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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

 

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Alprazolam

(Xanax)

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Summary for Ambien

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.

Indications for Ambien

Pros and Cons for Ambien

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

Common Side Effects for Ambien

  • Headache (7%)
  • Sleepiness (2%)
  • Dizziness (1%)
  • Diarrhea (1%)

Warnings for Ambien

  • 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

Summary for Xanax

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 for Xanax

Pros and Cons for Xanax

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

Common Side Effects for Xanax

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 for Xanax

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Zolpidem30 tablets / 10mg
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Alprazolam30 tablets / 0.5mg
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