Does Xanax Help with Opiate Withdrawal?

Xanax is known for its anxiolytic activity; thus, it can be used to manage opiate withdrawal symptoms. Acting on the GABA receptors in the CNS, Xanax reduces anxiety levels and stress. However, it is not as effective as other medications used for this purpose, such as Suboxone, containing buprenorphine and naloxone. This article will explore the role of Xanax in opiate withdrawal, its side effects, and alternative treatment options.

If you have questions about or seek professional support for opiate withdrawal, you can consult with a health care professional at Confidant health.

What is Xanax?

Xanax (Alprazolam) is a fast-acting benzodiazepine medication used mainly as a short-term treatment for anxiety and panic disorders. It usually takes about half an hour to produce effects that may last up to six hours.

The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) has placed Xanax on the Schedule IV Controlled Substance list due to its potential for abuse. Like other benzodiazepines, long-term use of Xanax can lead to significant physical dependence. 

Does Xanax Help with Opiate/Opioid Withdrawal?

If taken appropriately under the guidance of a licensed health professional, Xanax can help with opiate withdrawal. Opiate or heroin withdrawal mostly presents with anxiety, restlessness, and mental stress. As it reduces the stress and anxiety of opioid withdrawal, Xanax can be a good option for managing these symptoms.

However, it should always be used with caution as Xanax itself can lead to addiction. That’s why it is less recommended for opiate withdrawal. Moreover, Xanax and opioids, if taken together, can also result in severe respiratory depression.

Does Xanax help with pain?

Although Xanax doesn’t belong to the opioid class, it can help alleviate chronic pain. In fact, benzodiazepines have been used as an analgesic adjuvant with anticonvulsants in managing organic pain syndromes.

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How does Xanax help with opioid withdrawals?

Opioid withdrawal is mainly marked by increased anxiety, restlessness, muscle cramps, and insomnia. Xanax binds with the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-A receptor located in the central nervous system, increasing the GABA neurotransmitter’s affinity for this receptor. 

As a result, there’s an increased action of GABA in the CNS. GABA has a major role in the brain in controlling and reducing feelings of anxiety, stress, and fear. In this way, Xanax can reduce anxiety and stress due to opioid withdrawal.

In simple words, Xanax increases the amount of some chemicals in our brain tissues. These chemicals reduce the anxiety and stress levels in the body. 

How can I get Xanax prescribed for opioid withdrawal?

Xanax can only be prescribed by a medical professional, and it is not available as an over-the-counter medication because it can lead to serious complications if not monitored closely. 

Usually, medical professionals can prescribe this medication for opioid withdrawal when other options are not available or viable. You may also get Xanax prescriptions from some opioid addiction recovery centers. 

It is essential to use Xanax only under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional because it can result in a wide range of side effects. 

Side-effects of Xanax

Xanax can produce many side effects, such as 

• Cognitive dysfunction,
• Memory disturbances,
• Depression, 
• Hypersomnolence, 
• Micturition difficulties, 
• Rashes, 
• Headache, 
• Gastrointestinal disturbances,
• Hyperphagia or loss of appetite
• Physical dependence. 

If given in higher doses, Xanax can result in severe depression of the respiratory system, leading to death. 

What should be kept in mind when using Xanax?

The following considerations should be kept in mind while taking Xanax to avoid its serious side effects.

• Use Xanax only upon the prescription of a medical professional
• Always remember that there is no accurate recommended dosage for Xanax that can be used for heroin or opioid withdrawal. So, your doctor may alter the dosage according to the symptoms.
• After discussing with your doctor, try discontinuing Xanax after three to four days to avoid physical dependence on this medication.

Alcohol intake and Xanax

Although alcohol is also used to alleviate anxiety or stress, it can lead to fatal respiratory depression if combined with Xanax. Both alcohol and Xanax increase the GABA action in the central nervous system producing widespread excitation in the brain followed by sedation that may lead to coma and death. 

Is Xanax part of Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid dependency?

The Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not listed Xanax in the recommended list of drugs used for opioid addiction recovery. MAT mainly includes the following three medications to help you go through the process of opioid withdrawal.

• Suboxone(Buprenorphine) can reduce and suppress opioid cravings with a relatively lesser risk of being abused than other medications.
• Methadone can also reduce opioid cravings and decrease the effects of opioids.
• Naltrexone directly decreases the intensity of euphoria caused by opioids.

Can I take Suboxone and Xanax together?

Suboxone is a therapeutic opioid used to manage opioid addiction and withdrawal cravings. Primarily, it is a combination of two medications, i.e., buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine helps reduce opioid withdrawal cravings, and naloxone antagonizes the euphoric feelings, preventing the misuse of Suboxone. 

Suboxone and Xanax, taken together, can produce fatal side effects; unfortunately, most people are unaware of them. Together, these two medications can result in extreme depression of CNS and respiratory failure. 

That’s why it is recommended to take Xanax under the guidance of a qualified health professional for opioid withdrawal.

Consult With A Qualified Health Professional At Confidant Health

If you’re struggling with opioid addiction or experiencing opioid withdrawal symptoms, Confidant Health can help you get through this phase. Confidant Health provides an online Suboxone clinic and Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Use where you can consult with a qualified medical professional experienced in opioid addiction management. While on the treatment plan, Suboxone clinic doctors also monitor your progress in the treatment and discuss any drug interactions. You can access Suboxone clinic’s health professionals by downloading Confidant’s app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store.