Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Lyrica vs. Xanax

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

Key takeaways

Lyrica (pregabalin) and Xanax (alprazolam) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Lyrica is an antiepileptic medication used to treat nerve pain, fibromyalgia, and partial-onset seizures. It is taken 2 or 3 times a day and is available in both capsule and oral solution forms. Common side effects include dizziness and drowsiness. Xanax, on the other hand, is a benzodiazepine used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic attacks. It is typically taken 3 times a day and is available in immediate-release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and oral solution forms. Common side effects include drowsiness and memory problems. While both medications can cause drowsiness and should not be mixed with alcohol, Xanax has a higher risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms, making it suitable only for short-term use. Both Lyrica and Xanax are available in generic form.

  • Pregabalin (Lyrica)
    Alprazolam (Xanax)
  • Pregabalin (Lyrica)
    Alprazolam (Xanax)

  • Summary of Lyrica vs. Xanax

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Pregabalin (Lyrica) treats pain caused by nerve damage and fibromyalgia in adults. It can be used with other medications to prevent seizures for both adults and children. Pregabalin (Lyrica) is taken by mouth, typically 2 or 3 times a day. It's available as a capsule and oral solution. Some of the more common side effects of this medication include dizziness and drowsiness.

    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 Lyrica vs. Xanax

    Indications for
    •Nerve pain from diabetes (diabetic peripheral neuropathy), shingles (postherpetic neuralgia), or spinal cord injury
    •Fibromyalgia
    •Partial-onset seizures
    Indications for
    •Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
    •Panic disorder

  • Pros and Cons of Lyrica vs. Xanax

    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •Works well to relieve nerve pain caused by diabetes, shingles, and spinal cord injuries
    •Available in a capsule and oral solution
    •Used in combination with other anti-seizure drugs to treat partial-onset seizures
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can cause dizziness and drowsiness
    •Must avoid drinking alcohol
    •Not recommended for breastfeeding females
    •Can cause weight gain
    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 Lyrica vs. Xanax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (8-29%)
    •Drowsiness (4-16%)
    •Swelling of hands, feet, arms, or legs (4-12%)
    •Dry mouth (2-7%)
    •Weight gain (4-6%)
    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 Lyrica vs. Xanax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions and severe swelling
    •Suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Difficulty driving and concentrating
    •Breathing problems
    •Swelling in the limbs and weight gain
    •Withdrawal symptoms and risk of seizures
    •Possible risk of bleeds (from low platelet levels)
    •Possible risk of muscle breakdown
    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 Lyrica vs. Xanax

    Learn more about Pregabalin
    Learn more about Alprazolam

Compare other Epilepsy and Anxiety drugs

Cymbalta vs LyricaEffexor vs LyricaGabapentin vs LyricaLexapro vs LyricaLyrica vs DepakoteLyrica vs DesipramineLyrica vs ElavilLyrica vs LidocaineLyrica vs NeurontinLyrica vs PamelorLyrica vs PaxilLyrica vs PristiqLyrica vs RemeronLyrica vs SavellaLyrica vs UltramLyrica vs WellbutrinLyrica vs XanaxAbilify vs XanaxAdderall vs XanaxAmbien vs XanaxAmitriptyline vs XanaxAtivan vs XanaxBuspirone vs XanaxCatapres vs XanaxCitalopram vs XanaxCymbalta vs XanaxDayvigo vs XanaxDiazepam vs XanaxEffexor Xr vs XanaxFlexeril vs Xanax
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.