Selecting the best remedy for nervousness is usually a advanced, private journey. There are numerous medicine in the marketplace that may alleviate your signs. Determining which one is best for you isn’t as easy as you may suppose. Two medicine generally used to deal with nervousness are Hydroxyzine Pamoate and Xanax. Each can deal with the identical situation, however there are vital variations between these drugs, which is why it’s vital to match the 2 drugs totally to grasp their distinctive advantages.
The mechanism of motion, suitability for long-term use, and potential for misuse or dependancy differ between Hydroxyzine and Xanax. Hydroxyzine belongs to the antihistamine class of medicine and provides a non-addictive different for nervousness reduction. In distinction, Xanax is a benzodiazepine (sometimes called a “Benzo”), which will be efficient for short-term nervousness administration however carries the next danger of dependence and misuse with extended use, even when taken as prescribed. Every drug requires a particular prescription and dosage guided by a healthcare supplier to make sure secure use.
Understanding the variations between Hydroxyzine vs Xanax may help you resolve on remedy choices. If you happen to’re questioning if Hydroxyzine is like Xanax, preserve studying as we discover the similarities and variations and reply frequent questions on these medicine.
| Drug | Drug Class | Circumstances Handled | Frequent Facet Results | Key Concerns |
| Xanax | Benzodiazepine | Anxiousness problems, panic problems, nervousness attributable to despair | Drowsiness, dizziness, feeling light-headed, headache, sexual dysfunction, urge for food change, dry mouth | Threat of dependence and misuse, not preferrred for long-term use, faster-acting |
| Hydroxyzine | Antihistamine | Anxiousness, sleep disturbances, allergic reactions, nausea | Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred imaginative and prescient, constipation, dry mouth | Non-addictive, appropriate for short-term use, slower onset |
Variations Between Hydroxyzine and Xanax
Whereas each Hydroxyzine (model identify Vistaril) and Xanax are used to handle nervousness, there are some main variations between them. For instance, they’re in several drug lessons, they work in another way, one is efficient longer than the opposite, and there’s a special danger for abuse or dependancy between them. In addition they have barely completely different uncomfortable side effects, withdrawal signs, and extra makes use of every is likely to be appropriate for.
Exploring the variations may help you resolve which remedy is likely to be higher to your particular wants.
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Drug class
Hydroxyzine belongs to the category of medicines known as antihistamines, which may have sedative and calming results. These medicine work by blocking the histamine chemical launched when you could have an allergic response, minimizing response uncomfortable side effects. Hydroxyzine can be utilized to deal with allergic reactions, however it is usually authorized and efficient in treating generalized nervousness dysfunction (GAD).
Xanax (alprazolam), a widely known model of hysteria remedy, is a benzodiazepine. Benzos are a category of medicine particularly designed to focus on nervousness and panic problems. They work by enhancing the calming results of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) within the mind.
Mechanism of motion
The mechanism of motion for Hydroxyzine vs. Xanax is one other distinction between these two well-liked medicine. By blocking histamine receptors within the mind, Hydroxyzine creates a relaxing impact that may assist cut back nervousness.
Xanax, nevertheless, works by rising the exercise of GABA, a neurotransmitter within the mind that promotes leisure and slows mind overactivity.
Length of motion
Two issues to remember whenever you’re on the lookout for a drugs and growing a remedy plan embody: how lengthy it takes to work and the way lengthy reduction lasts. Most individuals discover that Hydroxyzine has an extended onset of motion however that the consequences of every dose can last as long as 6 hours.
Xanax begins working way more shortly. Most individuals who take it begin to really feel the consequences inside about 20 – half-hour, and so they usually discover reduction for between 4 – 6 hours. Some expertise reduction in as little as 5 – 10 minutes after taking Xanax. Because of this, it’s usually the drug of alternative for these with acute nervousness episodes.
