Choosing the proper 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 simple as you would possibly assume. 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 medicines, which is why it’s essential to match the 2 medicines totally to grasp their distinctive advantages.
The mechanism of motion, suitability for long-term use, and potential for misuse or habit differ between Hydroxyzine and Xanax. Hydroxyzine belongs to the antihistamine class of medicine and gives a non-addictive different for nervousness reduction. In distinction, Xanax is a benzodiazepine (sometimes called a “Benzo”), which could be efficient for short-term nervousness administration however carries the next threat 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 also help you determine on remedy choices. In the event you’re questioning if Hydroxyzine is like Xanax, maintain studying as we discover the similarities and variations and reply frequent questions on these medicine.
| Drug | Drug Class | Situations Handled | Widespread Aspect Results | Key Issues |
| Xanax | Benzodiazepine | Anxiousness problems, panic problems, nervousness attributable to despair | Drowsiness, dizziness, feeling light-headed, headache, sexual dysfunction, urge for food change, dry mouth | Danger 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 title Vistaril) and Xanax are used to handle nervousness, there are some major variations between them. For instance, they’re in numerous drug lessons, they work otherwise, one is efficient longer than the opposite, and there’s a special threat for abuse or habit between them. Additionally they have barely totally different unwanted effects, withdrawal signs, and extra makes use of every is likely to be appropriate for.
Exploring the variations may also help you determine which remedy is likely to be higher in 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 unwanted effects. Hydroxyzine can be utilized to deal with allergic reactions, however additionally it is 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 in style medicine. By blocking histamine receptors within the mind, Hydroxyzine creates a chilled impact that may assist scale back nervousness.
Xanax, nevertheless, works by rising the exercise of GABA, a neurotransmitter within the mind that promotes rest and slows mind overactivity.
Length of motion
Two issues to bear in mind whenever you’re in search of 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 results of every dose can last as long as 6 hours.
Xanax begins working way more rapidly. Most individuals who take it begin to really feel the results 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. For that reason, it’s typically the drug of alternative for these with acute nervousness episodes.
Dependancy potential
One of the vital vital and severe variations between Hydroxyzine and Xanax is their potential for habit.
Hydroxyzine isn’t addictive, doesn’t trigger bodily dependence, and isn’t categorised as a managed substance. In distinction, Xanax carries a excessive threat of habit 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 threat for dependence. Sufferers could construct a tolerance the place they begin needing larger doses to get the identical impact. When somebody stops Xanax all of a sudden 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 unwanted effects that Hydroxyzine and Xanax share — like dizziness and drowsiness. Along with these, although, Hydroxyzine unwanted effects can even trigger blurred imaginative and prescient and dry mouth. Xanax has the potential to trigger reminiscence issues and issue concentrating, and it has the next threat of growing tolerance than Hydroxyzine.
Withdrawal
Everytime you cease taking a drug, it’s important to think about potential withdrawal signs. For most individuals, there’s a decrease threat of Hydroxyzine withdrawal, which makes it considerably safer for prolonged use (though Hydroxyzine is usually solely used as a brief answer for nervousness reduction).
However, Xanax withdrawal could be extra extreme. When not completed rigorously, lowering Xanax dosages could trigger insomnia, irritability, seizures, and rebound nervousness. You have to discuss to your physician earlier than you cease taking Xanax — they may also help you provide you with a taper plan that may scale back the prospect and severity of withdrawal signs.
Extra makes use of
Most medicines serve multiple objective, and Hydroxyzine and Xanax aren’t any exception. Nevertheless, these two differ within the extra makes use of they deal with. Hydroxyzine is ceaselessly prescribed not just for nervousness but additionally for allergic reactions, nausea, and sleep disturbances. Xanax, alternatively, is primarily used for nervousness and panic problems however is usually prescribed off-label for circumstances like insomnia or any state of affairs requiring short-term sedation or rest.
These additional advantages would possibly affect which remedy suits your life-style 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 provide perception into why these medicine are used.
Used for nervousness remedy
Hydroxyzine and Xanax can each successfully deal with nervousness with the right 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 isn’t as potent as Xanax and doesn’t have a threat for dependence. This might be a more sensible choice for sufferers with a historical past of substance dependence. Additionally it is 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, akin to managing extreme panic signs throughout air journey. In such circumstances, Xanax is normally taken shortly earlier than or in the course of the flight.”
Sedative properties
These medicine every provide sedative results, which suggests they’ll promote rest and scale back pressure. This is a vital consideration to notice since sedation typically results in drowsiness, which could be difficult for those who’re attempting to finish every day actions.
Quick onset of motion
Each nervousness medicines work comparatively rapidly. Xanax can work in as little as 20 – half-hour for most individuals, and Hydroxyzine doesn’t take for much longer — the results can normally be felt in about 30 – 45 minutes, relying on the dose and particular person response.
Quick-term use
Each Hydroxyzine and Xanax are usually prescribed for short-term use, however for barely totally different causes. Hydroxyzine’s short-term use is especially because of its sedative unwanted effects, which may affect every day actions over time. Xanax, alternatively, is proscribed to short-term use due to its larger threat of dependency and misuse.
Aspect impact overlap
There are some frequent unwanted 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 medicines. It’s essential to observe the unwanted effects of any drug you’re taking, particularly for those who’re driving, utilizing heavy equipment, or must be totally alert.
FAQs About Hydroxyzine and Xanax
Earlier than deciding to take Hydroxyzine or Xanax, you must take into account their use, effectiveness, and potential dangers. Beneath are ceaselessly requested questions and solutions designed to assist make clear misconceptions about these medicine.
In the event you’re uncertain which choice is best for you, discover these FAQs as a place to begin after which discuss to your healthcare supplier or psychiatrist about discovering reduction in your nervousness.
Is Hydroxyzine a managed substance?
No, Hydroxyzine isn’t a managed substance. This implies there’s thought-about no potential for abuse or habit, which may make it a safer choice for nervousness administration for those who’re involved about misuse or habit.
Does Hydroxyzine really feel like Xanax?
Hydroxyzine can produce calming results just like Xanax, but it surely lacks the euphoric sensation that some individuals could expertise with Xanax because 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 could be efficient for managing sure forms of nervousness, akin to 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, akin to panic assaults. Xanax, with its fast-acting properties, is commonly most popular in conditions requiring speedy reduction.
What calms you down like Xanax?
In the event you’re in search of 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 scale back nervousness.
Non-benzodiazepine choices like Hydroxyzine, Buspirone, or pure approaches like deep respiratory, meditation, and progressive muscle rest may also help calm nervousness. Nevertheless, all the time seek the advice of your physician for one of the best different based mostly in your wants.
Which Treatment is Proper for You?
Selecting between Hydroxyzine and Xanax is dependent upon a number of elements, 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:
- Quick-term reduction of acute nervousness assaults
- Panic problems that demand speedy reduction
Speak to your healthcare supplier or a psychological well being skilled to determine probably the most applicable and efficient prescription and remedy plan in 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 along with your physician about the advantages and dangers related to every choice. Hydroxyzine and Xanax each provide benefits, however which one is finest for you is dependent upon your circumstances, situation, and medical historical past.
Working with a psychiatrist or different psychological well being skilled ensures your remedy aligns along with your wants. On-line psychiatry companies at Talkspace give you handy entry to licensed, skilled consultants who may also 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 immediately to attach with a web-based psychiatrist about Hydroxyzine or Hydroxyzine options.
