Anxiety and depression are prevalent mental health issues that impact the cognitive abilities of numerous people. Prozac and Xanax are two well-known drugs that help treat anxiety which is resulting from depression. The primary causes of anxiety and depression are stressful situations, childhood trauma, some genetics, aberrant brain chemistry and environmental factors. In some cases, doctors often recommend medicinal treatment and physical activity to control the symptoms of these psychological illnesses.
Both medicines can affect mood and emotions, but they work in different manners and treat different conditions. If you or someone is taking one of them, it is important to know how they can help you to overcome anxiety and depression.
Now, in this blog, we will talk about these medicines and how they compare with their unfavorable side effects.
Difference between Xanax and Prozac
Both medications can be used for anxiety disorders. Their mechanisms and effects are drastically different. That are given below:
1. Definition of both Medicines
Let’s take a brief overview of these two drugs.
- Xanax – This is a medicinal drug that helps to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It is a member of the benzodiazepines drug family. Alprazolam is the generic and active compound of this drug. The medicine’s active ingredient raises the levels of some chemicals in the brain. It may be prescribed by the doctors for short-term use as prolonged use of the medicine can lead to tolerance. That means higher doses of this drug are needed to survive normally and it also increases the risk of addiction.
- Prozac – The medicine is a prescription-only drug which falls under the category of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. It is mainly used to manage depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders. This drug acts in the brain that helps in regulating mood and emotions. It is intended for long-term use and its effects build up over time. This is not a quick fix but provides sustained improvement for people with mood disorders.
2. Can Xanax and Prozac Be Used Together? What Are Their Functions?
- Xanax – It works by increasing the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid that basically tells your brain to “chill out.”. This creates a calming effect, managing anxiety and enhancing relaxation.
- Prozac – Serotonin is important in mood regulation because it is mostly known as the happiness chemical. More serotonin is available in your brain as it slows down its reabsorbed rate. Over time this helps keep moods stable.
3. Medical Uses Of Xanax and Prozac
- Xanax – Doctors may advice Xanax for several conditions, including:
- Panic attacks, especially ones that come out of nowhere
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder, GAD
- Situational anxiety, like fear of flying or public speaking
- Short-term relief from extreme stress
2. Prozac – This medicine is prescribed by the doctors for managing various mental health conditions, including:
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Anxiety Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Bulimia, an eating disorder
4. Dosage Administration
- Xanax – The medicine is available in two forms, like oral and ER tablet. It contains many dosage formulations are 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 mg. The medicine is usually suggested at a dose of 2.5 to 0.5 three times a daily for GAD disorder.
- Prozac – The drug comes in several formulations with its three different strengths which include 10, 20 and 40 mg. It is started at 10 to 20 mg daily for depression.
5. Effectiveness
- Xanax – It is efficacious for short-term relief from anxiety and panic attacks. The medicine acts quickly within 30 to 60 minutes. Its sedative effect can cause drowsiness. This can be habit-forming, leading to dependence and withdrawal issues.
- Prozac – The drug provides long-term relief for depression and anxiety disorders. It takes 2 to 4 weeks to start working fully. The medicine does not cause immediate sedation like Xanax.
Common Side Effects of Xanax and Prozac
Both have several possible adverse reactions that can affect the overall health of people. After knowing these side effects, you can consult your doctor to get relief from them.
1. Side effects of Xanax in elderly
- Drowsiness
- Feeling light-headed
- Weak or shallow breathing
- A light-headed feeling
- Loss of Appetite
- Increased sweating
- Nausea or Vomiting
- A seizure
- Hallucinations, risk-taking behavior
- Increased energy
- Decreased need for sleep
- Vomiting
- Slurred speech
- Memory problems
- Poor balance or coordination
- Double vision
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
2. Side effects of Xanax
- Sleep problems
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Vision changes
- Tremors
- Pain
- Weakness
- Yawning
- Feeling tired
- Upset stomach
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Hot flashes
- Changes in weight
- Stuffy nose
- Sinus pain
- Sore throat
- Flu signs
- Decreased sex drive and impotence
- Difficulty having an orgasm
Precautions
- You should avoid using both drugs if you drink alcohol as they can cause dangerous side effects or even death.
- Schedule a Consultation with your doctor before using these drugs together.
- You might require special testing or a dose modification in order to take both medications safely.
- Until you understand how these drugs will affect you stay away from heavy lifting and driving.
- It is necessary to inform your doctor about all additional drugs and supplements you take including, vitamins and herbal remedies.
- You could die if you stop taking any medication without first talking to your doctor.
- You can talk to your doctor or pharmacist, if you have any concerns regarding these drugs.
Conclusion
In the end, anxiety is a psychological disorder that can be treated. To treat these mental health issues, doctors may prescribe Xanax and Prozac and many other tablets. The decision you make regarding these two medications is entirely based on your unique needs, medical background and physicians’ advice.
You should consult a healthcare professional before making any decisions about medication because there is no one-size-fits-all medication. If your doctor prescribes both medicines, be sure to carefully follow their instructions to prevent becoming dependent on Xanax.