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Compare Olanzapine vs. Xanax

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

Key takeaways

Olanzapine (Zyprexa) and alprazolam (Xanax) are both prescription medications that can be used to treat mental health conditions, but they belong to different medication classes and have different uses. Olanzapine is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It can also be used with fluoxetine (Prozac) for certain types of depression. Alprazolam, on the other hand, is a benzodiazepine used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. Olanzapine is typically taken once daily, while alprazolam is usually taken three times a day. Olanzapine is available in oral and injectable forms, whereas alprazolam comes as oral tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and oral liquid. Olanzapine can cause side effects like weight gain and sleepiness, while alprazolam can cause drowsiness and memory problems. Alprazolam has a risk of dependence and withdrawal and is usually prescribed for short-term use. Both medications should not be mixed with alcohol, but alprazolam can cause dangerously slow breathing if mixed with alcohol or opioids.

Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Summary of Olanzapine vs. Xanax
Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
Prescription only
Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is an atypical antipsychotic used treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It can also treat depression, in combination with fluoxetine (Prozac), when other treatments haven't worked well. This medication is thought to work by balancing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is taken by mouth, typically once daily, by adults and children. Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is also available as an injection that's usually given in a hospital or clinic setting. Some of the more common side effects of olanzapine (Zyprexa) include sleep problems, dizziness, and weight gain.
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 Olanzapine vs. Xanax
Indications for

•Schizophrenia in adults and children age 13 years and older

•Bipolar I disorder in adults and children age 13 years and older

When taken with fluoxetine (Prozac):

•Bipolar depression in adults and children age 10 years and older

•Depression that hasn't responded well to other treatments

Indications for

•Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

•Panic disorder
Pros and Cons of Olanzapine vs. Xanax
Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
Pros

•Taken by mouth

•Taken once daily

•Might notice an improvement in your symptoms in as early as a week of starting olanzapine (Zyprexa)

•Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

•Can cause anticholinergic side effects, such as constipation and dry mouth

•Can affect your sleep

•More likely to cause weight gain, high blood cholesterol, and high blood sugar levels compared to some other atypical antipsychotics

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 Olanzapine vs. Xanax
Common Side Effects for

•Sleepiness (29%)

•Trouble sleeping (12%)

•Accidental injury (12%)

•Dizziness (11%)

•Weakness (10%)

•Dry mouth (9%)

•Constipation (9%)

•Upset stomach (7%)

•Runny nose (7%)

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 Olanzapine vs. Xanax
Common Side Effects for

•Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis

•Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior

•Severe allergic skin reactions

•Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

•Weight gain, higher blood sugar, and higher cholesterol levels

•Difficulty controlling body movements

•Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls

•Risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)

•Seizures

•High prolactin levels

•Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness

•Anticholinergic side effects

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
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Compare Olanzapine vs. Xanax

Key takeaways

Summary of Olanzapine vs. Xanax

Indications of Olanzapine vs. Xanax

Pros and Cons of Olanzapine vs. Xanax

Common Side Effects of Olanzapine vs. Xanax

Warnings of Olanzapine vs. Xanax

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