Anxiety is a common human emotion these days. Many people in the United States suffer with the problem of anxiety. Some people experience it to a lesser degree, while others to a higher degree. Anxiety disorders include panic attacks, fear, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GDA), etc. We will compare Alprazolam and Xanax medicines.
There are many medications for treating anxiety, and two of them are alprazolam and Xanax. Both drugs, enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which results in treating anxiety disorders.
Alprazolam and Xanax are often referred to in the context of anxiety treatment, but are they the same? In this article, we will learn about the differences between these two drugs including their side effects, dosages, usage, and other factors.
COMPARISON BETWEEN ALPRAZOLAM AND XANAX
Alprazolam
Alprazolam is classified under the class of benzodiazepine drugs. It is manufactured by SANDOZ and Pfizer, Inc. It is available in generic form. It is a prescription medicine used to treat panic disorders and anxiety disorders caused due to depression. It is less expensive in its generic form as compared to Xanax.
The drug is approved by the FDA and is classified under Schedule IV by the DEA for its possibility of misuse and abuse.
Xanax
Xanax is a brand-name drug marketed by Pfizer, Inc. It is a benzodiazepine drug and is used in treating panic disorders and anxiety disorders.
It is approved by the FDA and is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the DEA.
Mechanism of Action
Alprazolam
Alprazolam enhances the inhibitory effect of GABA by binding with GABA-A receptors. The binding process allows more chloride ion to enter the neuron. This results in calming the brain by its anxiolytic and sedative effects.
It also helps in the modulation of dopamine and serotonin in the body.
Xanax
Xanax binds to benzodiazepine receptors, positioned on GABA-A receptors. Similarly, alprazolam reduces the activity of neurons by the influx of chloride ions resulting in producing a calming effect in the brain.
It also opposes the effects of the NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor, but its main work is to enhance GABA inhibitory effects in the brain neuron.
Uses
Alprazolam
Alprazolam is used to treat various health conditions like anxiety disorders, panic disorders, anxiety associated with depression, chemotherapy-induced nausea, GAD (generalized anxiety disorder), etc.
Xanax
Xanax is used to treat GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) and panic disorders. Other off-label uses of Xanax include treatment for sleep disorders, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), social anxiety disorders, etc.
Doses and Dosages
Alprazolam
Doses
Oral tablet – 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
Oral concentrate – 1mg/ml
Oral tablet, disintegrated – 0.25mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
Oral tablet, extended release (ER) – 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg
Dosages
The prescribed initial dose can be 0.5 mg once per day. The highest dose administered can be 4 mg per day, divided into doses according to the seriousness of the patient’s condition.
Alprazolam drug should not be prescribed to children.
Xanax
Doses
Immediate release (IR) tablet – 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
Extended release (ER) tablet – 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg
Dosages
The prescribed optimal dosage can be 0.5 mg three times a day.
The maximum recommended dosage can be 4 mg in divided dosages daily, according to the health condition of the patient.
Xanax drug should not be recommended to children.
Side Effects
Alprazolam
Common side effects
- Sedation
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Slurred speech
- Feeling irritated
- Headache
- Impaired coordination
- Memory loss
- Poor concentration
Serious side effects
- Liver, kidneys, or lung disease
- Severe drowsiness
- Allergic reactions like hives, swelling on the face, throat tongue, etc.
- Shallow breathing
- Glaucoma
- Seizures
Xanax
Common side effects
- Lightheadedness
- Memory impairment
- Headache
- Coordination impairment
- Increased libido
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
Serious side effects
- Hallucinations, disorientation, or confusion
- Paranoia
- Coma
- Trouble breathing
- Seizures
- Suicidal thoughts
Precautions
- Misuse of alprazolam and Xanax can cause addiction and overdose, increasing the chances of death.
- You should avoid alcohol and other opioid medications while consuming alprazolam or Xanax.
- If you experience any aftereffects after taking either of these drugs, immediately seek your health provider’s advice.
- You should not take alprazolam or Xanax if you are on antifungal drugs.
- Make sure you inform your doctor if you ever had – drug addiction, respiratory problems, allergies, depression, kidney and liver problems, etc.
- If you are pregnant or you breastfeed inform your healthcare provider before taking either of these drugs.
- These medicines are for prescription use only. Misuse or abuse of alprazolam and Xanax is against the US law and legal action can be taken against the individual.
