How Long Does Xanax Stay In Your Urine?

Medically Reviewed by Johnelle Smith, M.D.

Updated on June 21, 2021

Xanax is a benzodiazepine drug commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and panic. It can stay in urine for two to eight days on average. The detection window can be longer for people who have taken Xanax for an extended period of time.

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Xanax will not be detected in a standard 5-panel urine drug test. However, it can be detected through a broader drug panel or by using a specialized urine screen.

Detecting Xanax In Urine

Xanax is a prescription benzodiazepine that can be detected in a urine test for anywhere from two to eight days, depending on how long you’ve been taking Xanax and other factors.

Factors That Can Affect How Long Xanax Stays In Urine

Not all bodies process Xanax at the same rate. The actual amount of time it takes for Xanax to leave the urine can vary according to several factors.

These factors can include:

  • Dose taken: Higher doses of Xanax may stay in the urine for a longer period of time.
  • Duration of use: Taking Xanax for longer than six months can cause a buildup of the drug in the body. This can lead to a longer detection time in urine.
  • Liver function: Xanax is primarily metabolized by liver enzymes. If your liver function is impaired, this may affect how long it takes for the drug to leave your system.
  • Method of use: The amount of time Xanax stays in the body can vary based on whether you swallow, snort, inject, or smoke Xanax.
  • Body composition: People with a higher body fat percentage may absorb and metabolize Xanax more slowly, resulting in a longer detection time.
  • Polydrug use: Taking additional drugs, including other prescription drugs or alcohol, may affect how long it takes for Xanax to leave the urine.

How To Get Xanax Out Of Your System

If you’ve been taking Xanax for a long time, stopping it all at once can be dangerous. This could trigger moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures.

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Ways to get Xanax out of your system:

  • tapering your dosage gradually (seek medical advice)
  • beginning a drug detox program

Stopping your use of Xanax is the only way to get it out of your system. If you need help getting off Xanax, seeking professional support through a drug detox program may be recommended.

Call Today To Find Treatment For Xanax Abuse

Getting off Xanax can be very difficult without professional support. Call our helpline today to find a treatment program for Xanax that’s capable of meeting your needs.

This page does not provide medical advice. See more

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