14 Sep 2023
Anxiety disorders are
the most common mental health issue, affecting millions yearly. Several
medications treat these common problems, including a class of drugs called
benzodiazepines. Etizolam and Alprazolam are both treatments for anxiety disorder.
Both are chemically similar and have related (although not identical) effects.
Etizolam is a
powerful tablet sold as Etilaam or Etizest. Xanax is the brand name for an oral
tablet called Alprazolam. Both drugs change how the brain transmits electrical
signals. In addition, they enhance how your brain's GABA receptors work. In
effect, Etizolam and Alprazolam calm the rapid release of adrenaline from fear.
There are many
similarities between the two medications and some differences, as well. Whether
you're just trying to decide between using Etizolam and Alprazolam to manage
your anxiety or trying both, knowing the similarities and differences is
essential.
Etizolam tablet is a thienodiazepine,
which is a benzodiazepine analogue. Chemically, it is slightly different from
Alprazolam. Therefore, it isn't a scheduled substance in the United States and
is not approved for medical use. However, it is regulated as a prescription
drug in Japan, Italy, and India.
Although not
available in the US, it is deemed a Schedule 1 drug in some states because you
may find it online and on the street, too, as a recreational drug. Etizolam has
a sedative effect and is a muscle relaxant. In addition, it interacts with a
neurotransmitter in the central nervous system that manages the firing of
neurons. As a result, it is a drug that slows everything down.
Long-term use of
Etizolam can lead to blepharospasm or twitching of the eyelids. It may also
cause a specific skin lesion, although that is a rare drug side effect.
Alprazolam is a
benzodiazepine and is available by prescription. It primarily treats moderate
to severe anxiety disorders, short-term anxiety, and panic attacks. It is also
helpful in treating nausea from chemotherapy. In addition, it may help with
certain related conditions, like agoraphobia. It is not a cure but can make
them much more manageable. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine and is available by
prescription. It primarily treats moderate to severe anxiety disorders,
short-term anxiety, and panic attacks. It is helpful in the treatment of nausea
from chemotherapy. In addition, it may help with certain related conditions,
like agoraphobia. It is not a cure but can make them much more manageable.
Like Etizolam, Alprazolam has a sedative effect but can come with more side effects, including:
·
Sleepiness
·
Depression
·
Headache
·
Fatigue
·
Dry
mouth
·
Memory
problem
·
Thoughts
of suicide
Monitoring your benzos use carefully is
crucial, as this medication is highly addictive. In addition, finding a benzos
addiction treatment program is vital if you struggle with dependence or
tolerance.
First, let's begin the Etizolam VS Alprazolam debate with their commonalities. Of course, they both intend to sedate people during acute anxiety attacks. Further, Alprazolam and Etizolam can be effective in stopping sleeping troubles. They slow down the central nervous system (CNS) effectively. The medications make you feel relaxed and sleepy. However, they also share some terrible side effects, such as:
·
Low
blood pressure
·
Memory
loss or confusion
·
Shallow
breathing
·
Lightheadedness
or fainting
·
Cramps
and nausea
·
Blurry
vision and vertigo
·
Muscle
weakness
·
Slow
reflexes and responses
Unfortunately, dependence on Alprazolam or
Etizolam can develop fast too. They're only for short-term treatment for up to
4 weeks. Yet, people often lose control of dosing as tolerance grows. People
require more and more of the drug to get the same effect. Ultimately, you could
do severe heart and liver damage or overdose.
Differences between Alprazolam and Etizolam
The main difference
between Alprazolam and Etizolam is availability. Etizolam is only available
in a few other countries. Therefore, it is not used clinically in the United
States. Alprazolam, however, is prevalent in the United States, and its use has
increased in the last decade.
Despite
similarities, Etizolam and Alprazolam are different drug types. Alprazolam is
classed as a benzodiazepine like Valium. In contrast, Etizolam has a slightly
different chemical makeup than thienodiazepine. Ergo, Etizolam has additional
properties that prevent seizures. In addition, Etizolam is illegal in the
United States and not approved by the FDA. Whereas doctors prescribe Alprazolam
as a Schedule IV substance.
Etizolam is up to 10 times stronger than Alprazolam. Etizolam is only available in 0.25 to 1-milligram, while Alprazolam goes up to 3 milligrams. Frequently, patients taking Alprazolam can choose an extended-release form. Thus, the medicine lasts around 12 hours instead of the 5-7 hours for Etizolam. Plus, the availability of Etizolam and Xanax differs with the former not sold at pharmacies. Some other differences are:
Alprazolam and Etizolam are both effective but potentially dangerous drugs. Both are safe if consumed at the prescribed therapeutic doses. The severity or intensity of the side effects of drugs depends on the amount of the substance intake. Which drug is better for you depends on the following factors:
·
Age
·
Type and severity
of the symptoms
·
The tablet
strength
·
Response to the
treatment
·
Other
pre-existing medical conditions
Another commonality between these two drugs is
their use as recreational drugs. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports
that abuse is regular in Japan and countries where Etizolam is available.
Alprazolam abuse is also an increasing
problem. There is an increase in the prescriptions for this drug. Many
individuals who obtain Alprazolam admit to abusing it. Symptoms
of Alprazolam addiction include:
·
Drowsiness
or slurred speech
·
Nausea
or constipation
·
Mood
swings
·
Changes
in behaviour
·
Using
Xanax without a prescription
·
Using
more Xanax than the prescribed dosage
·
Doctor
shopping to obtain more medication
Both medications
treat anxiety, and taking them causes relaxation and sedation. They also work
the same way by interacting with the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the
central nervous system. They are also both depressant drugs.