{"id":629170,"date":"2024-08-01T11:57:37","date_gmt":"2024-08-01T15:57:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=629170"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:49:43","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:49:43","slug":"hydroxyzine-vs-xanax","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/hydroxyzine-vs-xanax\/","title":{"rendered":"Hydroxyzine and Xanax: Uses, differences, and side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hydroxyzine and Xanax are medications used to treat anxiety and other conditions. Hydroxyzine is classified as an antihistamine and works by blocking histamine receptors. This drug also has sedative properties, exerting a calming effect on the central nervous system. Xanax contains the active ingredient alprazolam and is classified as a benzodiazepine medicine. It works by<\/span> enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical in the brain that helps calm nervous system activity and reduce anxiety. Continue reading to learn more about hydroxyzine and Xanax for mental health. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

Hydroxyzine<\/span><\/a>, an <\/span>antihistamine<\/span><\/a>, is commonly known by the brand names of Atarax (hydroxyzine hydrochloride) and Vistaril (hydroxyzine pamoate), although Atarax is no longer available as a brand-name drug. According to the <\/span>Prescribers’ Digital Reference (<\/span>PDR<\/span><\/a>), both forms of hydroxyzine (hydroxyzine hydrochloride and hydroxyzine pamoate) are considered <\/span>equivalent<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

Xanax<\/span><\/a> is a <\/span>benzodiazepine<\/span><\/a>. It is a brand-name medication, and the generic is called alprazolam. Xanax is a <\/span>controlled substance<\/span><\/a>, which means it has the potential for abuse and dependence. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Main differences between hydroxyzine and Xanax<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nHydroxyzine <\/b><\/td>\nXanax<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nAntihistamine<\/span><\/td>\nBenzodiazepine;<\/span><\/p>\n

Anxiolytic <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand and generic<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Controlled substance?<\/b><\/td>\nNo <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/b><\/p>\n

Or<\/b><\/p>\n

What is the brand name?<\/b><\/td>\n

Common brand names include Atarax (no longer available in the U.S.) and Vistaril<\/span><\/td>\nThe generic name is alprazolam<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nOral capsule (hydroxyzine pamoate): <\/b>25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral tablet (hydroxyzine hydrochloride): <\/b>10 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral solution (liquid):<\/b> 10 mg per 5 mL<\/span><\/p>\n

Injection <\/span><\/td>\n

Oral tablet:<\/b> 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral extended-release tablets:<\/b> 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg<\/span><\/p>\n

Orally disintegrating tablet:<\/b> 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral solution (liquid):<\/b> 1 mg per mL<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/a>: a typical dose for anxiety in adults is 50 to 100 mg by mouth every 6 hours as needed<\/span><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/a>: a typical dose for anxiety in adults is 0.25 to 0.5 mg by mouth 3 times daily as needed<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nVaries <\/span><\/td>\nVaries <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults and children <\/span><\/td>\nAdults <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by hydroxyzine and Xanax <\/span><\/h2>\n

Hydroxyzine<\/span><\/a> is used to relieve anxiety and tension. It can also treat itching from allergic conditions such as chronic urticaria (<\/span>h<\/span><\/a>ives). Hydroxyzine can also be used as a sedative before or after a procedure or surgery. It is sometimes used <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> (for uses the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved) for other uses, such as short-term treatment of insomnia or to relieve seasonal allergy symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Xanax<\/span><\/a> is an anxiety medication. It is used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (<\/span>anxiety<\/span><\/a>) in adults. It can also be used to treat panic disorder (an anxiety disorder that causes frequent and unexpected panic attacks) with or without <\/span>agoraphobia<\/span><\/a> in adults. Agoraphobia is the intense fear of being in a situation where it might be difficult to escape or get help. Xanax is sometimes used off-label for other conditions, such as <\/span>premenstrual dysphoric disorder (<\/span>PMDD<\/span><\/a>). <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Conditions treated by hydroxyzine vs. Xanax<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Condition*<\/b><\/td>\nHydroxyzine<\/b><\/td>\nXanax<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Anxiety <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Itching due to allergic conditions<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\nNo <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sedative before or after surgery or a procedure<\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\nOff-label <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Panic disorder <\/span><\/td>\nNo <\/span><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

*<\/span>See more specific descriptions above table<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

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

When comparing hydroxyzine to Xanax for anxiety symptoms, which is better? There is a lack of data comparing the two drugs directly. <\/span>One study<\/span><\/a> looked at hydroxyzine versus Xanax as a premedication before surgery. This particular study found Xanax to be more effective than hydroxyzine for decreasing anxiety before a procedure. <\/span><\/p>\n

Clinical guidelines<\/span><\/a> for the diagnosis and management of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults note that hydroxyzine is considered a second-choice treatment for anxiety rather than a first choice. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants (<\/span>SSRIs<\/span><\/a>), however, are considered a first choice in treating anxiety and panic disorder. The guidelines note that benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, are effective for anxiety. Still, there are problems with tolerance, dependence, and side effects, and even when used in combination with an antidepressant, they do not improve long-term outcomes. Therefore, benzodiazepines are generally recommended for short-term use rather than long-term use.<\/span><\/p>\n

Experts also note that therapy—such as cognitive behavioral therapy—is considered as effective as medication for anxiety and panic disorder. A combination of therapy, medication, and other measures, such as physical activity and relaxation techniques, may be the best option for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Both drugs take a similar amount of time to start working if that is a deciding factor, although Xanax may begin to work slightly faster. Hydroxyzine starts working quickly, within 15 to 60 minutes, as does Xanax, which starts working in 15 to 30 minutes. <\/span><\/p>\n

Various considerations must be taken into account when determining the best medication for an individual. Only your healthcare professional can determine which medicine is appropriate for you, taking many individual factors into account, such as your health conditions, medical history (including history of substance abuse), possible adverse effects and drug interactions, and other precautions. Consult your healthcare provider for medical advice about your condition and treatment. <\/span><\/p>\n

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

Insurance and Medicare prescription plans generally cover hydroxyzine as well as generic formulations of Xanax. Brand-name Xanax may not be covered, or the <\/span>out-of-pocket<\/span><\/a> costs will generally be higher if it is covered.<\/span><\/p>\n

For patients paying without insurance, a typical prescription of hydroxyzine costs around $35. However, a free <\/span>SingleCare discount<\/span><\/a> can decrease the price to as low as $3.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are paying without insurance for brand-name Xanax, a typical prescription will cost about $257, but using a free <\/span>SingleCare discount<\/span><\/a> and filling your prescription for generic alprazolam can reduce the price to as low as $5.<\/span><\/p>\n

As plans vary, you can contact your insurance provider for specific coverage information and out-of-pocket costs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Cost differences between hydroxyzine and Xanax<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nHydroxyzine<\/b><\/td>\nXanax<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\nYes (generic)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nYes <\/span><\/td>\nYes (generic)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/b><\/td>\n#30, 25 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n#30, 0.5 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Medicare copay<\/b><\/td>\nVaries <\/span><\/td>\nVaries <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\n$3<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n$5<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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

Common <\/span>side effects of hydroxyzine<\/span><\/a> include:<\/span><\/p>\n