Xanax comes under the brand name of alprazolam. It belongs to a benzodiazepine drug class, which relaxes the brain and nervous system. It is taken by everyone when they feel exceptionally nervous or have panic attacks. It calms down your body and relaxes it by enhancing the action of an endogenous chemical in the brain called GABA.

Doctors typically prescribe Xanax for the management of anxiety disorders, panic disorders, or even short-term stress, before an emergency operation or after a horrific accident. It has nothing to do with eliminating anxiety, but it stops the agonizing symptoms like frantic thoughts, racing heart, trembling, or lack of breath.

Used appropriately and at the behest of a physician, Xanax is fantastic. It is extremely quick-acting, typically within 30 minutes, and can calm you down when your life appears to be getting crazier by the second. However, since it acts so immediately and makes you feel so relaxed, some people get high on it or end up addicted to it subsequently.

This is why Xanax must only be used as directed and never chronically unless on your doctor's prescription. It's not to be taken daily for daily life stress—it's to be taken for serious anxiety or panic that impacts day-to-day life.

Otherwise, Xanax makes people calm in tense situations, but it must be taken responsibly.

How xanax works in the body-

Xanax relaxes your mind and quiets your panic or anxiety. It enhances the effectiveness of the  GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) chemical in your brain. GABA is a brake on your nervous system; it decelerates when your brain gets too revved up or over-stimulated.

When you take Xanax, it attaches to some of your brain's receptors and enhances GABA's performance. It creates a feeling of relaxation, a calming sensation capable of reducing anxiety, and even physical reactions such as beating or vibration.

Xanax is fast acting; usually within 30 minutes, so it's usually reserved for an acute anxiety attack or a panic attack. While this drug is used for the long term, it may lead to addiction. Always be obedient to your doctor's advice when taking it to avoid a severe health condition.

How long does xanax stay in your system?

On average, Xanax is active in a normal adult for around 11 hours. That is, your body eliminates half of the dose within 11 hours. But not that it is completely gone. It takes 2 to 4 days for most of the drug to be eliminated from your system entirely. But it may still be found for even longer periods, depending on the type of drug test being used.

For instance, Urine testing will be able to detect Xanax up to 4 days after the last dose if you are taking it periodically. But if you take it regularly or in high doses, it is detectable for a week or even longer.

Blood- Blood tests will usually detect traces of Xanax for 1 to 2 days after use.

Saliva- Saliva testing will be able to detect it for roughly 1 to 2 days as well.

Hair-  Hair samples, though, will detect Xanax for up to 90 days, but they are not utilized as commonly for that purpose.

There are several reasons why Xanax will linger in your body. Age plays a role—older people process drugs slowly. Liver function comes into play, as the liver eliminates Xanax. People who metabolize slowly or have certain illnesses take longer to eliminate it. Weight, fat in the body, water levels, and even genetics come into play.

Also, if you’ve been using Xanax daily or in high doses, it builds up in your system. This means it might take longer to fully leave your body compared to someone who only takes it occasionally.

It's also worth noting that just because you no longer "feel" the effects doesn't mean that the drug is gone from your system. Even after the mellowing effect has worn off, residues can remain in your system and register on drug tests.

If you're on Xanax and wish to discontinue for whatever reason, you should speak with your doctor first. You may feel withdrawal symptoms if you quit breaking the habit, particularly if you've been on it for some time. Your doctor can assist you in discontinuation the drug.

That is, whereas the effect of Xanax can only last several hours, the drug itself will stay in your system for days. Each body is special, so it will last longer based on countless factors. Use only as directed, and request your doctor if you have any questions about how it might personally affect you.