Dependancy potential
One of the crucial vital and severe variations between Hydroxyzine and Xanax is their potential for dependancy.
Hydroxyzine just isn’t addictive, doesn’t trigger bodily dependence, and isn’t labeled as a managed substance. In distinction, Xanax carries a excessive danger of dependancy and dependence, even when taken as prescribed. Analysis estimates that roughly 17% of adults within the U.S. have misused benzodiazepines inside the previous yr.
“Xanax is a really potent calming remedy. It really works quick and for a brief time frame (a number of hours), which makes it a excessive danger for dependence. Sufferers might construct a tolerance the place they begin needing increased doses to get the identical impact. When somebody stops Xanax immediately after steady use, they’ll have very uncomfortable withdrawal signs. This will result in a cycle of steady Xanax use.”
Unwanted effects
There are some frequent uncomfortable side effects that Hydroxyzine and Xanax share — like dizziness and drowsiness. Along with these, although, Hydroxyzine uncomfortable side effects also can trigger blurred imaginative and prescient and dry mouth. Xanax has the potential to trigger reminiscence issues and problem concentrating, and it has the next danger of growing tolerance than Hydroxyzine.
Withdrawal
Everytime you cease taking a drug, it’s important to contemplate potential withdrawal signs. For most individuals, there’s a decrease danger of Hydroxyzine withdrawal, which makes it considerably safer for prolonged use (though Hydroxyzine is often solely used as a short lived answer for nervousness reduction).
Then again, Xanax withdrawal will be extra extreme. When not accomplished rigorously, decreasing Xanax dosages might trigger insomnia, irritability, seizures, and rebound nervousness. You will need to discuss to your physician earlier than you cease taking Xanax — they may help you give you a taper plan that may cut back the possibility and severity of withdrawal signs.
Extra makes use of
Most drugs serve multiple function, and Hydroxyzine and Xanax aren’t any exception. Nevertheless, these two differ within the further makes use of they deal with. Hydroxyzine is continuously prescribed not just for nervousness but in addition for allergic reactions, nausea, and sleep disturbances. Xanax, however, is primarily used for nervousness and panic problems however is typically prescribed off-label for situations like insomnia or any scenario requiring short-term sedation or leisure.
These further advantages may affect which remedy suits your way of life and well being wants finest.
Similarities Between Hydroxyzine and Xanax
Regardless of their variations, Hydroxyzine and Xanax do have a number of similarities. Understanding how they’re related, what their shared properties are, and what therapeutic advantages they’ve can supply perception into why these medicine are used.
Used for nervousness remedy
Hydroxyzine and Xanax can each successfully deal with nervousness with the correct dosage of every remedy. Hydroxyzine is extra generally used to deal with generalized nervousness dysfunction (GAD), whereas Xanax is commonly reserved for acute nervousness episodes or panic assaults.
“Hydroxyzine just isn’t as potent as Xanax and doesn’t have a danger for dependence. This might be a better option for sufferers with a historical past of substance dependence. It is usually generally used to handle milder acute nervousness signs. In distinction, Xanax is stronger and usually reserved for short-term use in conditions the place its energy is important, reminiscent of managing extreme panic signs throughout air journey. In such circumstances, Xanax is normally taken shortly earlier than or through the flight.”
Sedative properties
These medicine every supply sedative results, which implies they’ll promote leisure and cut back pressure. This is a vital consideration to notice since sedation usually results in drowsiness, which will be difficult in the event you’re attempting to finish each day actions.
Quick onset of motion
Each nervousness drugs work comparatively shortly. Xanax can work in as little as 20 – half-hour for most individuals, and Hydroxyzine doesn’t take for much longer — the consequences can normally be felt in about 30 – 45 minutes, relying on the dose and particular person response.
Brief-term use
Each Hydroxyzine and Xanax are usually prescribed for short-term use, however for barely completely different causes. Hydroxyzine’s short-term use is especially as a consequence of its sedative uncomfortable side effects, which may influence each day actions over time. Xanax, however, is proscribed to short-term use due to its increased danger of dependency and misuse.
