How Long Does Xanax Remain In The System?

Posted on Tue, 9 Dec 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 8 Dec 2014 Answered on

Fri, 2 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I need to know how long Xanax stays in your system. I have been taking a couple mgs every other day or so for a couple weeks. I have read 3-5 days and so on and so forth. I have to have an answer from a doc. Also, what can I do to speed up the process of getting it out of my system. Please help me. I only have 9 days to get this out of my system.

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
it depends on type of sample used to test.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome here.
Half life of xanax is 11 hours. So to eliminate half of drug from body, 11 hours would be required.
Therefore, to completely clear it from sytem, it may take several days.
It depends on the type of testing for Xanax. Xanax can usually be detected in urine for 1 or 2 weeks.
Blood tests may detect Xanax for 1-2 months.
Hair Follicle tests can detect Xanax for up to 6 months.
There is no faster way to clear it. Just keep drinking lots of water.
Hope this helps.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T