Which is better to Reduce Anxiety, Alprazolam or Etizolam?

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.

 

What Is Etizolam?

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.

 

What Is Alprazolam?

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.

 

Similarities between Alprazolam and Etizolam

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:

• Thienodiazepines, like Etizolam, have significantly less research supporting their use than benzodiazepines like Xanax.

• Thienodiazepines may be less addictive than benzodiazepines. They are not immune to dependence or abuse. Etizolam seems less sedative than benzodiazepines like Xanax, although their anxiolytic effect is highly similar.

• Benzodiazepines are classified as schedule IV drugs. Thienodiazepines are not scheduled at all.

 

Which One is Better for Anxiety?

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

 

Abuse between Etizolam VS Alprazolam

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

 

Conclusion

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.