{"id":13456,"date":"2020-07-15T11:49:40","date_gmt":"2020-07-15T15:49:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=13456"},"modified":"2026-01-28T13:46:25","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T18:46:25","slug":"ambien-vs-xanax","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ambien-vs-xanax\/","title":{"rendered":"Ambien vs. Xanax: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Drug overview & main differences<\/a> | Conditions treated<\/a> | Efficacy<\/a> | Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/a> | Side effects<\/a> | Drug interactions<\/a> | Warnings<\/a> | FAQ<\/a><\/p>\n

If you or a loved one experience insomnia or anxiety, you are not alone. The National Institutes of Health estimates that about 30%<\/a> of the U.S. population struggles with sleep problems; other estimates are much higher. Anxiety disorders affect 40 million American adults<\/a> every year. Two popular prescription drugs for these conditions are Ambien (for insomnia) and Xanax (for anxiety<\/a>\/panic attacks).<\/p>\n

Ambien (zolpidem) is a sedative-hypnotic drug (sleep aid), which works on receptors in the brain, helping you to fall asleep. Some people refer to these types of medications as \u201csleeping pills.\u201d Ambien slows brain activity, allowing you to fall asleep more quickly. Ambien CR is an extended-release tablet with two layers\u2014one to help you fall asleep, and another to help you stay asleep.<\/p>\n

Xanax<\/a> (alprazolam) is in the benzodiazepine class of drugs, and works in the central nervous system (CNS). Benzodiazepines work by increasing activity at receptors for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter. By doing this, benzodiazepines produce a relaxing and calming effect. A dose of Xanax starts working within about one hour, and the effects last<\/a> for about five hours (the extended-release tablet lasts up to about 11 hours).<\/p>\n

Because of the potential for abuse and\/or psychological or physical dependence, both Ambien and Xanax are controlled substances and are classified as Schedule IV drugs<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What are the main differences between Ambien and Xanax?<\/h2>\n

Ambien (What is Ambien?<\/a>) is categorized as a sedative-hypnotic. The generic name of Ambien is zolpidem, or zolpidem tartrate. It is available in tablet form as an immediate-release or extended-release tablet. Ambien should be taken immediately before bedtime, just before getting into bed, when you have at least seven to eight hours to sleep. Food can decrease the absorption of Ambien, so it\u2019s best taken on an empty stomach. The recommended starting dose for women is 5 mg at bedtime, and the recommended starting dose for men is 5 or 10 mg at bedtime. Patients who are elderly or have mild to moderate liver problems should start with the 5 mg dose as well. (Patients with severe liver problems should not take Ambien.)<\/p>\n

Xanax (What is Xanax?<\/a>) is a benzodiazepine available in both brand and generic form. The generic name of Xanax is alprazolam. It is available in tablet form (immediate-release or extended-release) and as an oral concentrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Main differences between Ambien and Xanax<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nAmbien<\/strong><\/td>\nXanax<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/strong><\/td>\nSedative-hypnotic<\/td>\nBenzodiazepine<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/strong><\/td>\nBrand and generic<\/td>\nBrand and generic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/strong><\/td>\nZolpidem<\/td>\nAlprazolam<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/strong><\/td>\nImmediate-release tablet (Ambien), extended-release tablet (Ambien CR)<\/td>\nImmediate-release tablet (Xanax), extended-release tablet (Xanax XR), oral concentrate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/strong><\/td>\nExample: 5 to 10 mg taken just before bedtime as needed for sleep<\/td>\nExample: 0.5 mg taken 3 times daily as needed for anxiety; dosage varies<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/strong><\/td>\n4-5 weeks (as studied in clinical trials); some patients use for longer under prescriber\u2019s supervision<\/td>\nShort-term use; some patients take for long-term use under prescriber\u2019s\u00a0 supervision<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/strong><\/td>\nAdults<\/td>\nAdults<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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Want the best price on Xanax?<\/h3>\n

Sign up for Xanax price alerts and find out when the price changes!<\/p>\n

Get price alerts<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Conditions treated by Ambien vs. Xanax<\/h2>\n

Ambien is indicated for the treatment of insomnia, with difficulty initiating sleep. It should be used for short-term treatment. (Ambien CR is used in patients who have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.)<\/p>\n

Xanax\u00a0is indicated for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety<\/a>, and short-term relief of anxiety associated with depressive symptoms. Xanax is also indicated for the treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia. (Xanax XR is indicated for panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, as well.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/strong><\/td>\nAmbien <\/strong><\/td>\nXanax <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Short-term treatment of insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep initiation<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nOff-label<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Management of anxiety disorders<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Short-term relief of anxiety associated with depressive symptoms<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is Ambien or Xanax more effective?<\/h2>\n

There are no studies comparing Ambien to Xanax because they are different drugs used for different indications. If you have sleep problems, where you have trouble falling and\/or staying asleep, Ambien may be an appropriate medication for you. If you are experiencing anxiety or panic disorder, Xanax may be the right drug for you. The best drug for you can only be determined by your healthcare provider, who can take into account your symptoms, medical condition(s) and history, and any medications you take that could potentially interact with Ambien or Xanax.<\/p>\n

\n

Want the best price on Ambien?<\/h3>\n

Sign up for Ambien price alerts and find out when the price changes!<\/p>\n

Get price alerts<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of Ambien vs. Xanax<\/h2>\n

