Xanax (or its generic kind, alprazolam) and Gabapentin are generally used to assist with anxiousness, however they’re very completely different anxiousness drugs. Xanax is a benzodiazepine that works shortly to alleviate sudden or intense anxiousness signs, whereas Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant that’s prescribed off-label for anxiousness, usually focusing on nerve-related ache and temper stabilization. These medication have distinct mechanisms, makes use of, and dangers to pay attention to, and they don’t seem to be interchangeable

As a result of every medicine works in another way, the best selection is dependent upon your distinctive well being wants and must be made with steerage out of your physician or psychological well being supplier. Choosing the proper one can really feel overwhelming, particularly if you’re already coping with anxiousness. 

Understanding how Xanax and Gabapentin work can assist you make the very best, most knowledgeable determination.​ Proceed studying to study every part it’s good to learn about Xanax vs. Gabapentin​. 

What Is Xanax?

Xanax is a fast-acting medicine within the class of medication referred to as benzodiazepines. It’s used to deal with acute anxiousness signs and panic assaults, particularly ones that happen out of nowhere. Xanax provides speedy 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’re feeling relaxed and fewer anxious, usually 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 typically prescribed for situational anxiousness that makes you’re feeling overwhelmed, whether or not you’re having a panic assault or experiencing anxiousness earlier than a disturbing state of affairs like a flight, take a look at, or necessary assembly. 

Your physician would possibly prescribe Xanax for:

• Acute anxiousness
• Agoraphobia 
• Generalized anxiousness dysfunction (GAD)
• Panic dysfunction
• Anxiousness attributable to despair*
• Brief-term remedy of acute anxiousness signs*
• Anxiousness from particular conditions, like flight anxiousness or post-traumatic stress dysfunction (PTSD)*

*Off-label makes use of (that means not FDA-approved for that particular use however identified to assist)

Professionals of Xanax

One of many greatest advantages of Xanax is how briskly the results kick in. While you’re having a panic assault, you don’t have weeks or months to attend for aid. Xanax has a speedy onset that may be important if you’re experiencing extreme, acute anxiousness. 

Cons and uncomfortable side effects

Regardless of the good thing about being fast-acting, there are some downsides to Xanax. The most typical Xanax uncomfortable side effects are drowsiness and impaired reminiscence, even in case 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 danger of overuse. 

Frequent uncomfortable side effects of Xanax embody:

• Sedation
• Dependency threat
• Dizziness or feeling light-headed
• Reminiscence points
• Confusion
• Issue forming new recollections 

Critical uncomfortable side effects are doable and require fast medical help. Contact your physician or go to the emergency room in case you expertise any of the next after taking Xanax:

• Weak or shallow respiratory
• Hallucinations
• Double imaginative and prescient
• Seizures
• Participating in risk-taking habits
• 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 would possibly 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 hysteria. One key distinction between Gabapentin and Xanax is how they work. Gabapentin doesn’t immediately have an effect on calming neurotransmitters like Xanax does. As a substitute, it modulates calcium channels within the mind, successfully lowering nerve excitability and inflicting calming results.

Frequent makes use of

Gabapentin is a go-to possibility for treating ongoing anxiousness and sleep points. For those who’ve been scuffling with anxiousness for weeks or months, otherwise you’re managing continual ache along with anxiousness, your physician would possibly counsel Gabapentin.  

Your physician would possibly prescribe Gabapentin for:

• Nerve ache
• Postherpetic neuralgia (nerve ache following shingles)
• Seizures
• Scorching flashes*
• Stressed leg syndrome (RLS)
• Anxiousness*
• Sleep problems*
• Some sorts of temper problems*

*Off-label makes use of (that means not FDA-approved however identified to assist)

Professionals 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. In order for you aid from ongoing anxiousness or have a historical past of substance misuse, Gabapentin is perhaps a great possibility. It’s additionally helpful for continual ache and sleep problems. 

Cons and uncomfortable side effects

Like every drug, there are negatives to Gabapentin. For instance, it may possibly make you’re feeling drained or dizzy, and though much less frequent than with different medication, weight acquire can happen. Lastly, you might expertise Gabapentin withdrawal signs in case you all of a sudden cease your dose. At all times seek the advice of your physician earlier than altering your dose or discontinuing. 

