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Compare Seroquel vs. Xanax

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

Key takeaways

Quetiapine (Seroquel) and alprazolam (Xanax) are both medications that can be used to treat mood-related conditions, but they belong to different medication classes and have different uses. Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and as an add-on for depression, while alprazolam is a benzodiazepine approved for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. Quetiapine is available in immediate-release and extended-release tablets and is typically taken once to three times a day, depending on the condition. Alprazolam is taken by mouth, usually three times a day, and is available in immediate-release tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and oral solution. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic, but alprazolam is a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence. Common side effects of quetiapine include sleepiness and weight gain, while alprazolam can cause drowsiness and memory problems. Both medications can interact with other drugs, but opioids and alcohol increase the risk for severe side effects when taken with alprazolam.

Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Summary of Seroquel vs. Xanax
Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
Prescription only
Quetiapine (Seroquel) is an atypical antipsychotic. It's used to treat mental health problems like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This medication comes as an immediate-release tablet (Seroquel) that's taken by mouth usually twice a day. There's also an extended-release tablet (Seroquel XR) that's taken once a day. The specific dosage depends on how well it's helping your mood, thoughts, and behaviors. Side effects can include sleepiness, headache, and possible weight gain. There are brand-name and generic versions of this medication.
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 Seroquel vs. Xanax
Indications for

•Schizophrenia in adults and children ages 13 years and older

•Bipolar disorder in adults and certain children ages 10 years and older

•Depression in adults, as an add-on to other antidepressants - extended-release only

Indications for

•Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

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

•Taken by mouth

•Might notice an improvement in your symptoms in as early as a week of starting the medication

•Available in both short-acting and long-acting tablets

Cons

•Might cause weight gain

•Can raise your blood sugar and cholesterol levels

•Not recommended for older adults who have dementia-related psychosis

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 Seroquel vs. Xanax
Common Side Effects for
Immediate-release tablets:

•Headache (21%)

•Agitation (20%)

•Sleepiness (18%)

•Dizziness (11%)

•Dry mouth (9%)

•Constipation (8%)

•Pain (7%)

•Fast heart rate (6%)

•Vomiting (6%)

Extended-release tablets:

•Sleepiness (25%)

•Dry mouth (12%)

•Dizziness (10%)

•Trouble controlling muscle movements (8%)

•Low blood pressure when standing up (7%)

•Constipation (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 Seroquel vs. Xanax
Common Side Effects for

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

•Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior

•Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

•High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain

•Trouble controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)

•Changes in blood pressure

•Risk of falls

•Risk of infection (due to low white blood cell counts)

•Possible changes in heart rhythm

•Seizures

•Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone)

•High prolactin levels

•Feeling very sleepy and having trouble concentrating

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 Seroquel vs. Xanax

Key takeaways

Summary of Seroquel vs. Xanax

Indications of Seroquel vs. Xanax

Pros and Cons of Seroquel vs. Xanax

Common Side Effects of Seroquel vs. Xanax

Warnings of Seroquel vs. Xanax

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