Xanax and Restoril are both Benzodiazepine drugs that are used for different purposes in patients. Benzodiazepines are generally used for mental health disorders like insomnia, anxiety, panic disorders, etc.
However, these drugs work similarly in the brain to cure or prevent specific symptoms, which contributes to these health conditions. Apart from their mechanism, Xanax and Restoril may differ in their uses, dosages, dosing, side effects, and precautions. we will discuss the Xanax vs Restoril comparison.
Essential information about Xanax and Restoril drugs
Xanax
Xanax is a brand-name drug that is used for treating anxiety and its associated symptoms. Besides, it can also be prescribed for panic disorders in some conditions that might cause panic, helplessness, or embarrassment. This drug belongs to the Schedule IV controlled substance, thus it should be prescribed only for short-term treatment.
Mechanism of Action
Xanax contains generic Alprazolam, an effective formulation that mainly acts on the brain to influence the activity of GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) neurotransmitter. GABA is a brain chemical that helps to control brain activities including promoting the feeling of relaxation and calmness.
Restoril
Restoril is a Schedule IV controlled, Benzodiazepine medication generally prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Insomnia mainly affects one’s wake and sleep cycle, as the levels of required brain chemicals decrease. This drug helps individuals fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Mechanism of Action
It contains generic Temazepam, an effective pharmaceutical formulation that interferes with specific brain chemicals. It works in two ways, first, it affects chemicals in the CNS that may be unbalanced in patients with sleep-related problems like insomnia. Furthermore, it assists in slowing down the CNS to make patients fall asleep.
Uses
Xanax
Xanax drug is mainly applied for the management of anxiety and its related disorders. Here is a list of its primary and other uses, including:
Anxiety disorders: A mental health disorder that can be characterized by the feeling of anxiety, fear, or excessive worry. These factors are strong enough to affect one’s daily life in both perceptions, physically and psychologically. Panic attacks are also anxiety-related disorders that can be treated using Xanax drug. It enhances the activity of brain neurotransmitters to prevent the disease.
Panic disorders: Panic disorder is a type of anxiety condition that might cause individuals to have frequent, and unexpected panic attacks. However, it can be effectively managed by using drugs like Xanax and Alprazolam. Xanax works in the central nervous system (CNS) to treat panic disorders that contribute to the development of panic attacks.
Other Uses
- Muscle Spasms
- Insomnia
- Panic Attacks
- Restoril
Restoril medicine is prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Besides, it can be used for other purposes that are related to sleep problems.
Insomnia: Insomnia affects an individual’s wake and sleep cycle. Restoril works in the CNS to produce calming effects. However, it effectively decreases the number of nightly awakenings, but as a side effect, it can disturb one’s normal sleeping pattern. It slows down the CNS to help patients fall asleep.
Sleep Maintenance: Restoril helps with sleep maintenance through the sedative and hypnotic properties that it achieves by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. It reduces the chances of waking up frequently during the night, thus aiding in sleep maintenance.
Dosage and Dosing
Xanax
Xanax is available in other brand names like Xanax Xanax XR, and generic Alprazolam. The available dosages of Xanax immediate-release tablets are in the strengths of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg. While for Extended-release formulations the available strengths are 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg.
Xanax can be taken with or without food. This drug comes in the form of oral tablets, and it generally starts working rapidly, within 5 to 10 minutes after consumption.
Dosing of Xanax
Xanax (immediate-release) 0.25 to 0.5 mg administered orally thrice a day, is the usual adult dose for the treatment of anxiety. The maximum daily limit of Xanax is 4 mg per day.
For panic disorders, the usual dosage is 0.5 mg administered orally 3 times a day for adult patients. And, the maximum daily limit is 10 mg per day. While, for Extended-release tablets the starting dose is 0.5 to 1 mg orally once a day. The maximum daily limit is 10mg per day.
Restoril
Restoril drug comes in the form of oral tablets with various strengths, which range between 7.5 mg to 30 mg. It can be taken with or without food, but exactly as prescribed by the physician.
Dosing of Restoril
The doses may not be fixed and may differ on the specific condition of the patient. However, the recommended usual dosage for adults is 15mg while for some patients 7. 5mg may be sufficient. In severe cases, higher dosage forms of Restoril 30 mg may be used.
Side Effects
Xanax
- Tiredness
- Chills
- Nausea
- Shivering
- Wheezing
- Joint pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Sleepiness
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Changes in appetite
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in sex drive
- Vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Memory problems
- Confusion
Restoril
- Hallucinations
- Suicidal thoughts
- Seizures
- Severe drowsiness or weakness
- Nightmares
- Slurred speech
- Back pain
- Burning eyes
- Nervousness
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Sleepiness
- Vision problems
- Muscle cramps
Precautions
- Combined, both of these drugs fall under Schedule IV Narcotics which means that there is a capability of drug abuse, misuse, and drug addiction. Hence, taking Xanax and Restoril requires consultation with a doctor.
- It is recommended not to take alcohol alongside any of these drugs as the primary action of most of them is in the brain.
- Both the drugs are classified as prescription-only medicines which means that a prescription is necessary when intending to use these medicines.
