Health Tips
Ambien vs Xanax For Sleep And Anxiety: What You Need To Know Before Choosing
Do you close your eyes at 9 pm and, surprisingly, find yourself still awake at 3 am? If this continues for days, then there is a high possibility that you have developed insomnia. This is a sleeping disorder that makes you feel extremely tired and anxious due to a lack of sleep. Ambien is a widely prescribed drug that helps to deal with insomnia. It helps relax the body and provides better sleep. Another famous antidepressant, Xanax, is also prescribed these days to people affected more severely. So, Ambien vs Xanax, which should you take to get relief from insomnia?
This blog will answer certain queries like side effects of both the drugs, dosage that should be followed, which is much better option, and can you take Ambien and Xanax together?
Comparing Ambien and Xanax: Key Difference Between Dosages, Side Effects & Potency
What are Ambien and Xanax?
Ambien is the brand name for Zolpidem. This sedative is used by people for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Ambien is available in the form of immediate-release and extended-release tablet forms and is taken by mouth. The immediate-release form helps to fall asleep instantly, and the extended-release ensures that you stay asleep for a long period of time without distraction. Ambien can be taken with or without food and water.
Xanax is an anti-anxiety medication that helps to ease the symptoms of anxiety. It belongs to the class of benzodiazepines and works by calming the nervous system down. This drug is available for use in the form of tablets and solutions. Xanax slows down brain activity and makes the body feel calm and relaxed, which reduces anxiety and fear.
What’s The Difference Between Ambien and Xanax?
Ambien and Xanax are prescribed to people facing insomnia. Other than being used for the treatment of insomnia, these two drugs are quite apart from each other. Certain aspects like dosages, side effects, potency, and better medication are the causes of their difference. Let us discuss in more detail regarding each of the following.
Dosages
The initial doses must always be less, and the amount can be modified later in accordance with the tolerance level of the patient.
Ambien
The doses of Ambien are different in men and women because women have a lower tolerance for the drug as compared to men. The initial dose for women is 5 mg and between 5 to 10 mg for men. The maximum extended quantity of the drug is 10 mg.
Xanax
- Anxiety disorder: The starting dose is 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg, which can be increased up to a maximum dose of 4 mg divided throughout the day.
- Panic disorder: The initial dose is 0.5 mg three times, which can be increased by a maximum of 1 mg per day at intervals of 3 to 4 days.
Side Effects
Individuals experience several side effects when they are given any of the drugs. Some of the common effects that occur with both drugs are:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Light headedness
- Memory problems.
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
In addition to all these issues, a few other symptoms are drug-specific, i.e., they happen only if you are under the particular drug. People administered Ambien can face problems with their vision, sleep disorders like sleepwalking, sleepdriving, and other activities without any consciousness. Similarly, Xanax can cause shakiness, seizures, hallucinations, and severe dependency.
Drug Interactions
Combining two drugs causes them to interact, leading to adverse effects on the body. It is important to be aware of all the drugs that may interact with Ambien and Xanax to avoid any mishappens.
Drug interactions of Ambien
- Oxycodone
- Alprazolam
- Ketoconazole
- Ciprofloxacin
- Norco
- Tramadol
Drug interactions of Xanax
- Oxycodone
- Norco
- Ambien
- Gabapentin
- Lyrica
- Flexeril
All the drugs mentioned above are not complete, and the list can be very long. Therefore, it’s very important to act according to the prescription to avoid the intake of any harmful combination.
What is Better For Sleep, Ambien or Xanax?
The word “better” in the case of drugs is entirely subjective since the doses are personalized according to the needs of the individual. Ambien is commonly prescribed to people with insomnia, whereas Xanax is primarily an anti-anxiety medication. With people who need to be on medication for a very long period of time, Ambien is the first choice. For people with anxiety along with insomnia, Xanax can be their primary option for a time. Since Xanax is not recommended to be administered for longer periods, the doctor has to switch to Ambien after the symptoms slow down a bit.
Which Is More Addictive: Xanax or Ambien?
Xanax and Ambien belong to the Schedule II category of drugs and can cause the same level of dependency and addiction in individuals. But Xanax is more potent, which makes it more addictive than Ambien. Xanax belongs to the class of Benzodiazepines, and all the drugs from this class develop dependency even when a doctor prescribes them as medication. Ambien, on the other hand, is a sedative that will be addictive only if taken for a prolonged time. This drug can lead to other serious side effects, such as sleepwalking, but the dependency rate is much slower than compared to Xanax.
Who Should Not Take Ambien and Xanax?
Everyone cannot be eligible to get administer with Ambien and Xanax. Various conditions, such as side effects, dosage tolerance, and other underlying health conditions, can make a person ineligible for the drug. Ambien is not given to people suffering from liver problems, breathing issues, or depression. You should not administer this drug to children below 18 years. A doctor or healthcare provider should not give Xanax to patients with breathing problems, alcohol addiction, or those taking antifungal medications.
Alternatives to Xanax and Ambien
Medical professionals give certain alternatives to individuals ineligible for Xanax and Ambien. Let’s know those alternatives.
Alternatives for Xanax
Alternatives for Ambien
- Melatonin
- Zaleplon
- Lunesta
- Magnesium
- Diphenhydramine
- Tryptophan
- Triazolam
- Antihistamines
Can you take Ambien With Xanax Together At The Same Time?
You must not decide to combine Ambien and Xanax, as that decision depends on the physician. It is never really advisable to combine these two because Ambien and Xanax interaction poses a high risk of developing breathing problems. Accidental overdose of the combination can even lead the person to coma, which can further result in death. The combination can cause severe allergies, as well as increase the dependency and addiction rate.
Conclusion
We can conclude that Ambien and Xanax have different factors that make them apart from each other. Do not try to mix them unless suggested by the doctor. Try to take the dosage as much as prescribed and strictly avoid overdosing, especially with Xanax. If you feel the slightest bit uncomfortable with these drugs, call your doctor immediately and ask to provide you with the alternatives.
