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Compare Catapres-TTS vs. Xanax

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

Key takeaways

Clonidine (Catapres, Nexiclon XR) and Alprazolam (Xanax) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Clonidine is an alpha agonist used to treat high blood pressure and is available in oral and topical forms. It is not a controlled medication and can be taken as a generic. On the other hand, Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance and is only available by prescription. Clonidine works by lowering the activity of stress hormones to reduce blood pressure, while Alprazolam affects brain chemicals to relieve anxiety. Clonidine can cause side effects like dry mouth and dizziness, and it can lead to dangerously high blood pressure if stopped suddenly. Alprazolam can cause drowsiness and memory problems, and it has a high risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms. Both medications should be used with caution, especially in older adults and those with other health conditions.

  • Clonidine
    Alprazolam (Xanax)
  • Clonidine
    Alprazolam (Xanax)

  • Summary of Catapres-TTS vs. Xanax

    Summary for Alpha agonist
    Prescription only

    Clonidine is a prescription medication that can be used to treat high blood pressure. It comes in 3 forms: topical patch, immediate-release tablet, and extended-release tablet. Clonidine usually isn't a first-choice option to treat high blood pressure because it can cause "rebound hypertension" (sudden rise in blood pressure) when the medication is suddenly stopped. Clonidine also isn't recommended for older adults since it can raise the risk for falls.

    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 Catapres-TTS vs. Xanax

    Indications for
    •High blood pressure
    Indications for
    •Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
    •Panic disorder

  • Pros and Cons of Catapres-TTS vs. Xanax

    Pros and Const for Alpha agonist
    Pros
    •Can be take along with other other blood pressure medications to help manage blood pressure
    •Available in a once-weekly patch for people who can't take medicine by mouth
    •Immediate-release tablets and patches available as lower-cost generics
    Cons
    •Taking it with alcohol can cause excessive sleepiness
    •Can raise the risk for falls in older adults
    •Can cause dangerously high blood pressure if stopped too suddenly or if a dose is missed
    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 Catapres-TTS vs. Xanax

    Common Side Effects for

    The following side effects are those reported with immediate-release clonidine:

    •Dry mouth (40%)
    •Drowsiness (33%)
    •Dizziness (16%)
    •Constipation (10%)
    •Feeling low energy (10%)

    Please note: Side effects for Nexiclon XR are similar to that of immediate-release clonidine

    The following side effects are those reported with clonidine patch:

    •Itchy rash (26%)
    •Dry mouth (25%)
    •Drowsiness (12%)
    •Blisters (7%)
    •Feeling tired (6%)
    •Headache (5%)
    •Skin becomes darker (5%)
    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 Catapres-TTS vs. Xanax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Withdrawal
    •Sleepiness and dizziness
    •Heart problem
    •Skin reactions (clonidine patches)
    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 Catapres-TTS vs. Xanax

    Learn more about Clonidine
    Learn more about Alprazolam

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