By Edmund Murphy

Last updated: 31 December 2023 & medically reviewed by Dr. Kimberly Langdon

The length of time Xanax (Alprazolam) stays in the system depends on multiple factors, including the amount taken and how long a person has been taking it. In some drug tests, Xanax can show up 90 days after the last dose was taken.

Key takeaways:

  • 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.

How Long Does Xanax Stay in Your System?

How long does Xanax stay in your system: By drug test type

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.

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).[1]

How long does Xanax stay in hair?

Hair follicle testing takes longer to process and is more expensive than other drug tests but 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] Fake Xanax,

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 medication. 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 was abused for

  • Type of Xanax taken

  • 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 popular forms of anxiety medication 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 to 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.