Anti Anxiety

Are Xanax and Alprazolam The Same Thing?

15 Sep 2023

Alprazolam, sold under the brand name Xanax, is a fast-acting, potent tranquiliser of medium duration in the triazolobenzodiazepine (TBZD) class, which is benzodiazepines (BZD) fused with a triazole ring. It most commonly manages anxiety disorders, specifically panic or generalised anxiety disorders (GAD). Other uses are the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea, together with other treatments. GAD improvement generally occurs within a week.

What is Xanax?

Xanax is a prescription medicine to treat anxiety symptoms, panic disorder, and anxiety associated with depression. Xanax can be used alone or with other medicines. Xanax belongs to a group of medications called Antianxiety Agents, Anxiolytics, and Benzodiazepines. However, it is not evident if Xanax is effective and safe for children younger than 18 years.

The possible side effects of Xanax

Xanax may cause severe side effects, including:

· Depressed mood

· thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself

· Racing thoughts

· Increased energy

· Unusual risk-taking behaviour

· Confusion

· Agitation

· Hostility

· Hallucinations

· Uncontrolled muscle movements

· Tremor

· Convulsions and seizures

· Pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest

What Is Alprazolam?

Alprazolam belongs to a group of medications called benzodiazepines. These are medications that have anti-anxiety-producing properties.

Alprazolam is a prescription medication indicated for treating anxiety disorder or the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. Generalised anxiety disorder is characterised by unrealistic or excessive anxiety and worries over life circumstances for a while. Anxiety or tension associated with the stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with this drug. Alprazolam tablets are also indicated for treating panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia. This drug is also effective as a treatment for anxiety associated with depression. This drug must be prescribed by a doctor and available only by prescription.

The possible side effects of Alprazolam

Common side effects of Alprazolam include:

· Drowsiness

· Depression

· Headache pain

· Constipation

· Diarrhoea

· Dry mouth

· Impaired coordination

· Increased or decreased appetite

· Fatigue

· Memory problems

· Irritability

· Decreased salivation

· Cognitive disorders

· Insomnia

· Lightheadedness

· Fainting

· Difficulty speaking

· Nausea/vomiting

· Weight gain or weight loss

· Nasal congestion

· Decreased or increased libido

· Menstrual disorder

· Difficulty urinating

· Fast heart rate

· Confusion

· Blurred vision

· Low blood pressure/hypotension

· Agitation/restlessness

· Dizziness

· Increased salivation

· Nervousness

· Tremor

· Talkativeness

· Incontinence

Alprazolam VS Xanax

Alprazolam is a drug of the benzodiazepine class with a short-acting potency. Like other benzodiazepines, it binds to GABA, a nervous system neurotransmitter. Alprazolam primarily treats neurological disorders such as moderate to severe anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Alprazolam is classified under anxiolytics, hypnotics, or sedatives. It can also act as a muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant. In certain circumstances, it is indicated for the relief of nausea due to chemotherapy. Though it is one of the most prescribed drugs for its fast onset, it is also the most abused for its risk of dependency. Withdrawal symptoms are commonly experienced once tolerance to the drug develops.

One trendy brand of Alprazolam that is widely used today is Xanax. Though Alprazolam and Xanax may be regarded as two similar drugs, some noticeable and significant differences are observed when these two drugs are studied very closely.

Initially, Alprazolam was the generic name for Xanax. However, in this case, Xanax is considered to be the brand name. Brand names are subject to copyrights and licenses by certain company producers. Although both drugs contain the same active ingredients, Alprazolam is manufactured by various pharmacologic companies, while the Pfizer Company solely and exclusively produces Xanax.

However, in some instances, the Food and Drug Administration allows generic drugs to contain different inactive ingredients, not very much like the branded drugs are made up of. As a result, there are some instances when these inactive ingredients mixed with the generic Alprazolam produce undesirable adverse reactions like allergies or sensitivities. On the other hand, branded types like Xanax do not cause allergic reactions because of different compositions. Thus, when these things happen, Xanax is better preferred for use instead of the generic version.

Difference between Alprazolam and Xanax

Alprazolam is the generic name, while Xanax is considered to be the brand name.
Alprazolam is manufactured by various pharmacologic companies, while Pfizer solely and exclusively produces Xanax.
Alprazolam effectively relieves anxiety. However, it is addictive, and withdrawal symptoms may be severe. Prescribed for Anxiety and Panic Disorder. It may also be prescribed off-label for Tinnitus, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Depression. Xanax is for the treatment of anxiety or panic disorder. However, it is also addictive, and withdrawal symptoms may be severe. Prescribed for Anxiety, Panic Disorder.
In some instances, Xanax causes fewer allergic reactions and sensitivities than Alprazolam.
Alprazolam and Xanax have different pill appearances and packaging.
Alprazolam is generally cheaper than Xanax.

Conclusion

Alprazolam and Xanax have the same indications regardless of their subtle distinctions. Although there may be minor differences in various ways, both drugs help treat multiple conditions and alleviate the troublesome symptoms of suffering individuals.