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Compare Dayvigo vs. Xanax

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

Key takeaways

Dayvigo (lemborexant) and Xanax (alprazolam) are both medications that can help with sleep issues, but they are different in their uses and how they work. Dayvigo is an orexin receptor antagonist used to treat insomnia by helping you fall asleep and stay asleep. Xanax, on the other hand, is a benzodiazepine primarily used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. Dayvigo is taken once at bedtime, while Xanax can be taken three times a day. Xanax also comes as an extended-release tablet, taken once a day (Xanax XR). Dayvigo does not have a generic version available, whereas Xanax does. Common side effects of Dayvigo include sleepiness and headaches, while Xanax can cause drowsiness, memory problems, and confusion. Both medications are controlled substances due to the risk of misuse. Additionally, you should avoid alcohol with both medications, but Xanax has more interactions with other medications, such as opioids and certain antifungals.

  • Dayvigo (lemborexant)
    Alprazolam (Xanax)
  • Dayvigo (lemborexant)
    Alprazolam (Xanax)

  • Summary of Dayvigo vs. Xanax

    Summary for Orexin receptor antagonist
    Prescription only

    Dayvigo (lemborexant) CIV is a medication that's used to help adults who have trouble falling or staying asleep (insomnia). This sleep medication belongs to the drug class called orexin receptor antagonists. The typical dosage for the Dayvigo (lemborexant) tablets is 5 mg or 10 mg that's taken by mouth right before bedtime. You should take the medication only if you know you can get at least 7 hours of sleep before you need to wake up the next day. Common side effects include sleepiness and headache. Dayvigo (lemborexant) is a controlled substance because it has a risk for misuse.

    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 Dayvigo vs. Xanax

    Indications for
    •Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia)
    Indications for
    •Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
    •Panic disorder

  • Pros and Cons of Dayvigo vs. Xanax

    Pros and Const for Orexin receptor antagonist
    Pros
    •Can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer
    •Taken right before you plan to go to sleep
    •Not likely to cause withdrawal if you stop taking the medication suddenly
    Cons
    •Can cause daytime sleepiness, especially if you get less than the recommended 7 hours of sleep after you take the medication
    •Not recommended for people with severe liver problems
    •Not known if it's safe or if it works well for children
    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 Dayvigo vs. Xanax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling sleepy or tired (up to 10%)
    •Headache (up to 6%)
    •Nightmares or unusual dreams (up to 2%)
    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 Dayvigo vs. Xanax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Daytime sleepiness
    •Suicidal thoughts and behaviors or worsening depression
    •Sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and cataplexy-like symptoms
    •Abnormal sleep behaviors
    •Use with caution in people with breathing problems
    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 Dayvigo vs. Xanax

    Learn more about Dayvigo
    Learn more about Alprazolam

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