Key takeaways
Xanax (alprazolam) is a prescription drug that treats symptoms that occur in anxiety disorders.
Klonopin, Zoloft, duloxetine, buspirone, and hydroxyzine are just a few of the alternatives to Xanax for treating anxiety, but each has its own benefits and side effects.
Non-pharmacologic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, and exercise may be effective natural alternatives to Xanax.
Xanax (alprazolam) is a common anxiety medication that is typically limited to short-term use. Although it’s effective, it can cause side effects and isn’t right for everyone. Fortunately, there are several Xanax alternatives to choose from.
What can I take in place of alprazolam?
Alprazolam belongs to the benzodiazepine category of anxiolytic medications, which work by enhancing the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the central nervous system, causing a sedating or calming effect. This drug category has a few other members, like Klonopin (clonazepam), which could be chosen as alternatives to Xanax for anxiety. All benzodiazepines are listed as controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) due to their potential for abuse.
Since benzodiazepines don’t last very long, may cause side effects, and increase the risk for addiction, other anxiolytic drugs are often recommended instead. Antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, and anticonvulsants, like Lyrica (pregabalin) or gabapentin, may provide relatively fast-acting relief. But a longer-lasting and better-tolerated option may be found in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) classes. These Xanax alternatives provide a steadier action by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the spaces between nerve cells.
Alprazolam alternatives cost comparison |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Alprazolam | $82 for 90, 1 mg tablets | $10 for 90, 1 mg tablets at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Brand-name alprazolam (Xanax) | $1,055 per 90, 1 mg tablets | $798 per 90, 1 mg tablets of brand-name Xanax at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Klonopin (clonazepam) | $113 for 30, 0.5 mg tablets | $9 for 30, 0.5 mg tablets of generic Klonopin at Food Lion | See latest prices |
| Zoloft (sertraline) | $551 for 30, 50 mg tablets | $9 for 30, 50 mg tablets of generic Zoloft at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Duloxetine | $241 for 30, 60 mg capsules | $8 for 30, 60 mg capsules of generic duloxetine at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Buspirone | $46 for 60, 5 mg tablets | $5 for 60, 5 mg tablets of generic buspirone at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Hydroxyzine | $40 for 30, 25 mg tablets | $5 for 30, 25 mg tablets of generic hydroxyzine at Walmart | See latest prices |
Top 5 alprazolam alternatives
The following are some of the most common alternatives to alprazolam.
1. Klonopin (clonazepam)
Klonopin is a medication similar to Xanax, as they are both benzodiazepines. As such, it has similar side effects, namely the potential for abuse and physical dependence, as well as sedation and unsteadiness. These concerns are heightened for anyone with a history of substance abuse or older adults with a greater risk of falls, so it’s not among the safer Xanax alternatives for older adults. They also shouldn’t be taken with opioid pain relievers due to the danger of respiratory depression (reduced breathing) and death.
While Klonopin does not avoid these problems, it does have an advantage over how Xanax works. It has a longer duration of action, having a half-life of 12 to 40 hours, compared to the short-acting benzodiazepine Xanax, which has a half-life of one to 12 hours. The longer-lasting effects can provide a steadier degree of anxiety relief and reduce the chance of withdrawal when stopping.
RELATED: Klonopin vs. Xanax: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you
2. Zoloft
Zoloft is an SSRI that remains a common first-line choice for anxiety treatment. SSRIs are a type of antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication. They are not habit-forming, are not controlled substances, and provide a long-term treatment option for anxiety. They have less risk for dependence and drowsiness compared to Xanax. However, like other SSRIs, Zoloft can be associated with side effects such as weight gain and sexual dysfunction.
Another feature to understand about SSRI use for anxiety compared to benzodiazepines is the slower onset of action. Full effectiveness for SSRIs can take six to eight weeks as opposed to a matter of hours for benzodiazepines. The added safety of Zoloft and other SSRIs comes at the cost of requiring your patience in getting relief.
