Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Tramadol vs. Xanax

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

Key takeaways

Tramadol (Ultram) and alprazolam (Xanax) are both prescription medications and Schedule IV controlled substances. They are used to treat different conditions, with tramadol being an opioid used for pain relief when non-opioid medications are not effective, and alprazolam being a benzodiazepine used for short-term treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder. Tramadol works by attaching to opioid receptors and increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels, while alprazolam affects chemicals in the brain to reduce anxiety. Tramadol is available in immediate-release and extended-release forms, with dosing varying based on pain severity, whereas alprazolam is typically taken three times a day. Tramadol can cause side effects like constipation, nausea, and dizziness, while alprazolam may lead to drowsiness, memory problems, and coordination issues. Both medications can lead to dependence and withdrawal. Tramadol also increases the risk of serotonin syndrome and seizures, while alprazolam can worsen depression. Always follow your prescriber's instructions when taking either tramadol or alprazolam.

  • Tramadol
    Alprazolam (Xanax)
  • Tramadol
    Alprazolam (Xanax)

  • Summary of Tramadol vs. Xanax

    Summary for Opioid
    Prescription only

    Tramadol is an opioid pain medication used when non-opioid medications aren't working well enough to control pain. Compared to other opioids, tramadol might have a lower risk of misuse and dependency. But tramadol is a controlled substance and has a lot of potentially serious risks, so it must be used with caution.

    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 Tramadol vs. Xanax

    Indications for
    •Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid pain medications alone
    Indications for
    •Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
    •Panic disorder

  • Pros and Cons of Tramadol vs. Xanax

    Pros and Const for Opioid
    Pros
    •Extended-release tablets and ConZip capsules are taken once per day and last throughout the day.
    •Immediate-release tablets are available as a lower-cost generic.
    •Possible lower risk of misuse and dependency compared to other opioids
    Cons
    •A controlled medication, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filled
    •Must slowly lower the dose to stop the medication after long-term use to avoid withdrawal symptoms
    •Can't use in some children due to higher risk of potentially severe and life-threatening side effects
    •Not recommended while breastfeeding
    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 Tramadol vs. Xanax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Constipation (up to 46%)
    •Nausea (up to 40%)
    •Dizziness (up to 33%)
    •Headache (up to 32%)
    •Sleepiness (up to 25%)
    •Vomiting (up to 17%)
    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 Tramadol vs. Xanax

    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for addiction and misuse
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Overdose
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Drug interactions
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Seizures
    •Low blood pressure
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Physical dependence and withdrawal
    •Low blood sodium levels
    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 Tramadol vs. Xanax

    Learn more about Tramadol
    Learn more about Alprazolam

Compare other Pain and Anxiety drugs

Cyclobenzaprine vs TramadolMeloxicam vs TramadolMethadone vs TramadolMethocarbamol vs TramadolNeurontin vs TramadolNorco vs TramadolSuboxone vs TramadolTizanidine vs TramadolTramadol vs Acetaminophen With CodeineTramadol vs FentanylTramadol vs OxycodoneTramadol vs XanaxCogentin vs NeurontinHaldol vs NeurontinLamictal vs NeurontinLidocaine vs NeurontinLyrica vs NeurontinMirapex vs NeurontinNeurontin vs ChlorpromazineNeurontin vs CymbaltaNeurontin vs DepakoteNeurontin vs DesipramineNeurontin vs DilantinNeurontin vs EffexorNeurontin vs FluphenazineNeurontin vs Fluphenazine DecanoateNeurontin vs GeodonNeurontin vs ImitrexNeurontin vs KeppraNeurontin vs Paxil
View More

Browse medications

View All

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