Xanax vs Etizolam: A Comparison of Anxiety Medications

Xanax and Etizolam both treat disorders related to anxiety that impact the cognitive ability of human beings. A stressful environment, traumatic injury, genetic abnormality, aberrant brain chemistry, and other ill-health conditions–all of these lead to anxiety as well as depression. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) is a social organization that publishes data concerning anxiety disorders, and it states that nearly 40 million adults in the United States experience anxiety-related problems.

Both medicines can make worse mood and emotions, these drugs work in a different mechanism and treat different conditions. If you or someone is taking one of these medicines, it is vital to know how it can help you to overcome anxiety and depression. In this blog, we will discuss these medicines and compare their different aspects, including side effects.

Comparison Between Xanax Vs Etizolam

Both the drugs treat anxiety-related disorders. Their modes of action and effects are inherently different. Some of the key features related to the different parameters of these two drugs are given below:

Definitions

Xanax: The generic name of this medicine is Alprazolam, which is the main element of this drug. Being a part of the benzodiazepine drug family, this medicine elevates certain chemicals in the brain. Doctors prescribe xanax for short-term use, as extended use of the drug can lead to tolerance. Higher doses of this drug are necessary for survival in a normal state, and it also increases the risk of addiction.

Etizolam: The FDA does not approve this medicine in the United States, and the US government considers it a Schedule I drug. Possessing sedative effects, etizolam relaxes the muscles in the brain.

This medicine mainly treats:

• Anxiety disorders like OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)
• Panic disorders for the short term.

How Xanax and Etizolam Work on the Brain

Xanax: An increase in the level of GABA acid in the brain pacifies the central nervous system. This chemical basically passes the message to your brain to “calm down” that creates a pacifying effect and manages anxiety. This helps people with anxiety symptoms to be calm especially in stressful conditions, restrain their panic attacks, and cool down the body’s overactivity.

Etizolam: This drug is a part of the family of thienodiazepines and is a CNS hypnotic. It tends to decrease the ongoing agitation inside the brain. By taking a small concentration of the medicine, the drug lowers panic and anxiety, and also helps relaxation of muscles and insomnia.

Taking for enjoyment purposes in the form of etizolam liquid or etizolam tablets necessitates doses in high amounts that may lead to change in brain chemistry and signal. This can potentially lead to drug dependence or addiction. Be that as it may, when etizolam is taken with other CNS depressants, like alcohol, the outcome can be life-threatening.

Approved Medical Uses of Xanax and Etizolam

Xanax: FDA‑approved drug and treats:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Panic disorders
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Acute-term relief from extreme stress

Etizolam: Approved in limited countries for:

• Anxiety
• Panic
• Insomnia

A research study has shown that Etizolam when taken 0.5 mg 2 times a day was as effective as Xanax for generalized anxiety

Dosage Forms and Strengths: Xanax vs Etizolam

Xanax: The drug is available in orally dissolving tablet (ODT), extended-release (XR), solution that is taken orally.

• The normal dosage formulations: 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 mg.
• A dose of 2.5 to 0.5 three times each day for GAD disorder.

Etizolam: Generally accessible as an oral solid dosage or in the form of a white powder illegally. Etizolam for enjoyment may be ingested on blotter paper

• Available as an Immediate-release tablet
• Common doses: 0.25, 0.5 and 1  mg.

Effectiveness and Onset Time

Xanax: Typically provides relief from uneasiness and panic attacks. 15 to 30 minutes is the time taken for Xanax to show its influence. The IR variant gives a soothing effect for 5 to 7 hrs whereas XR one can last up to 11 hrs.

Etizolam: Onset nearly 15 – 25 mins, effect lasts 5–7 hrs; metabolite extends effective action.

Side Effects of Xanax

Common side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Memory Problems
• Coordination issues
• Fatigue
• Slurred speech
• A change in appetite
• Irritability
• Depression
• Cognitive ability
• Dependence
• Risk of misuse, especially in combination with alcohol or opioids.

Side Effects of Etizolam

More common side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Sleepiness
• Muscle weakness,
• A state of confusion
• Slurred speech
• Mood changes
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Respiratory depression and overdose risk when combined with other depressants
• Potential for dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Xanax or Etizolam: Which Is Better for Anxiety?

Both are fast acting. Xanax XR lasts longer, i.e., nearly 11 hrs. Etizolam effect lasts for nearly 5–7 hrs.

Etizolam possibly causes fewer next‑day hangovers; Xanax users may encounter ample sedation.

Precautions for Use

Equally important, both Xanax and etizolam have the propensity for abuse. An over-prescription of these medicines can negatively impact the number of overall substance use disorders.

• Avoid alcohol and other sedatives, as they can cause life-threatening problems and at times lead to death.
• Stay away from driving or lifting heavy objects unless you are familiar with the working of these drugs.
• Opioids and barbiturates are likely to elevate respiratory depression through their interactions. In rare situations it can cause coma or death.
• Pregnant ladies should abstain from these medicines.
• Using Xanax increases the risk of falls and sedative effects in the aged people.
• In Etizolam, respiratory depression is more potent with the intake of opioids that involves daily activities.

Conclusion

Xanax and etizolam provide effective anxiety reduction by GABA variation, with quick onset. Xanax has broader approval, more available forms, and a proven efficacy, albeit it is associated with a high risk of dependence and drowsiness.

Although etizolam has fewer negative effects and is less likely to be abused, it is illegal in many places including the United States and easily purchased in informal markets, which raises safety issues about purity and dosage.