Difference Between Alprazolam and Xanax

Alprazolam vs. Xanax

Alprazolam is a drug of the benzodiazepine class with a short-acting potency. Like other benzodiazepines, it works by binding to GABA, a type of neurotransmitter of the nervous system. Alprazolam is used primarily for the treatment of neurological disorders such as moderate to severe forms of anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Alprazolam is classified under anxiolytics, hypnotics, or sedatives. It can also act as a muscle relaxant and anticonvulsant. In certain circumstances, it is indicated for the relief of nausea due to chemotherapy. Though it is one of the most prescribed drugs for its fast onset, it is also the most abused for its risk for dependency. Withdrawal symptoms are commonly experienced once tolerance to the drug develops.

One very popular brand of Alprazolam that is widely used today is Xanax. Though Alprazolam and Xanax may be regarded as two similar drugs, there are some obvious and significant differences observed when these two drugs are studied very closely.

Initially, Alprazolam is the generic name for Xanax. In which case, Xanax is considered to be the brand name. Brand names are subject to licenses and copyrights obtained by certain company producers. Although both drugs contain the same active ingredients, Alprazolam is manufactured by various pharmacologic companies while Xanax is solely and exclusively produced by the Pfizer Company. However, in some instances, the Food and Drug Administration allows the generic drugs to contain dissimilar inactive ingredients not very much like the branded drugs are made up of. There are some instances when these inactive ingredients mixed with the generic Alprazolam produce undesirable adverse reactions like allergies or sensitivities. On the other hand, the branded types like Xanax do not cause allergic reactions because of different compositions. Thus, when these things happen, Xanax is better preferred for use instead of the generic version.

In a lot of aspects, both Alprazolam and Xanax have the same potency, compositional ingredients, speed of effectiveness, and even side effects. Generic and branded drugs are commonly regarded as equal, and neither one is better than the other. The only apparent dissimilarity is found in the appearance or packaging of the pills.

Although consumers report there are no evident differences between the effectiveness and safety between the generic and brand-name drugs, one of the noticeable differences lies in the cost of both drug types. Alprazolam is generally a less costly version of Xanax because its price doesn’t pay for any patent brand name. Nowadays, many companies make generic versions like Alprazolam in order to allow people to have a much cheaper alternative to the branded ones sold in the market. This is very budget-wise for low-income individuals who can’t afford to pay for name brand types of drugs for their medication regimens.

In conclusion, Alprazolam and Xanax have the same set of indications regardless of their subtle distinctions. Although there may be minor differences in a diversity of ways, overall, both drugs help in the treatment of various conditions and alleviate the troublesome symptoms of suffering individuals.

Summary:

1.Alprazolam is the generic name while Xanax is considered to be the brand name.

2.Alprazolam is manufactured by various pharmacologic companies while Xanax is solely and exclusively produced by the Pfizer Company.

3.In some instances, Xanax causes less allergic reactions and sensitivities than Alprazolam.

4.Alprazolam and Xanax have different pill appearances and packaging.

5.Alprazolam is generally cheaper than Xanax.

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