorbed within two hours, and long-acting forms within five hours. After absorption, it disperses throughout the body’s tissues, including the brain. The elimination process relies on the liver breaking down Xanax and the kidneys excreting it, which cannot be accelerated.

Prescriptions and Drug Testing

Having a legitimate prescription for Xanax typically means that a positive drug test will not pose an issue. Conversely, a negative test result for someone prescribed Xanax might raise concerns about potential misuse.

If you are prescribed Xanax, you can request your doctor to provide a letter to the testing entity. Alternatively, employers might access your state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, which tracks controlled substance prescriptions.

While most employers may accept prescribed Xanax use, certain professions, such as truck driving and aviation, may prohibit Xanax use altogether, regardless of a prescription, due to safety concerns.

Medications and Employment

When used as directed, Xanax should not negatively impact job performance. However, side effects like drowsiness or confusion can impair work abilities. If Xanax side effects interfere with your job, consult your healthcare provider. They might adjust your dosage or switch you to an alternative medication with fewer side effects.

Seeking Assistance for Xanax Misuse

If you or someone you care about is struggling with Xanax dependence, The Recovery Village Salem is here to help. We offer comprehensive detox and rehabilitation programs both in Oregon and nationwide. Our detox services facilitate the safe cessation of Xanax use, while our rehab programs provide the tools necessary for long-term recovery. It’s never too late to start your journey to recovery. Reach out to us today.