Ambien is usually covered by private insurance and Medicare Part D in its generic form of zolpidem<\/a>. The brand-name product may not be covered or may have a much higher copay. A common prescription is for 30 tablets of 10 mg zolpidem and would cost about $60-$100 out of pocket. A SingleCare card can lower the price of generic Ambien<\/a> to about $10.<\/p>\n

Xanax is typically covered by private insurance and Medicare Part D in the generic form of alprazolam. The brand-name Xanax may not be covered or may have a high copay. A typical prescription of alprazolam would be for 60 tablets of 0.5 mg and cost about $33 out-of-pocket. Using a SingleCare card for generic Xanax<\/a> can bring the price down to as little as $10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nAmbien <\/strong><\/td>\nXanax <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/strong><\/td>\nYes (generic)<\/td>\nYes (generic)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/strong><\/td>\nYes (generic)<\/td>\nYes (generic)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard dosage<\/strong><\/td>\nExample:
\n#30 tablets of 10 mg generic zolpidem<\/td>\n		Example:
\n#60 tablets of 0.5 mg generic alprazolam<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Medicare copay<\/strong><\/td>\n$0-$2 (generic)<\/td>\n$0-$33 (generic)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/strong><\/td>\n$10<\/td>\n$10<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Prescription discount card<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Common side effects of Ambien vs. Xanax<\/h2>\n

The most common side effects of Ambien are drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and diarrhea. Other side effects may occur, such as palpitations, a drugged feeling, lightheadedness, abnormal dreams, and sinusitis.<\/p>\n

Side effects of Xanax usually increase with higher doses. The most common side effects of Xanax are sedation, dizziness, and weakness. Other side effects may include fatigue, lightheadedness, memory problems\/memory loss, confusion, depression, euphoria, suicidal thoughts\/attempt, incoordination, lack of energy, dry mouth, convulsions\/seizures, vertigo, visual problems, slurred speech, sexual problems, headache, coma, respiratory depression, weight gain or weight loss, worsening of sleep apnea or obstructive pulmonary disease, and gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, constipation, or diarrhea.<\/p>\n

Other, serious side effects may occur. Consult your healthcare professional for a complete list of side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nAmbien <\/strong><\/td>\nXanax <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side effect<\/strong><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/strong><\/td>\nFrequency<\/strong><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/strong><\/td>\nFrequency<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Headache<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n1-7%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n12.9-29.2%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nausea<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n>1%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n9.6-22%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Diarrhea<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n1-3%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n10.1-20.6%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ejaculation disorder\/sexual problems<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n–<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n7.4%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dry mouth<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n3%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n14.7%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sleepiness<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n8%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n41-77%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Insomnia<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n>1%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n8.9-29.5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dizziness<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n5%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n1.8-30%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weakness<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nReported as rare<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n6-7%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Source: DailyMed (Ambien<\/a>), DailyMed (Xanax<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Drug interactions of Ambien vs. Xanax<\/h2>\n

Because of its CNS depressant effects, Ambien should not be taken with other drugs that have the same effect, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and alcohol, due to additive effects. Ambien should not be taken with rifampin, because rifampin can decrease Ambien levels. Ambien should not be taken with ketoconazole (or the Ambien dose should be lowered), because ketoconazole can increase Ambien levels.<\/p>\n

Xanax should not be taken in combination with opioid painkillers, due to increased risk of sedation, respiratory depression, and overdose, possibly leading to death. If no other combination is possible, the patient should receive each medication at the lowest possible dose and for the shortest duration, and be closely monitored. Benzodiazepines also should not be taken with other CNS depressants such as alcohol, antipsychotics, antidepressants, sedating antihistamines, and anticonvulsants.<\/p>\n

Alcohol should not be used with Ambien or Xanax.<\/p>\n

Other drug interactions may occur. Consult your healthcare provider for a full list of drug interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Drug<\/strong><\/td>\nDrug class<\/strong><\/td>\nAmbien <\/strong><\/td>\nXanax <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rifampin<\/td>\nCYP3A4 inducer<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Itraconazole
\nKetoconazole<\/td>\n		CYP3A4 inhibitor<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Warfarin<\/td>\nAnticoagulant<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
St. John\u2019s Wort<\/td>\nSupplement<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Alprazolam
\nClonazepam
\nDiazepam
\nLorazepam<\/td>\n		Benzodiazepines<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Codeine
\nHydrocodone
\nHydromorphone
\nMethadone
\nMorphine
\nOxycodone
\nTramadol<\/td>\n		Opioids<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Clarithromycin
\nErythromycin<\/td>\n		Macrolide antibiotics<\/td>\nYes (clarithromycin)<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Citalopram
\nEscitalopram
\nFluoxetine
\nFluvoxamine
\nParoxetine
\nSertraline<\/td>\n		SSRI antidepressants<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Desvenlafaxine
\nDuloxetine
\nVenlafaxine<\/td>\n		SNRI antidepressants<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Amitriptyline
\nDesipramine
\nImipramine
\nNortriptyline<\/td>\n		Tricyclic antidepressants<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Baclofen
\nCarisoprodol
\nCyclobenzaprine
\nMetaxalone<\/td>\n		Muscle relaxants<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Carbamazepine
\nDivalproex sodium
\nGabapentin
\nLamotrigine
\nLevetiracetam
\nPhenobarbital
\nPhenytoin
\nPregabalin
\nTopiramate<\/td>\n		Anticonvulsants<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Diphenhydramine<\/td>\nSedating antihistamine<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Contraceptives<\/td>\nContraceptives<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Warnings of Ambien and Xanax<\/h2>\n

Ambien:<\/p>\n