{"id":58839,"date":"2023-06-11T19:33:34","date_gmt":"2023-06-11T23:33:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=58839"},"modified":"2025-04-14T16:02:08","modified_gmt":"2025-04-14T20:02:08","slug":"alprazolam-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/alprazolam-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"Alprazolam (Xanax) alternatives: What can I take instead of alprazolam?"},"content":{"rendered":"

For reasons both good and bad, <\/span>Xanax<\/span><\/a>, the <\/span>brand name<\/span> for <\/span>alprazolam<\/span>, has been a widely known <\/span>anxiety<\/span><\/a> medication for many years. A rapid onset of action and effectiveness have brought cheers, but the jeers are every bit as loud based on the potential for sedation, addiction, and withdrawal. These negative attributes are why <\/span>healthcare providers<\/span> usually recommend an alternative drug for anxiety treatment and why most patients would choose a different option instead. Whatever your reason for wanting another anxiolytic drug, you are in the right place to learn more about your choices.<\/span><\/p>\n

What can I take in place of <\/span>alprazolam<\/span>?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Alprazolam<\/span> belongs to the <\/span>benzodiazepine<\/span><\/a> category of anxiolytic medications, which exerts its effects by enhancing the action of <\/span>gamma-aminobutyric acid<\/span> (<\/span>GABA<\/span>) in the <\/span>central nervous system<\/span>. Since <\/span>GABA<\/span> is an inhibitory <\/span>neurotransmitter<\/span> or brain cell signaling chemical, increasing its action via a <\/span>benzodiazepine<\/span> leads to a sedating or <\/span>calming effect<\/span>. This drug category has a few other members who could be chosen instead of <\/span>alprazolam<\/span> for treating anxiety. All <\/span>benzodiazepines<\/span> are listed as controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) due to their potential for abuse.<\/span><\/p>\n

Since <\/span>benzodiazepines<\/span>\u2019 duration of action is relatively short and they have a litany of adverse effects, steering toward a different <\/span>anxiolytic<\/span><\/a> drug category may be best. <\/span>Antihistamines<\/span><\/a>, such as hydroxyzine, and <\/span>anticonvulsants<\/span><\/a>, like Lyrica or gabapentin, can be used for fast-acting relief. Still, a longer-lasting and better-tolerated option may be found in the <\/span>selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor<\/span> (<\/span>SSRI<\/span><\/a>) or <\/span>serotonin<\/span> and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (<\/span>SNRI<\/span><\/a>) classes. These <\/span>Xanax alternatives<\/span> provide a more steady action by increasing the levels of the <\/span>neurotransmitter<\/span> serotonin<\/span> in the spaces between nerve cells. Of course, no perfect option exists, so you should understand the detailed pros and cons.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Compare Xanax (alprazolam) alternatives<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Drug name<\/b><\/td>\nUses<\/b><\/td>\nDosage<\/b><\/td>\nSavings options<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Xanax<\/span> (<\/span>alprazolam<\/span>)<\/span><\/td>\nGeneralized anxiety disorder<\/span>, <\/span>panic disorder<\/span><\/td>\n0.25 to 0.5 mg three times daily<\/span><\/td>\nXanax<\/span> coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Klonopin<\/span> (<\/span>clonazepam<\/span>)<\/span><\/td>\nPanic disorder<\/span>, seizure disorder, anxiety (<\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/td>\n0.25 to 0.5 mg three times daily<\/span><\/td>\nKlonopin<\/span> coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Ativan<\/span> (<\/span>lorazepam<\/span>)<\/span><\/td>\nAnxiety, insomnia<\/span><\/td>\n0.5 to 1 mg two to three times daily<\/span><\/td>\nAtivan<\/span> coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Valium<\/span> (<\/span>diazepam<\/span>)<\/span><\/td>\nAnxiety, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasm, seizure disorder<\/span><\/td>\n2 to 10 mg two to four times daily<\/span><\/td>\nValium<\/span> coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oxazepam<\/span><\/td>\nAnxiety, alcohol withdrawal<\/span><\/td>\n10 to 30 mg three to four times daily<\/span><\/td>\nOxazepam coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chlordiazepoxide<\/span><\/td>\nAnxiety, alcohol withdrawal<\/span><\/td>\n5 to 10 mg three to four times daily<\/span><\/td>\nChlordiazepoxide coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lexapro<\/span> (<\/span>escitalopram<\/span>)<\/span><\/td>\nMajor depressive disorder, <\/span>generalized anxiety disorder<\/span><\/td>\n10 to 20 mg once daily<\/span><\/td>\nLexapro<\/span> coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Zoloft<\/span> (<\/span>sertraline<\/span>)<\/span><\/td>\nMajor depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, <\/span>panic disorder<\/span>, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, social <\/span>anxiety disorder<\/span><\/td>\n50 to 200 mg once daily<\/span><\/td>\nZoloft<\/span> coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Celexa (citalopram)<\/span><\/td>\nMajor depressive disorder, anxiety (<\/span>off-label<\/span>)<\/span><\/td>\n20 to 40 mg once daily<\/span><\/td>\nCelexa coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Prozac<\/span> (<\/span>fluoxetine<\/span>)<\/span><\/td>\nMajor depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, <\/span>panic disorder<\/span>, bipolar 1 disorder, anxiety (<\/span>off-label<\/span>)<\/span><\/td>\n20 to 80 mg once daily for major depressive disorder<\/span><\/td>\nProzac<\/span> coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Paxil (paroxetine)<\/span><\/td>\nMajor depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, <\/span>panic disorder<\/span>, post-traumatic stress disorder, <\/span>generalized anxiety disorder<\/span>, social <\/span>anxiety disorder<\/span><\/td>\n20 to 50 mg once daily<\/span><\/td>\nPaxil coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Buspirone<\/span><\/td>\nAnxiety<\/span><\/td>\n7.5 to 10 mg two to three times daily<\/span><\/td>\nBuspirone<\/span> coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Effexor XR (venlafaxine extended-release)<\/span><\/td>\nMajor depressive disorder, <\/span>panic disorder<\/span>, <\/span>generalized anxiety disorder<\/span>, social <\/span>anxiety disorder<\/span><\/td>\n75 to 225 mg once daily<\/span><\/td>\nEffexor XR coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cymbalta (duloxetine)<\/span><\/td>\nMajor depressive disorder, <\/span>generalized anxiety disorder<\/span>, diabetic neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, chronic musculoskeletal pain\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n60 mg once daily<\/span><\/td>\nCymbalta coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hydroxyzine<\/span><\/td>\nAnxiety, pruritus (itching)<\/span><\/td>\n50 to 100 mg every 6 hours as needed<\/span><\/td>\nHydroxyzine coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Neurontin (gabapentin)<\/span><\/td>\nSeizure disorder, post-herpetic neuralgia, anxiety (<\/span>off-label<\/span>)<\/span><\/td>\n300 mg per day<\/span><\/td>\nNeurontin coupons<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Top 5 <\/span>alprazolam<\/span> alternatives<\/span><\/h2>\n

