How Long Can Xanax Be Detected In Your System?

Xanax can remain in your system for 24 hours or up to several weeks depending on the type of test. Different factors affect the amount of time Xanax is detectable in your system, such as body weight and metabolism.

While the sedative side effects of Xanax can wear off in less than 12 hours, the presence of the benzodiazepine drug can be detected in your system for 24 hours to 90 days.

Xanax is a commonly prescribed drug that is typically used to treat symptoms of anxiety and panic disorders.

This benzodiazepine medication affects the brain and central nervous system by producing a calming effect that’s ideal for treating these disorders.

Xanax Detection Windows

The detection window of drugs such as Xanax can vary greatly depending on the type of test that is ordered.

While urine is often requested as an in-office option for drug testing, alternative options may be ordered based on what the drug test is for.

How Long Does Xanax Stay In Your Urine?

Xanax urine tests can detect the drug for up to 7 days after the most recent dose.

For someone who consumes an average prescribed dose of the drug, Xanax is only detectable in urine for 2 to 4 days.

The dose of Xanax and the length of time it has been used will greatly affect its detection times.

How Long Does Xanax Stay In Your Blood?

Xanax is detectable in blood for up to 6 days after the last dose but can be cleared out of your system in as little as 24 hours based on the frequency of use.

Xanax blood tests are most commonly requested in a healthcare setting.

How Long Does Xanax Stay In Your Saliva?

Although rarely requested for benzodiazepine use, saliva tests can only detect Xanax for up to 36 hours after the most recent use.

If Xanax was rarely consumed, or if the dose was very small, it is possible for Xanax to be undetectable in the oral fluid within 24 hours after use.

How Long Does Xanax Stay In Your Hair?

Hair tests can be used to show a history of Xanax use. Xanax hair tests can detect the drug for up to 90 days after the most recent consumption of the drug.

However, it can take up to 2 weeks for Xanax to show up on a hair drug test.

Does Xanax Show Up On A Drug Test?

Benzodiazepine drugs are U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved and legally prescribed to treat mental health conditions such as anxiety and panic disorders.

But even with drugs that are prescribed for medical reasons, it is possible to become dependent on medications like this.

Drug tests can be ordered to test for Xanax and other benzodiazepines.

It is possible to test for Xanax in most types of drug tests, including blood tests, sweat tests, oral fluid tests, and urine tests.

Other types of benzodiazepines of abuse that may show up on a drug test include:

Do Jobs Test For Xanax?

While you may receive a drug test to screen for substance abuse in the workplace, it is not common for employers to test for Xanax because it is a legally prescribed medication.

Xanax is not typically included in the usual 5- or 10-panel pre-employment drug screens.

However, there are certain circumstances where a Xanax drug test may be requested.

These circumstances may include:

  • jobs where operating heavy machinery is required
  • suspicion of substance abuse
  • display of withdrawal symptoms
  • follow up from an incident that happened in the workplace
  • behaviors that cause employers to become concerned about drug use

Do Doctors Drug Test For Xanax?

It is not uncommon for doctors to order drug tests that include screening for Xanax or other benzodiazepines. These drug screenings are typically performed using blood tests.

Doctors test for Xanax to offer accurate medical advice. This often includes drug administration or determining if a newly prescribed medication will interfere with Xanax.

If you’re not awake or able to give the doctor a list of your current medications, a drug test may be ordered to determine what medications you’re already taking.

Factors That Affect Xanax Detection Times

Some biological and chemical variables may impact the amount of time Xanax is detectable in your system. This means they can affect the average half-life of Xanax in your body.

These variables can include:

  • metabolism (how quickly your body can break down metabolites)
  • liver function
  • body mass
  • the presence of other medications
  • smoking
  • the type of specimen provided (for example, hair or blood)

Additionally, the dose of Xanax and length of time it has been used will greatly affect its detection times.

Repeated drug intake above the prescribed dose can increase the length of time it will remain in a person’s system.

Recover From A Xanax Addiction Today

Although Xanax is a commonly prescribed medication, prolonged use can create a physical dependence on the drug.

If you or a loved one are overcoming Xanax addiction, there are different types of addiction treatment options available.

Spring Hill Recovery Center offers treatment for addiction to Xanax and other prescription medications.

From inpatient drug rehab to outpatient addiction recovery programs, there is an addiction treatment program that is right for you.

  1. Centers For Disease Control (CDC) -- Prescription Opioid and Benzodiazepine Medications and Occupational Safety and Health https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2021-116/default.html
  2. Food And Drug Administration (FDA) -- Xanax alprazolam tablets https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/018276s045lbl.pdf
  3. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) -- Alprazolam https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538165/
  4. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) -- Clarification of OSHA’s Position on Workplace Safety Incentive Programs and Post-Incident Drug Testing Under 29 C.F.R. § 1904.35(b)(1)(iv) https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2018-10-11
  5. University of Rochester Medical Center -- Benzodiazepines (Urine) https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=benzodiazepine_urine#:~:text=A%20typical%20benzodiazepine%20urine%20test,the%20urine%20sample%20was%20taken.

Written by Spring Hill Recovery Editorial Team

© 2024 Spring Hill Recovery | All Rights Reserved

* This page does not provide medical advice.

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