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Xanax vs. Clozapine

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.

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Panic disorder

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.

• 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

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.

• Schizophrenia that hasn't responded to other treatments
• Suicidal behavior in people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder

• 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%)

• 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)