The calming effects of Xanax (Alprazolam) kick in after 1-2 hours and wear off after around 8-12 hours. The drug is mostly eliminated from the body after 1-6 days, but small traces can still be potentially detected in some drug tests for longer. Xanax can be detected in saliva even after 2.5 days, up to 4 days in urine, and up to 90 days in hair testing.
The length of time the drug stays in the system depends on multiple factors, including the amount taken, how long a person has been taking it, and individual factors, such as metabolism and body mass.
Here is how long different drug tests can detect alprazolam and Xanax in the system.
| Drug Sample Type | Xanax Detection Time |
|---|---|
| Blood testing | 1 day after use |
| Urine testing | 2 days after use; up to 4 days for heavy users |
| Saliva testing | 2.5 days after use |
| Hair testing | up to 90 days after use |
Read below to learn more about how long Xanax stays in your system, what affects detection, and where to find Xanax addiction treatment.
- Xanax, has a moderate half-life, with most people eliminating half a dose from their system within 11.5 hours (some long-release forms of the medication may have a longer half-life).
- Most urine tests will pick up Xanax up to 48 hours after the last dose, with heavy users averaging around 96 hours.
- Xanax is one of the most popular forms of anxiety medication prescribed in America today. It also holds a high potential for abuse, dependence, and addiction.
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How long does Xanax stay in your system?
After ingesting, the sedative effects of Xanax are usually felt after one to two hours and wear off after around 8 to 12 hours.
Xanax has a moderate half-life, with most people eliminating half a dose from their system within 11.5 hours (can range from 6-25 hours).[1] It typically takes around 5 half-lives for a drug to be mostly eliminated from the body (around 97%), which means that it takes around one to six days for most of the Xanax concentration to be removed from your body. Half-life can also differ depending on certain factors, such as the dosage form taken (e.g., some long-release forms of the medication may have a longer half-life) or individual body composition and metabolism.
While the majority of the drug may be removed in one to six days, trace amounts might still be detected by certain drug tests for up to 90 days.
Xanax detection times
While Xanax (Alprazolam) may not stay in the system for very long, traces of it can be detected from 24 hours to 90 days in various drug toxicology tests.
How long does Xanax stay in hair?
Hair follicle testing takes longer to process and is more expensive than other drug tests, but this type of testing can trace substance use back much further and more accurately. Xanax is detectable in hair follicles up to 90 days after the last dose.[2]
How long does Xanax stay in blood?
Xanax is detectable in blood for most people up to 24 hours. However, some heavy users may find traces of the drug for up to five days in their blood.[3]
How long does Xanax stay in urine?
Urine tests are common in the U.S., though some may not be able to detect Xanax or other benzodiazepine medications. Most urine tests will pick up Xanax up to 48 hours after the last dose, with heavy users averaging around 96 hours.[4]
Learn more about drug detection times for other substances here.
How long does Xanax stay in saliva?
Saliva toxicology testing is rarely used as substances tend to be hard to trace after a short amount of time. Xanax is detectable in saliva for a maximum of 60 hours after last use.[5]
Factors that affect drug detection times
There are many factors that can influence the detection rate in a toxicology test and these can vary from person to person.
Factors that influence Xanax detection rates include:[6]
- Length of time Xanax has been taken for
- Type of Xanax taken (e.g., 031 Pill)
- Quantity of Xanax used
- Purity of the drug (fake Xanax purchased on the street may contain other metabolites)
- Whether other substances were taken (such as alcohol or other stimulants)
- Body mass index (obese people will take longer to process Xanax)
- If another type of alprazolam has been taken (such as Farmapram)
- Gender
- Age (the elderly take longer to break down Xanax)
- Pre-existing medical conditions (especially those involving the liver or kidneys)
Xanax addiction treatment
Xanax is one of the most common anxiety medications prescribed in America today. It also holds a high potential for abuse, dependence, and addiction.
If you or someone you care about is abusing Xanax and may have developed a dependence on the medication, it is important to seek out professional treatment before addiction occurs.
Getting treatment from a rehab facility can help you get Xanax and other drugs out of your system and regain control of your life. Visit our rehab directory to find a rehab center near you.
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