Xanax generic availability, cost, and dosage

In this article:

• Xanax generic
• Brand-name vs. generic Xanax
• Cost
• Off-label uses
• How to swtich
• FAQs
• Expert takeaway

In this article

• Xanax generic
• Brand-name vs. generic Xanax
• Cost
• Off-label uses
• How to swtich
• FAQs
• Expert takeaway

Xanax is a brand-name anti-anxiety medication commonly prescribed to adults with anxiety or generalized anxiety disorder. Xanax can also be used to treat panic disorder in adults. Xanax contains the active ingredient alprazolam. 

Xanax is classified as a benzodiazepine drug. It works by binding to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, producing a calming and sedating effect. Xanax is a controlled substance and has the potential for abuse, misuse, and physical dependence.

Xanax was initially approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1981 and is still popular today. Although many individuals refer to Xanax as a brand-name medication, a Xanax generic is available. The generic name is alprazolam, and it can be found at pharmacies across the U.S. As of 2023, alprazolam is the 37th most prescribed medication in the country. Continue reading to learn more about Xanax and its generic, alprazolam.

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Xanax 1 mg (90 Tablets)

23666 - Hampton, VA

$10.11

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$10.11

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Is there a generic for Xanax?

Yes, generic Xanax is called alprazolam, and it is widely available. Alprazolam is much more commonly dispensed in pharmacies than brand-name Xanax, and for good reason—generic drugs such as alprazolam are just as safe and effective as their brand-name counterparts, yet they cost up to 80% less. There is not just one generic version of Xanax, as generics are produced by multiple manufacturers, such as Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Teva, and others.

If your healthcare provider prescribes Xanax, your pharmacist will likely dispense alprazolam, unless you or your healthcare provider specifically request the brand name.

What are the differences between brand-name and generic Xanax?

New brand-name drugs undergo extensive testing before being approved by the FDA. Generic drug manufacturers are held to the same strict manufacturing standards. Because the brand-name drug has been thoroughly tested, generic manufacturers do not have to perform as many clinical trials. However, they must prove that their generic formulation is just as safe and effective as the brand and has the same effect in the body. Generics may look different from the brand name, but they contain the same active ingredient and work the same way. You’ll find a significant cost difference, as generics can cost up to 80% less than brands.

Appearance

Different generic manufacturers produce Xanax generics, which may result in slight differences in appearance. Despite any differences in the pill appearance, such as different colors or shapes, alprazolam and Xanax work the same way and have the same effect. 

Dosage forms

Regardless of whether you get brand-name or generic Xanax, both are prescribed at the same dosage and frequency. Brand-name and generic Xanax are available in several dosage forms, including:

• Xanax (alprazolam) immediate-release tablet: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
• Xanax XR (alprazolam) extended-release tablet: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg
• Alprazolam orally disintegrating tablet: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
• Alprazolam oral solution: 1 mg per mL

The immediate-release alprazolam tablets are commonly dispensed in pharmacies. A common dosage is 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg by mouth 3 times daily as needed for anxiety. However, dosage and frequency vary from person to person.

Bioequivalence

Generic and brand-name drugs contain the same active ingredients and have the same FDA-approved uses. Generics offer significant cost savings, and most patients opt for generics and find them just as effective as the brand. After all, the FDA does require the generic to be bioequivalent to the brand. Bioequivalence means that the generic drug results in the same blood concentrations over the same time as the brand. 

The following table summarizes important information about Xanax and its generic, alprazolam. You can consult your healthcare provider for more information and medical advice about Xanax and generic alprazolam, including information about possible side effects, drug interactions, and other important warnings. It is important to share all of your medical information with your healthcare provider, including any health conditions you have, as well as all the medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements. This helps your healthcare provider screen for drug interactions. 

How much is generic Xanax?

There is a significant price difference between brand-name and generic Xanax if you pay out of pocket. For example, a common prescription would cost $1,036 for 90, 1 mg tablets of brand-name Xanax. But, if you choose generic alprazolam, you could pay as low as $10 for the same prescription medication at Kroger or Harris Teeter with a SingleCare discount. Even if you have an insurance plan, the price for generic alprazolam should be much less than for brand-name Xanax. 

You can check SingleCare for coupons for your prescription. Once you land on your prescription page, remember to click the drop-down menu to select your medication (brand or generic), dosage, and quantity, and find a local pharmacy that accepts SingleCare discounts.

What are the off-label uses for Xanax?

Sometimes, healthcare professionals prescribe a medication for an unapproved use. This is called off-label prescribing. Some possible uses include:

Depression

Alprazolam has been prescribed off-label for depression, but this is not a first-line (first choice) medical treatment for depression. Clinical guidelines for depression instead recommend therapy and/or an antidepressant such as an SSRI medication, like Lexapro (escitalopram) or Prozac (fluoxetine). 

Insomnia

Benzodiazepines are sometimes prescribed to adults with sleep problems because they have a relaxing, sedating effect. However, experts warn that benzodiazepines are not well studied for safety and efficacy for people who have trouble sleeping.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Although PMDD is listed as an off-label use, studies have mixed results. Because of the high risk of withdrawal reactions and adverse effects, alprazolam is not a preferred treatment for PMDD. 

Anxiety in children 7 years and older

Xanax is FDA-approved for use in adults and is not approved for use in children or adolescents under 18 years old. Thus, prescribing Xanax to someone in this age group would be considered off-label prescribing. In rare cases, some healthcare providers may prescribe Xanax off-label to children 7 years and older for short-term anxiety treatment under close supervision and careful monitoring. 

How to switch from Xanax to alprazolam

When issuing a prescription for this medication, a healthcare provider will often prescribe “Xanax.” State laws allow pharmacists to dispense the generic version of brand-name drugs, even if your prescription is written for the brand-name drug (unless you or your healthcare provider specifically request the brand). 

If you take brand-name Xanax and want to switch to generic, check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Because brand-name and generic products contain the same ingredients and dosage, switching to a generic should be a seamless transition. 

Ask your healthcare provider if it is okay for you to switch to generic Xanax. In most cases, the healthcare provider will approve the switch. Keep track of your anxiety or panic attacks, and make note of any side effects when you switch from brand to generic medication. This will help you and your provider understand how well the new medication works and make any necessary adjustments. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical advice if you have any questions or concerns about your medications. 

FAQs

Is alprazolam the same as Xanax?

Alprazolam is the generic version of Xanax, and it works the same way in the body. 

Why is generic Xanax cheaper?

Because there is more competition in the market when generics are introduced, all generic drugs are less expensive than their brand-name counterparts—often saving patients up to 80% or more off the original cost. 

Can I switch from Xanax to alprazolam? 

Switching from Xanax to alprazolam is generally easy and seamless. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist whether you can switch to a generic form of alprazolam.

Does generic alprazolam work as well as Xanax?

Yes, you should see the same results with generic alprazolam as you do with brand-name Xanax.

What does Xanax look like vs generic?

Brand-name Xanax pills have different colors based on dosage, and each tablet is stamped with “Xanax” and the dosage. There are many generic versions of generic alprazolam, so pill color, shape, and markings may vary, but they all work the same way as brand-name Xanax. 

Expert takeaway

According to the FDA, nine out of ten prescriptions in the U.S. are filled with generic drugs—they work the same and are often significantly less expensive. You can fill your Xanax prescription with generic alprazolam and be confident that it will work the same. 

The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of December 29, 2025. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our alprazolam coupon page for updated alprazolam prices near you.