Frequent uncomfortable side effects of Gabapentin would possibly embody:

• Drowsiness
• Imaginative and prescient issues
• Nausea or vomiting
• Issue talking
• Dizziness
• Swelling of the legs or ft
• Fever
• Headache
• Tremors 

Some folks expertise extra critical uncomfortable side effects that require fast medical help. Contact your physician or go to the emergency room in case you expertise:

• Elevated seizures
• Indicators of an allergic response
• Issues with stability or muscle motion

Key Variations Between Xanax and Gabapentin

For those who’re questioning if Gabapentin is like Xanax, it’d assist to take a look at a fast comparability chart:

Pace of onset

For those who want one thing that works shortly, like inside minutes, Xanax is perhaps an excellent Gabapentin different, as Gabapentin can take longer to see the complete advantages. 

How lengthy does Gabapentin take to work, precisely? With this drug, you may not discover important enchancment instantly, however your baseline anxiousness would possibly lower after a number of days or even weeks of use. For those who 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 have issues about changing into reliant on a drug, that is one thing to bear in mind. 

Gabapentin is just not technically a managed substance, however many states have set regulatory requirements. You can turn out to be depending on it, even when the danger of creating an habit is decrease. 

By no means cease taking both drug abruptly until you’re below the steerage of a health care provider or psychological healthcare skilled. They are going to enable you give you a secure and efficient taper plan to come back off your dose little by little, so your physique has time to regulate with out extreme withdrawal signs.  

Use circumstances

Xanax is best for short-term, acute anxiousness. For those who expertise panic assaults that make you’re feeling helpless and also you’re in search of a drug that works quick, Xanax generally is a good possibility. 

Gabapentin is best suited you probably have continual anxiousness or anxiousness with comorbid nerve ache (that means your ache exists alongside anxiousness). It will also be a extra applicable Xanax different if habit 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 have to be given with warning to somebody who has a historical past of substance dependence. Gabapentin is a greater possibility for anxiousness remedy for a affected person who. has a substance dependence historical past. It’s also extra more likely to be prescribed for persistent anxiousness versus sudden anxiousness assaults.”

– Talkspace therapist Dr. Dion Metzger, MD

Which Treatment 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. Together with your physician, you’ll contemplate extra than simply your present signs. You’ll additionally take a look at your well being historical past, targets for remedy, medicine historical past, and extra. 

Take into account Xanax if:

• You’ve gotten sudden, intense, extreme anxiousness or panic assaults and want speedy aid
• You’re in search of a short-term, as-needed resolution, not a every day medicine
• You haven’t had issues with habit or substance misuse up to now

Take into account Gabapentin if:

• Your anxiousness is continual and has lasted weeks or months at a time
• You’ve struggled with habit or substance misuse up to now and need to keep away from drugs with the next threat of dependency
• You desire a long-term, constant possibility for remedy
• You’ve gotten nerve ache, sleep points, or different circumstances along with anxiousness

Xanax is just not meant for long-term or common use within the remedy of hysteria. It serves as a short-term resolution for acute signs. For ongoing administration, a every day medicine resembling an SSRI or SNRI is usually most well-liked, as these work to stop anxiousness from occurring reasonably than merely offering non permanent aid.

Discuss to a Psychiatrist Earlier than Beginning Both Treatment

Xanax and Gabapentin are solely obtainable by prescription for a cause. By no means take both drug until you’re below the supervision and steerage of a licensed psychiatrist or different medical skilled. It’s essential that you simply’re trustworthy along with your physician about your signs, wants, and historical past so you may get the most secure, best remedy plan in place. 

“Xanax is just not meant for long-term or common use within the remedy of hysteria. It serves as a short-term resolution for acute signs. For ongoing administration, a every day medicine resembling an SSRI or SNRI is usually most well-liked, as these work to stop anxiousness from occurring reasonably than merely offering non permanent aid.”

– Talkspace therapist Dr. Dion Metzger, MD

Discover Personalised Treatment Help with Talkspace

You don’t must determine this out alone. Join with a licensed on-line psychiatrist by way of Talkspace to debate your signs and choices. Talkspace provides handy and reasonably priced entry to care, so you may discover your remedy choices with medicine and remedy. For those who suppose Gabapentin is perhaps the medicine you’ve been in search of 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.