The following are some of the most common alternatives to <\/span>alprazolam<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. <\/span>Klonopin<\/span><\/h3>\n

As a fellow <\/span>benzodiazepine<\/span> (<\/span>benzo<\/span>), <\/span>Klonopin<\/span><\/a> does not escape the hazards or <\/span>side effects of Xanax<\/span>, namely the potential for abuse and <\/span>physical dependence<\/span>, as well as sedation and unsteadiness. These concerns are heightened for anyone with a history of <\/span>substance abuse<\/span> or older adults with a greater risk of falls. These agents are also best avoided with the use of concurrent opiate pain relievers due to the danger of respiratory depression (reduced breathing) and death.<\/span><\/p>\n

While <\/span>Klonopin<\/span> does not avoid these problems, it does have an advantage over how <\/span>Xanax works<\/span>. It has a longer duration of action, having a half-life of 12 to 40 hours, compared to the short-acting <\/span>benzo<\/span> Xanax,<\/span> which has a half-life of one to 12 hours. The longer-lasting effects can provide a more steady degree of anxiety relief and reduce the chance of withdrawal when stopping. Keep in mind that <\/span>common <\/span>side effects<\/span><\/a> could last longer as well, though.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Klonopin vs. Xanax: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

2. <\/span>Zoloft<\/span><\/h3>\n

A classic <\/span>SSRI<\/span>, <\/span>Zoloft<\/span><\/a> remains a common <\/span>first-line choice for anxiety<\/span><\/a> treatment. <\/span>SSRIs<\/span> are a type of <\/span>antidepressant<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>anti-anxiety medication<\/span>. They are not <\/span>habit-forming<\/span>, are not controlled substances, and provide an excellent long-term treatment option for anxiety. They have less risk for dependence and <\/span>drowsiness<\/span> compared to <\/span>Xanax<\/span>. However, like other <\/span>SSRIs<\/span>, <\/span>Zoloft<\/span> can be associated with <\/span>side effects<\/span><\/a> such as <\/span>weight gain<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>sexual dysfunction<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Expense is generally not a problem within the <\/span>SSRI<\/span> or <\/span>benzodiazepine<\/span> categories since most members have a generic version available. For added savings, show your <\/span>SingleCare discount card<\/span><\/a> to your <\/span>pharmacist<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another feature to understand about <\/span>SSRI<\/span> use for anxiety compared to <\/span>benzos<\/span> is the slower onset of action. Full effectiveness for <\/span>SSRIs<\/span> can take six to eight weeks as opposed to a matter of hours for <\/span>benzos<\/span>. The added safety of <\/span>Zoloft<\/span> and other <\/span>SSRIs<\/span> comes at the cost of requiring your patience in getting relief.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Zoloft vs. Xanax: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