Facet impact overlap
There are some frequent uncomfortable side effects that is likely to be skilled when taking Xanax or Hydroxyzine. Some individuals really feel drowsy, dizzy, or fatigued with the usage of these drugs. It’s essential to watch the uncomfortable side effects of any drug you’re taking, particularly in the event you’re driving, utilizing heavy equipment, or must be totally alert.
FAQs About Hydroxyzine and Xanax
Earlier than deciding to take Hydroxyzine or Xanax, it is best to take into account their use, effectiveness, and potential dangers. Beneath are continuously requested questions and solutions designed to assist make clear misconceptions about these medicine.
If you happen to’re uncertain which possibility is best for you, discover these FAQs as a place to begin after which discuss to your healthcare supplier or psychiatrist about discovering reduction to your nervousness.
Is Hydroxyzine a managed substance?
No, Hydroxyzine just isn’t a managed substance. This implies there’s thought-about no potential for abuse or dependancy, which may make it a safer possibility for nervousness administration in the event you’re involved about misuse or dependancy.
Does Hydroxyzine really feel like Xanax?
Hydroxyzine can produce calming results just like Xanax, however it lacks the euphoric sensation that some individuals might expertise with Xanax as a consequence of its motion on the mind’s GABA receptors. Hydroxyzine is commonly described as much less intense whereas nonetheless efficient for managing gentle to reasonable nervousness.
Does Hydroxyzine work in addition to Xanax?
Hydroxyzine will be efficient for managing sure kinds of nervousness, reminiscent of generalized nervousness dysfunction (GAD). Nevertheless, as a result of Hydroxyzine has a slower onset of motion in comparison with Xanax, it’s much less appropriate for treating acute or pressing nervousness episodes, reminiscent of panic assaults. Xanax, with its fast-acting properties, is commonly most popular in conditions requiring instant reduction.
What calms you down like Xanax?
If you happen to’re on the lookout for remedy options that calm you down like Xanax, choices like Ativan (lorazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), or Valium (diazepam) could also be prescribed by a physician. These are benzodiazepines, just like Xanax, and work in an identical method to assist cut back nervousness.
Non-benzodiazepine choices like Hydroxyzine, Buspirone, or pure approaches like deep respiration, meditation, and progressive muscle leisure may help calm nervousness. Nevertheless, all the time seek the advice of your physician for the perfect different primarily based in your wants.
Which Remedy is Proper for You?
Selecting between Hydroxyzine and Xanax depends upon a number of components, like your particular person wants, medical historical past, and the severity of your signs.
When Hydroxyzine could also be higher:
- Generalized nervousness dysfunction
- Sleep disturbances associated to nervousness
- There’s a historical past of substance abuse
When Xanax could also be higher:
- Brief-term reduction of acute nervousness assaults
- Panic problems that demand instant reduction
Speak to your healthcare supplier or a psychological well being skilled to determine probably the most acceptable and efficient prescription and remedy plan to your wants.
Get Skilled Steering with a Prescription
Discovering the precise remedy for nervousness is usually a prolonged course of. It entails cautious consideration and discussions together with your physician about the advantages and dangers related to every possibility. Hydroxyzine and Xanax each supply benefits, however which one is finest for you depends upon your circumstances, situation, and medical historical past.
Working with a psychiatrist or different psychological well being skilled ensures your remedy aligns together with your wants. On-line psychiatry companies at Talkspace give you handy entry to licensed, skilled specialists who may help you handle your nervousness with remedy. Whereas Talkspace suppliers don’t prescribe Xanax, they’ll counsel Xanax options or prescribe Hydroxyzine on-line.
Attain out to Talkspace in the present day to attach with a web-based psychiatrist about Hydroxyzine or Hydroxyzine options.
