Are you a healthcare professional? Join GoodRx for HCPs

Compare Xanax vs. Clozapine

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

Key takeaways

Alprazolam (Xanax) and clozapine (Clozaril) are both prescription medications used for mental health conditions, but they have important differences. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder, while clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic used for schizophrenia that hasn't responded to other treatments and for reducing suicidal behavior in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Alprazolam is typically taken three times a day, whereas clozapine is taken once or twice daily, with the dose adjusted based on your symptoms and blood results. Alprazolam is a controlled medication due to its potential for dependence and misuse, while clozapine is not controlled but requires regular blood tests due to the risk of low white blood cell count. Common side effects of alprazolam include drowsiness and memory problems, while clozapine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and increased salivation. Both medications have important interactions and should not be taken with alcohol.

Alprazolam (Xanax)
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Summary of Xanax vs. Clozapine
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.
Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
Prescription only
Clozapine (Clozaril) is used to treat schizophrenia. It's an atypical antipsychotic, but it's not a first-choice medication for schizophrenia because it can cause many bothersome side effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness. It can also cause your white blood cell (WBC) count to drop dangerously low and raise your risk for serious infections. As a result, clozapine (Clozaril) is prescribed under a special program called Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS). In order to pick up your medication at the pharmacy, your provider will ask you to get blood work regularly (weekly to monthly) to make sure your WBC count is at a healthy level.
Indications of Xanax vs. Clozapine
Indications for

•Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

•Panic disorder

Indications for

•Schizophrenia that hasn't responded to other treatments

•Suicidal behavior in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
Pros and Cons of Xanax vs. Clozapine
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

Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
Pros

•Works well to treat schizophrenia when other medications haven't worked well

•Taken by mouth

•Comes as both a regular tablet (that you swallow by mouth) and as a dissolvable tablet that you place on the tongue

•Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

•Need to get blood work done every time you get a prescription filled (weekly to monthly)

•Can cause dizziness and drowsiness

•Can cause high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain

•Not a good option for people with a history of seizures
Common Side Effects of Xanax vs. Clozapine
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.
Common Side Effects for

•Increased salivation (Up to 48%)

•Drowsiness (up to 46%)

•Dizziness (up to 27%)

•Fast heart rate (up to 25%)

•Constipation (up to 25%)

•Trouble sleeping (up to 20%)

•Nausea/vomiting (17%)

•High or low blood pressure (up to 13%)

•Fever (up to 13%)

•Headache (10%)

•Heartburn (up to 14%)
Warnings of Xanax vs. Clozapine
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

Common Side Effects for

•Risk of serious infection (from low white blood cells)

•Low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, and fainting

•Seizures

•Heart problems

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

•High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain

•Severe constipation

•Serious allergic reactions or inflammation problems

•Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)

•Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

•Driving impairment

•Liver problems

•Difficulty controlling body movements

•Not for people with phenylketonuria (dissolvable tablets only)
Prices with our coupons for Xanax vs. Clozapine
Learn more about Alprazolam
Learn more about Clozapine

Browse medications

View All

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

Compare Xanax vs. Clozapine

Key takeaways

Summary of Xanax vs. Clozapine

Indications of Xanax vs. Clozapine

Pros and Cons of Xanax vs. Clozapine

Common Side Effects of Xanax vs. Clozapine

Warnings of Xanax vs. Clozapine

Prices with our coupons for Xanax vs. Clozapine

Compare other Anxiety and Schizophrenia drugs

Browse medications

Good news for your inbox