Xanax (or its generic type, alprazolam) and Gabapentin are generally used to assist with anxiousness, however they’re very completely different anxiousness drugs. Xanax is a benzodiazepine that works rapidly to alleviate sudden or intense anxiousness signs, whereas Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant that’s prescribed off-label for anxiousness, typically concentrating on nerve-related ache and temper stabilization. These medication have distinct mechanisms, makes use of, and dangers to pay attention to, and they aren’t interchangeable
As a result of every medicine works in another way, the best selection depends upon your distinctive well being wants and ought to be made with steerage out of your physician or psychological well being supplier. Selecting the best one can really feel overwhelming, particularly once you’re already coping with anxiousness.
Understanding how Xanax and Gabapentin work will help you make the very best, most knowledgeable choice. Proceed studying to study every little thing that you must find out about Xanax vs. Gabapentin.
What Is Xanax?
Xanax is a fast-acting medicine within the class of medication often known as benzodiazepines. It’s used to deal with acute anxiousness signs and panic assaults, particularly ones that happen out of nowhere. Xanax provides fast aid from anxiousness signs and works by growing the exercise of GABA (a neurotransmitter within the mind that promotes calmness). As GABA ranges rise, it slows your nervous system down, serving to you are feeling relaxed and fewer anxious, typically inside only a few minutes of taking it.
Frequent makes use of
Xanax is generally used to deal with varied anxiety-related circumstances. It’s usually prescribed for situational anxiousness that makes you are feeling overwhelmed, whether or not you’re having a panic assault or experiencing anxiousness earlier than a annoying state of affairs like a flight, take a look at, or necessary assembly.
Gabapentin prescription on-line
Get an analysis and prescription for Gabapentin from a psychiatric supplier licensed in your state.
Your physician may prescribe Xanax for:
- Acute anxiousness
- Agoraphobia
- Generalized anxiousness dysfunction (GAD)
- Panic dysfunction
- Anxiousness brought on by melancholy*
- Quick-term therapy of acute anxiousness signs*
- Anxiousness from particular conditions, like flight anxiousness or post-traumatic stress dysfunction (PTSD)*
*Off-label makes use of (which means not FDA-approved for that particular use however identified to assist)
Execs of Xanax
One of many greatest advantages of Xanax is how briskly the consequences kick in. If you’re having a panic assault, you don’t have weeks or months to attend for aid. Xanax has a fast onset that may be important once you’re experiencing extreme, acute anxiousness.
Cons and unwanted side effects
Regardless of the good thing about being fast-acting, there are some downsides to Xanax. The most typical Xanax unwanted side effects are drowsiness and impaired reminiscence, even in the event you don’t understand it straight away. There’s additionally a threat of dependency when taken commonly for a very long time. Moreover, some folks discover their anxiousness is worse when Xanax wears off, which might improve the chance of overuse.
Frequent unwanted side effects of Xanax embody:
- Sedation
- Dependency threat
- Dizziness or feeling light-headed
- Reminiscence points
- Confusion
- Issue forming new reminiscences
Severe unwanted side effects are attainable and require fast medical help. Contact your physician or go to the emergency room in the event you expertise any of the next after taking Xanax:
- Weak or shallow respiratory
- Hallucinations
- Double imaginative and prescient
- Seizures
- Participating in risk-taking conduct
- Being extraordinarily agitated
- Jaundice (a yellowing of the pores and skin or eyes)
- Sudden bursts of vitality or a decreased want for sleep
- Feeling light-headed to the purpose you may move out
- Racing ideas
- Changing into overly talkative out of nowhere
What Is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant drug that’s FDA-approved for nerve ache and seizure management. It’s additionally used off-label to deal with signs of tension. One key distinction between Gabapentin and Xanax is how they work. Gabapentin doesn’t instantly have an effect on calming neurotransmitters like Xanax does. As an alternative, it modulates calcium channels within the mind, successfully decreasing nerve excitability and inflicting calming results.
Frequent makes use of
Gabapentin is a go-to choice for treating ongoing anxiousness and sleep points. If you happen to’ve been scuffling with anxiousness for weeks or months, otherwise you’re managing persistent ache along with anxiousness, your physician may counsel Gabapentin.
Your physician may prescribe Gabapentin for:
- Nerve ache
- Postherpetic neuralgia (nerve ache following shingles)
- Seizures
- Scorching flashes*
- Stressed leg syndrome (RLS)
- Anxiousness*
- Sleep issues*
- Some sorts of temper issues*
*Off-label makes use of (which means not FDA-approved however identified to assist)
Execs of Gabapentin
Taking Gabapentin for anxiousness comes with a comparatively low threat of dependency in comparison with another anti-anxiety drugs, particularly benzodiazepines like Xanax. If you’d like aid from ongoing anxiousness or have a historical past of substance misuse, Gabapentin is perhaps a great choice. It’s additionally useful for persistent ache and sleep issues.
Cons and unwanted side effects
Like all drug, there are negatives to Gabapentin. For instance, it may well make you are feeling drained or dizzy, and though much less frequent than with different medication, weight acquire can happen. Lastly, you could expertise Gabapentin withdrawal signs in the event you instantly cease your dose. At all times seek the advice of your physician earlier than altering your dose or discontinuing.