3. Cymbalta<\/span><\/h3>\n

Strong arguments abound for avoiding <\/span>benzodiazepines<\/span>, and <\/span>SSRIs<\/span> have good reasons to be the go-to drug class for most cases of anxiety. However, there is a chance you may not like either, and an <\/span>SNRI<\/span><\/a> antidepressant<\/span>\/anti-anxiety<\/span><\/a> drug like <\/span>Cymbalta<\/span><\/a> could be preferable. <\/span>SNRIs<\/span> avoid the controlled substance designation and provide a long-acting steady state of relief. A lower risk than most <\/span>SSRIs<\/span> of sexual dysfunction and weight gain could be appealing, too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Cymbalta vs. Zoloft: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

4. <\/span>Buspirone<\/span><\/h3>\n

Buspirone<\/span><\/a> is a partial agonist at certain <\/span>serotonin<\/span> receptors<\/span>, and as a serotonergic drug, it has utility in anxiety treatment. Like <\/span>Xanax<\/span>, it can be used alongside an <\/span>SSRI<\/span> or <\/span>SNRI<\/span> for additional benefit if the <\/span>SSRI<\/span> or <\/span>SNRI<\/span> alone is not providing complete resolution of the <\/span>symptoms of anxiety<\/span>. <\/span>Buspirone<\/span> augmentation in this manner is often preferable to a <\/span>benzodiazepine<\/span> due to the lower abuse and sedation risk. Once again, your patience may be tested, however, since <\/span>buspirone<\/span> does not act as quickly as <\/span>benzos<\/span>. Another potential problem is <\/span>serotonin syndrome<\/span><\/a> from too much serotonin activity when using buspirone, SSRI, or SNRIs alone or in combination.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Buspirone vs. Xanax: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

5. Hydroxyzine<\/span><\/h3>\n

Fast-acting and short-lasting effectiveness is a hallmark of <\/span>hydroxyzine<\/span><\/a>, making it similar to <\/span>Xanax<\/span> in these ways, but hydroxyzine produces anxiety relief via an antihistamine action. It is not a controlled substance like <\/span>Xanax,<\/span> however, so it could be a more appealing <\/span>short-term<\/span> or as-needed option in conjunction with an <\/span>SSRI<\/span> or <\/span>SNRI<\/span>. The primary problems with hydroxyzine are its potential for troublesome sedation and <\/span>prolongation of the QT interval, particularly when combined with other medications<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/b> Vistaril vs. Xanax: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Natural alternatives<\/span> to <\/span>alprazolam<\/span><\/h2>\n

You might also be interested in over-the-counter<\/span> (OTC) <\/span>supplements<\/span>. <\/span>L-theanine<\/span>, for example, is derived from <\/span>green tea<\/span> extract and has been used for anxiety, although studies have thus far found both <\/span>negative<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>positive<\/span><\/a> results. <\/span>Ashwagandha<\/span> is another extract used for anxiety, with some successful <\/span>clinical trials<\/span><\/a>, although the data is limited.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to switch to an <\/span>alprazolam<\/span> alternative<\/span><\/h2>\n

Whether you are considering an OTC <\/span>supplement<\/span> or a different <\/span>prescription drug<\/span> in place of <\/span>alprazolam<\/span>, you can now feel better prepared to get <\/span>medical advice<\/span> from your <\/span>mental health<\/span> provider. This is the necessary next step because you certainly should not make any changes on your own. The risks of <\/span>withdrawal symptoms<\/span> and adverse effects are too great. Instead, schedule a time to speak to the prescribing <\/span>healthcare<\/span> professional about your concerns and ideas. Jointly, the best plan for your anxiety management can be established, whether it involves <\/span>alprazolam<\/span> or a different option.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

For reasons both good and bad, Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, has been a widely known anxiety medication for many years. A rapid onset of action and effectiveness have brought cheers, but the jeers are every bit as loud based on the potential for sedation, addiction, and withdrawal. These negative attributes are why healthcare […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":133,"featured_media":58842,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4589],"tags":[9777],"coauthors":[20732],"class_list":["post-58839","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drug-info","tag-anxiety","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nTop Xanax (alprazolam) alternatives and how to switch your Rx<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Klonopin, Zoloft, Cymbalta, Buspirone, and hydroxyzine are some alprazolam alternatives. 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The potential for <\/span>side effects<\/span> with <\/span>alprazolam<\/span>, other <\/span>benzodiazepines<\/span>, or other anxiolytic drug categories could be a compelling reason for you to look for other solutions. Counseling, specifically <\/span>cognitive behavioral therapy<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>CBT<\/span>), can be a worthwhile non-pharmacologic approach to anxiety treatment. <\/span>CBT<\/span> can stand alone or be used adjunctively along with meds. <\/span>Meditation<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>yoga<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Tai Chi<\/span><\/a> can be helpful too. <\/span>Exercise<\/span><\/a> is even a simple but effective measure of anxiety relief.<\/span><\/p>\n