RELATED: Zoloft vs. Xanax: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you
3. Duloxetine
Duloxetine is a generic SNRI that your healthcare provider may recommend as a Xanax alternative to SSRIs and benzodiazepines. SNRIs are not controlled substances, and they provide a long-acting steady state of relief. SNRIs also have a lower risk than most SSRIs of sexual dysfunction and weight gain.
RELATED: Cymbalta vs. Zoloft: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you
4. Buspirone
Buspirone is a medication that helps treat anxiety, but it works differently from Xanax. While Xanax works quickly, Buspirone can take longer to show results, so it requires patience.
Healthcare providers often prescribe Buspirone alongside other long-term anxiety medications (like SSRIs or SNRIs) to give them an extra boost if the first medication isn’t working well enough on its own. Buspirone is often considered a safer alternative to Xanax because it has a lower risk of misuse and doesn’t cause as much drowsiness.
One rare but important thing to know is that because it affects serotonin levels, taking buspirone with certain other anxiety medications can sometimes lead to a condition called serotonin syndrome, where serotonin levels become too high. Always discuss this with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s a safe choice for you.
RELATED: Buspirone vs. Xanax: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you
5. Hydroxyzine
Hydroxyzine works fast and wears off quickly, similar to Xanax. However, instead of being a controlled substance, it works like an antihistamine (allergy medication). This makes it a common choice for as-needed relief alongside regular, daily anxiety medication. The main downsides of hydroxyzine are that it can make you very drowsy and can affect your heart rhythm (QT interval) if you take it with certain other medications.
RELATED: Vistaril vs. Xanax: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you
Natural alternatives to alprazolam
The potential for side effects with alprazolam, other benzodiazepines, or other anxiolytic drug categories could be a compelling reason for you to look for other solutions instead of, or in addition to, certain anti-anxiety medications. Counseling, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can be a worthwhile non-pharmacologic approach to anxiety treatment. CBT can stand alone or be used along with meds. Meditation, yoga, and Tai Chi can be helpful too. Exercise is also a simple but effective measure of anxiety relief.
You might also be interested in over-the-counter (OTC) supplements. L-theanine, for example, is derived from green tea extract and has been used for anxiety, although studies have thus far found both negative and positive results. Ashwagandha is another extract used for anxiety, with some successful clinical trials, although the data is limited. Always speak to your healthcare provider before adding on a supplement or herbal treatment, as they can have side effects and interact with certain medications.
How to switch to a Xanax alternative
Whether you are considering an OTC supplement or a different prescription drug in place of alprazolam, make sure you consult your healthcare provider about it in order to avoid the risk of withdrawal symptoms and adverse effects.
If you’re considering a Xanax or alprazolam alternative because of affordability, show your SingleCare prescription discount card to pharmacy staff when picking up your prescription. SingleCare is free to use and available to everyone. Registered members can save even more, and it’s fast and free to join.
RELATED: How do I use the SingleCare app?
The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Jun. 18, 2026. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our coupon page for updated drug prices at pharmacies near you.
- Clinical practice guidelines for the management of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder (PD), Indian Journal of Psychiatry (2017)
- Does Ashwagandha supplementation have a beneficial effect on the management of anxiety and stress? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, Phytotherapy Research (2022)
- Efficacy of yoga vs cognitive behavioral therapy vs stress education for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, JAMA Psychiatry (2020)
- L-theanine in the adjunctive treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, Journal of Psychiatric Research (2019)
- Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being: A systematic review and meta-analysis, JAMA Internal Medicine (2015)
- Psychotropic effects of L-theanine and its clinical properties: from the management of anxiety and stress to a potential use in schizophrenia, Pharmacological Research (2019)
- Safer alternatives to potentially high risk medications in the elderly, Kaiser Permanente (2023)
- The effects of different types of Tai Chi exercise on anxiety and depression in older adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis, Frontiers in Public Health (2024)
- Working out the worries: a randomized controlled trial of high-intensity interval training in generalized anxiety disorder, Journal of Anxiety Disorders (2020)
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