Chato1234 asked
I was prescribed Xanax (alprazolam) 0.5 mg for emergency only. I took one a few days ago. Would it be safe to take my pain medication?
Answer
Xanax (alprazolam) is classified as a benzodiazepine and is used for a variety of indications including:
- Anxiety
- Panic disorders
Depending on the individual, Xanax will stay in the system for 3 to 4 days. Below, we discuss in greater detail.
How Long Does Xanax Stay In Your System?
Xanax is noted for its relatively fast onset and short duration of action. When taken by mouth, it begins to work in 15 to 30 minutes and reaches peak blood levels in 1 to 2 hours. The effects of Xanax typically last 6 to 8 hours, but this varies significantly by individual.
Xanax has a half-life (i.e. time it takes for 50% of the drug to be metabolized) of around 11.2 hours in healthy individuals. The half-life can be significantly prolonged in the elderly (~16 hours) and in those with liver disease.
It is generally thought that it takes around 5 half lives for a drug to be completely metabolized and eliminated from the body. Therefore, in normal healthy adults, the drug will take around 3 to 4 days to be completely metabolized. Xanax will stay in the body significantly longer if you are elderly or have hepatic impairment.
If you are looking to avoid taking pain medication, such as an opioid, while Xanax is present in the body, you need to wait a least few days after your last dose of Xanax.