Frequent unwanted side effects of Gabapentin may embody:
- Drowsiness
- Imaginative and prescient issues
- Nausea or vomiting
- Issue talking
- Dizziness
- Swelling of the legs or toes
- Fever
- Headache
- Tremors
Some folks expertise extra critical unwanted side effects that require fast medical help. Contact your physician or go to the emergency room in the event you expertise:
- Elevated seizures
- Indicators of an allergic response
- Issues with stability or muscle motion
Key Variations Between Xanax and Gabapentin
If you happen to’re questioning if Gabapentin is like Xanax, it’d assist to take a look at a fast comparability chart:
| Characteristic | Xanax (alprazolam) | Gabapentin |
| Drug class | Benzodiazepine | Anticonvulsant/neuropathic |
| Frequent makes use of | Acute anxiousness, panic assaults | Nerve ache, seizures, persistent anxiousness (off-label) |
| Onset time | Minutes | Days to weeks |
| Length | Quick (hours) | Longer (as much as 8 hours per dose) |
| Dependancy threat | Excessive—a managed substance because of the potential for abuse; threat of withdrawal signs | Decrease, however attainable—not managed in line with the FDA; some states have carried out regulatory efforts; threat of withdrawal signs |
| Notable unwanted side effects | Sedation Dependency threat Dizziness or feeling light-headed Reminiscence points Confusion Issue forming new reminiscences |
Drowsiness Imaginative and prescient issues Nausea or vomiting Issue talking Dizziness Swelling of the legs or toes Fever Headache Tremors |
Velocity of onset
If you happen to want one thing that works rapidly, like inside minutes, Xanax is perhaps a super Gabapentin different, as Gabapentin can take longer to see the complete advantages.
How lengthy does Gabapentin take to work, precisely? With this drug, you won’t discover important enchancment instantly, however your baseline anxiousness may lower after a number of days or perhaps weeks of use. If you happen to don’t see a lot enchancment after a couple of weeks or a month, discuss to your physician about adjusting your dose or switching prescriptions altogether.
Threat of dependence
Xanax has a well-documented and extensively studied threat of bodily and psychological dependence. Some analysis states it’s “extremely addictive.” When you’ve got considerations about turning into reliant on a drug, that is one thing to remember.
Gabapentin just isn’t technically a managed substance, however many states have set regulatory requirements. You can turn out to be depending on it, even when the chance of creating an dependancy is decrease.
By no means cease taking both drug abruptly until you’re underneath the steerage of a health care provider or psychological healthcare skilled. They are going to make it easier to provide you with a protected and efficient taper plan to return off your dose little by little, so your physique has time to regulate with out extreme withdrawal signs.
Use circumstances
Xanax is healthier for short-term, acute anxiousness. If you happen to expertise panic assaults that make you are feeling helpless and also you’re on the lookout for a drug that works quick, Xanax is usually a good choice.
Gabapentin is healthier suited you probably have persistent anxiousness or anxiousness with comorbid nerve ache (which means your ache exists alongside anxiousness). It can be a extra applicable Xanax different if dependancy is a priority.
“Xanax is often chosen when the anxiousness is sudden or paralyzing. That is generally taken earlier than conditions which can be identified to set off anxiousness for some together with flying, crowded areas or public talking. Xanax works on the similar receptors as alcohol and subsequently should be given with warning to somebody who has a historical past of substance dependence. Gabapentin is a greater choice for anxiousness therapy for a affected person who
.has a substance dependence historical past. Additionally it is extra more likely to be prescribed for persistent anxiousness versus sudden anxiousness assaults.”
Which Remedy Is Proper for You?
Deciding on medicine to deal with anxiousness, nerve ache, or any associated situation isn’t one thing you’ll come to calmly. Along with your physician, you’ll think about extra than simply your present signs. You’ll additionally take a look at your well being historical past, objectives for therapy, medicine historical past, and extra.
Think about Xanax if:
- You have got sudden, intense, extreme anxiousness or panic assaults and wish fast aid
- You’re on the lookout for a short-term, as-needed resolution, not a every day medicine
- You haven’t had issues with dependancy or substance misuse up to now
Think about Gabapentin if:
- Your anxiousness is persistent and has lasted weeks or months at a time
- You’ve struggled with dependancy or substance misuse up to now and need to keep away from drugs with a better threat of dependency
- You desire a long-term, constant choice for therapy
- You have got nerve ache, sleep points, or different circumstances along with anxiousness
Xanax just isn’t supposed for long-term or common use within the therapy of tension. It serves as a short-term resolution for acute signs. For ongoing administration, a every day medicine equivalent to an SSRI or SNRI is usually most well-liked, as these work to stop anxiousness from occurring slightly than merely offering short-term aid.
Speak to a Psychiatrist Earlier than Beginning Both Remedy
Xanax and Gabapentin are solely obtainable by prescription for a cause. By no means take both drug until you’re underneath the supervision and steerage of a licensed psychiatrist or different medical skilled. It’s essential that you simply’re sincere along with your physician about your signs, wants, and historical past so you will get the most secure, simplest therapy plan in place.
“Xanax just isn’t supposed for long-term or common use within the therapy of tension. It serves as a short-term resolution for acute signs. For ongoing administration, a every day medicine equivalent to an SSRI or SNRI is usually most well-liked, as these work to stop anxiousness from occurring slightly than merely offering short-term aid.”
Discover Customized Remedy Assist with Talkspace
You don’t need to determine this out alone. Join with a licensed on-line psychiatrist by means of Talkspace to debate your signs and choices. Talkspace provides handy and inexpensive entry to care, so you may discover your therapy choices with medicine and remedy. If you happen to assume Gabapentin is perhaps the medicine you’ve been on the lookout for to deal with your anxiousness, our on-line psychiatrists can work with you.
Attain out at present to get a prescription for Gabapentin on-line or discover the best medicine in your distinctive wants.