{"id":630682,"date":"2024-12-10T10:43:44","date_gmt":"2024-12-10T15:43:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630682"},"modified":"2026-01-28T13:58:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T18:58:08","slug":"trazodone-vs-xanax","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/trazodone-vs-xanax\/","title":{"rendered":"Trazodone vs. Xanax: Key differences, uses, and side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"

Trazodone<\/span><\/a> and Xanax (alprazolam) are two commonly prescribed medications that treat mental health conditions, but they are not the same. Trazodone is an <\/span>antidepressant<\/span><\/a> and is classified as a serotonin modulator. Trazodone works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. On the other hand, <\/span>Xanax<\/span><\/a> is a brand name drug, with the generic name alprazolam. Xanax is part of the <\/span>benzodiazepine<\/span><\/a> class of drugs. It is used for various <\/span>anxiety conditions<\/span><\/a>. Xanax works by calming brain activity. Xanax enhances the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, which helps reduce anxiety and also has sedative effects. Continue reading to learn more about these medications, including their uses, side effects, drug interactions, and other important information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Trazodone<\/span><\/a> is a generic medication and is available in the form of an oral tablet. The brand name, Desyrel, is no longer available in the United States. <\/span>Xanax<\/span><\/a> is a brand-name drug. Its generic is called alprazolam. It is available in several forms, including oral immediate-release and extended-release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and liquid. Xanax is classified by the DEA as a <\/span>Schedule IV<\/span><\/a> controlled substance<\/span><\/a> because it has potential for abuse and dependence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Main differences of trazodone versus Xanax<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nTrazodone<\/b><\/td>\nXanax<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nSerotonin modulator (also known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor\/serotonin antagonist)<\/span><\/td>\nBenzodiazepine\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nGeneric\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic<\/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

The brand name, Desyrel, is no longer available<\/span><\/td>\nThe generic name is alprazolam<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nOral tablet<\/span><\/td>\nOral tablet<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral extended-release tablet<\/span><\/p>\n

Orally disintegrating tablet<\/span><\/p>\n

Oral solution (liquid)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nA typical starting dose is 150 mg by mouth daily in divided doses, such as 50 mg 3 times daily. The healthcare provider may gradually increase the dose as needed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some patients are prescribed a once daily dose of 25 mg to 150 mg at bedtime.<\/span><\/td>\n

Varies; a typical dose is 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg by mouth 3 times daily as needed<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nLong-term use<\/span><\/td>\nVaries (sometimes short-term use, or longer use under close medical supervision)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nAdults\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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

Trazodone is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder, or <\/span>depression<\/span><\/a>. Sometimes, healthcare providers prescribe trazodone for <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> uses (non FDA approved uses), such as <\/span>insomnia<\/span><\/a> (trouble sleeping), anxiety, <\/span>Alzheimer\u2019s disease<\/span><\/a>, substance use disorder, <\/span>bulimia<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>fibromyalgia<\/span><\/a>, or <\/span>post-traumatic stress disorder<\/span><\/a> (PTSD).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Xanax is FDA-approved for the acute treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. It can also be used to treat panic disorder with or without <\/span>agoraphobia<\/span><\/a>. Panic disorder is a condition where you have frequent, unexpected panic attacks. Agoraphobia is a fear of situations or places that may cause feelings of panic, embarrassment, or helplessness. Xanax is sometimes prescribed <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> for insomnia, premenstrual syndrome, or depression.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

It is difficult to compare trazodone and Xanax directly. They have different FDA-approved uses, so clinical trials have not studied these drugs head to head. A small <\/span>1986 study<\/span><\/a> compared Xanax and trazodone (along with a tricyclic antidepressant called imipramine) for panic disorder. The study found that Xanax was effective for panic disorder, while trazodone was not. However, trazodone is not typically used for panic disorder, so this study may not apply to real-world situations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As with all drugs that go through the FDA approval process, trazodone and Xanax have been extensively studied for safety and effectiveness. For the drugs to be approved, the pharmaceutical manufacturers had to prove they were safe and effective. Trazodone has been shown to be effective for depression, and Xanax has been shown to be effective for anxiety and panic disorder. However, we cannot compare the two drugs directly, as they are used for different conditions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The most effective treatment for you should only be determined by a healthcare provider, who can weigh the risks vs benefits of each drug and take into account individual factors such as your symptoms, medical conditions, and other medications you are taking that may interact with trazodone or Xanax. Additionally, your healthcare provider may recommend other non-medicinal treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques.<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Most insurance and Medicare prescription plans cover trazodone. For a typical prescription of trazodone, people who pay out of pocket would pay about $34. You can use a <\/span>free SingleCare discount<\/span><\/a> to pay as low as $4 per prescription.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most insurance plans cover alprazolam, which is <\/span>generic Xanax<\/span><\/a>. Some plans may cover the brand name, but may charge a higher copay or coinsurance. A typical Xanax prescription without insurance may cost around $257 for the brand name, but with a <\/span>free SingleCare discount<\/span><\/a> for generic alprazolam, you can pay as low as $8 for your prescription.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Trazodone vs. Xanax costs<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nTrazodone<\/b><\/td>\nXanax<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes (generic)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes (generic)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/b><\/td>\n#30, 50 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n#30, 0.5 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Medicare copay<\/b><\/td>\n$0-11<\/span><\/td>\n$0-20 (for generic)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\n$4+<\/span><\/td>\n$8+<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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

The most <\/span>common side effects<\/span><\/a> of trazodone include:<\/span><\/p>\n