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Estazolam vs. Alprazolam

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

Estazolam

(Prosom)

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Alprazolam

(Xanax)

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Summary for Estazolam

Prescription only

Estazolam (Prosom) is a sleeping pill that can help adults with insomnia fall asleep and stay asleep. It's a benzodiazepine medication that's not a first-choice treatment option for trouble sleeping, and it's only meant for short-term use since it can be habit-forming. It comes as a tablet that you take by mouth right before you get into bed. It's only available as a generic since the brand-name medication, Prosom, is no longer on the market. In addition to causing sleepiness, other common side effects can include headache, weakness, and nervousness.

Indications for Estazolam

Pros and Cons for Estazolam

Pros

  • Helps you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night
  • Available as a lower-cost generic medication
  • Don't need to take every day for it to work well

Cons

  • Is a controlled substance, so there is a risk for misuse and dependency
  • Can cause sleep-driving or unusual behaviors during sleep
  • Might not be safe in older adults since it raises the risk of falls

Common Side Effects for Estazolam

  • Sleepiness (42%)
  • Headache (16%)
  • Weakness (11%)
  • Slow muscle movement (8%)
  • Nervousness (8%)
  • Dizziness (7%)
  • General discomfort (5%)

Warnings for Estazolam

  • Sedation and difficulty breathing
  • Misuse, dependence, and withdrawal
  • Effect on driving and concentration
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Abnormal behaviors during sleep
  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Summary for Alprazolam

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 Alprazolam

Pros and Cons for Alprazolam

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 Alprazolam

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 Alprazolam

  • 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 Estazolam vs. Alprazolam

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Estazolam30 tablets / 2mg
$27.90$161.02
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Alprazolam30 tablets / 0.5mg
$10.70$13.27
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