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Compare Librium vs. Xanax

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

Key takeaways

Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and alprazolam (Xanax) are both benzodiazepines used to treat anxiety, but they have some key differences. Chlordiazepoxide is used for short-term relief of anxiety symptoms and alcohol withdrawal, while alprazolam is approved for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. Chlordiazepoxide takes up to 4 hours to reach maximum levels in your blood and can stay in your system for over 10 days, whereas alprazolam starts working within 30 minutes and typically clears out in 2-3 days. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics, while alprazolam is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms. Both medications can cause drowsiness and confusion, but alprazolam has a higher incidence of memory problems and other side effects like irritability and appetite changes. Both should be used short-term due to the risk of addiction and withdrawal symptoms, and neither is recommended during pregnancy.

  • Chlordiazepoxide
    Alprazolam (Xanax)
  • Chlordiazepoxide
    Alprazolam (Xanax)

  • Summary of Librium vs. Xanax

    Summary for Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Chlordiazepoxide is used for the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. It can also prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms, like seizures. This medication has a risk of addiction, so it's classified as a schedule IV controlled substance. Your dose will depend on the reason why you're using it, your age, and your other health conditions. Some possible side effects of chlordiazepoxide include drowsiness, trouble with balance and movement, and confusion. Chlordiazepoxide comes as a capsule, and is available as a brand name and a lower-cost generic.

    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 Librium vs. Xanax

    Indications for
    •Alcohol withdrawal
    •Preoperative anxiety and anxiety disorders
    Indications for
    •Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
    •Panic disorder

  • Pros and Cons of Librium vs. Xanax

    Pros and Const for Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •A first-choice treatment option for alcohol withdrawal
    •Can be used in children age 6 and older
    •Dose can be adjusted by your provider based on your response
    Cons
    •Controlled medication due to the risk of addiction, misuse, and dependence
    •Risk of more side effects in older adults
    •Can cause withdrawal if suddenly stopped
    •Should only be used short-term
    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 Librium vs. Xanax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Confusion
    •Loss of coordination (clumsiness)
    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 Librium vs. Xanax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risks while also taking opioids
    •Potential for addiction, misuse, dependence, and withdrawal
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Harm to babies
    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 Librium vs. Xanax

    Learn more about Chlordiazepoxide
    Learn more about Alprazolam

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