Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Ambien vs. Xanax

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Zolpidem (Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar) and Alprazolam (Xanax) are prescription medications that have some similarities, but work to treat different conditions. Zolpidem is used to treat insomnia (sleep difficulty) by slowing down your brain activity and is taken once daily at bedtime. Alprazolam, on the other hand, is used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic attacks. It relaxes your mood by affecting certain brain chemicals and is typically taken three times a day. Both medications are controlled substances with a risk of misuse and dependence. Zolpidem is specifically known for causing abnormal sleep behaviors like sleepwalking and sleep driving. Alprazolam can cause drowsiness and memory problems and should not be taken with alcohol due to serious interaction risks. Both medications are available as a cost-saving generic and have formulations for people who have trouble swallowing pills.

  • Zolpidem
    Alprazolam (Xanax)
  • Zolpidem
    Alprazolam (Xanax)

  • Summary of Ambien vs. Xanax

    Summary for GABA A receptor positive modulator
    Prescription only

    Zolpidem is a sleeping pill used to treat insomnia, a condition where you have trouble falling or staying asleep. The dose is typically taken at bedtime to help you sleep. Since it's a controlled substance, it has a risk of misuse and dependency. Zolpidem should only be taken for a short period of time, especially since the medication can cause side effects like dizziness, daytime sleepiness, sleepwalking, or sleep driving. It comes as an oral tablet or capsule that you swallow and a sublingual tablet that you place under your tongue.

    Summary for Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Alprazolam (Xanax) is a benzodiazepine. It's approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic attacks in adults. It's taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day or as directed by your healthcare team. To avoid the risk of dependence, alprazolam (Xanax) is meant for short-term treatment only. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include drowsiness and memory problems. You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking alprazolam (Xanax) because this can lead to serious interactions.

  • Indications of Ambien vs. Xanax

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
    •Waking up in the middle of the night - certain sublingual tablets only
    Indications for
    •Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
    •Panic disorder

  • Pros and Cons of Ambien vs. Xanax

    Pros and Const for GABA A receptor positive modulator
    Pros
    •Works quickly within 15 to 30 minutes to help you feel sleepy
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Comes in multiple strengths which can be helpful to determine the right dose for you
    •Available as a tablet that dissolves under your tongue if you have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Can only be used for short-term treatment of insomnia
    •Has a serious risk of nighttime sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking, sleep driving, or sleep eating
    •Can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, such as stomach cramps, sweating, or vomiting, when stopped suddenly
    •Is a controlled substance with a risk of misuse and dependence
    Pros and Const for Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Can start to work in 30 minutes
    •Available as quick-dissolving tablets or liquid for people who have trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Can cause memory problems, drowsiness, and confusion
    •Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms
    •Not preferred during pregnancy

  • Common Side Effects of Ambien vs. Xanax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (7%)
    •Sleepiness (2%)
    •Dizziness (1%)
    •Diarrhea (1%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Generalized anxiety disorder:

    •Drowsiness (41%)
    •Lightheadedness (21%)
    •Dry mouth (15%)

    Panic disorder:

    •Drowsiness (77%)
    •Fatigue (49%)
    •Poor coordination (40%)
    •Memory issues (33%)
    •Irritability (33%)
    •Appetite changes (28-33%)
    •Thinking problems (29%)
    •Constipation (26%)

    Side effects listed are for the immediate-release forms. Side effects for extended-release form might differ.

  • Warnings of Ambien vs. Xanax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Abnormal sleep behaviors
    •Daytime sleepiness and lowered alertness
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Abnormal thoughts, behavior changes, and depression
    •Slowed breathing
    •Liver damage in people with liver problems
    •Withdrawal symptoms
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sedation and difficulty breathing
    •Potential for misuse, addiction, dependence, and withdrawal
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Harm to babies
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Use with caution in people with depression

  • Prices with our coupons for Ambien vs. Xanax

    Learn more about Zolpidem
    Learn more about Alprazolam

Compare other Insomnia and Anxiety drugs

Ambien vs BelsomraAmbien vs MelatoninAmbien vs RozeremAmbien vs ValiumAmbien vs XanaxRestoril vs AmbienSeroquel vs AmbienTriazolam vs AmbienVistaril vs AmbienAtarax vs ValiumAtivan vs ValiumFlexeril vs ValiumLibrium vs ValiumOleptro vs ValiumProzac vs ValiumRobaxin vs ValiumSonata vs ValiumTizanidine vs ValiumValium vs ChlordiazepoxideValium vs GablofenValium vs KlonopinValium vs NeurontinValium vs NorflexValium vs NorgesicValium vs OxazepamValium vs TegretolValium vs TriazolamValium vs UnisomValium vs XanaxZoloft vs Valium
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.