Key takeaways:
Xanax (alprazolam) is a medication that treats anxiety-related conditions. It comes as both a brand-name medication and a lower-cost generic.
Brand-name Xanax can cost over $300 per month without insurance or discounts. How much you pay can depend on factors such as your dosage, location, and insurance coverage.
Choosing generic alprazolam and using a free GoodRx discount may help you save on the cost of your prescription. A manufacturer copay card is also available for brand-name Xanax.
Xanax (alprazolam) is a medication that treats anxiety-related conditions. It’s available as a brand-name medication as well as a lower-cost generic.
How much you pay for Xanax can depend on your dosage, the pharmacy you choose, and whether you have insurance coverage. Let’s take a look at how much Xanax costs without insurance, along with ways to save on your prescription.
How much does Xanax cost without insurance?
Brand-name Xanax can cost over $300 per month without insurance or discounts. The chart below shows the average retail prices for common doses of brand-name Xanax and generic alprazolam.
What factors affect the cost of Xanax?
Several factors can affect what you pay for your Xanax prescription.
Location
Where you live can affect the cost of your prescription medications. According to GoodRx research on nationwide pricing, people in Little Rock, Arkansas, pay the most for prescription medications, while people in Denver pay the least.
Pharmacy
Pharmacies negotiate their own pricing for prescription medications with manufacturers. So the cost of Xanax without insurance can vary depending on the pharmacy. Even pharmacies within the same area may charge different prices. GoodRx can help you compare prices at different pharmacies to find the most affordable options in your area.
Insurance coverage
If you have insurance, you’ll likely pay less than the average retail price for Xanax. But you may still have a copay or coinsurance, which can vary between different types of insurance plans.
Reviewing your plan details in advance can help you understand whether Xanax is covered and what you can expect to pay. You can typically access your plan’s summary of benefits and formulary (list of covered medications) online or by calling the help desk number on your prescription insurance card.
Brand-name vs. generic availability
Generally, generic alprazolam is more affordable than brand-name Xanax. In most cases, your pharmacy will automatically fill the lower-cost generic, unless your prescriber specifies otherwise.
Dosage
Your Xanax dosage can also affect the cost of your prescription. Higher or more frequent doses may increase the cash price.
What to do if Xanax isn’t covered by your insurance
If your insurance doesn’t cover Xanax, try these options:
Ask your prescriber to submit a letter of medical necessity to your insurance provider or request a formulary exception on your behalf. If the request is denied, you can submit an appeal.
Talk to your prescriber about Xanax alternatives, such as hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax). There may be an option that’s covered by your insurance plan or costs less out of pocket.
Explore other savings options, like the ones listed below.
During your next open enrollment period, look for an insurance plan that includes Xanax on its formulary.
Ways to save on Xanax
Whether or not you have insurance, there are ways you can potentially save money on your Xanax prescription. Here are four options to consider.
1. Use a free GoodRx discount
A free GoodRx discount may help you save on the cost of Xanax. The table below shows the lowest GoodRx prices for common doses of brand-name Xanax and generic alprazolam.
Dose, quantity, and form | Xanax GoodRx low price* | Generic alprazolam GoodRx low price* |
|---|---|---|
0.25 mg, 60 tablets | ||
0.5 mg, 60 tablets | ||
1 mg, 60 tablets | ||
2 mg, 60 tablets |
*Note: Xanax is a controlled substance, and some states do not allow coupons for these medications.
To save with a GoodRx discount:
Visit www.goodrx.com or download the GoodRx app.
Search for “Xanax” or “alprazolam.”
Select your prescribed dose, form, and quantity.
Compare pharmacy prices in your area to find the best deal.
Choose if you want to receive the discount card by text or email. You can also take a screenshot on your phone.
To avoid delays, provide the discount information to the pharmacy before you go in to pick up your medication.
Keep in mind: GoodRx savings may vary by pharmacy and geographic location. The GoodRx website and app can help you compare prices in your area. In addition, Xanax is a controlled substance, and some states do not allow coupons for these medications.
2. Enroll in GoodRx Companion
You can access discounted prescription medications with a GoodRx Companion subscription. Over 250 medications (including some forms of alprazolam) are available for free, with hundreds more for under $10 per month.
The GoodRx Companion program also includes benefits to help you cut your self-pay costs. You’ll have access to lower prices for online care visits, discounts on dental care, and other health service savings.
Keep in mind: GoodRx savings may vary by pharmacy and geographic location. The GoodRx website and app can help you compare prices in your area. In addition, Xanax is a controlled substance, and some states do not allow coupons for these medications.
3. Use a manufacturer copay savings card
You may be able to pay as little as $4 per month for brand-name Xanax using a copay savings card from the manufacturer. There is a maximum benefit of $125 per month, and it may not be accepted in every state.
To be eligible for savings, you must:
Be age 18 or older
Not have government-funded insurance, such as Medicare or Medicaid
Reside in the U.S. or Puerto Rico
You can apply for the Xanax copay savings card online or by calling 1-855-854-4535.
4. Tap into your HSA, FSA, or HRA
If you have a health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), you can use it to help cover your out-of-pocket costs for Xanax. These tax-advantaged healthcare accounts let you pay for eligible expenses with tax-free dollars.
Pay directly with your HSA or FSA card at the pharmacy, or cover the cost yourself and request reimbursement. The funds in HSAs and some HRAs roll over annually. But you typically have to use FSA dollars before a certain deadline, or they’ll expire.
Frequently asked questions
No, Xanax is only available by prescription. It’s also a controlled substance. This means there may be additional rules about how often you can fill your prescription and how much you can fill at once. Your prescriber or local pharmacist can let you know the rules for your state.
In general, any healthcare professional with a license to write prescriptions for controlled substances can prescribe Xanax. Some healthcare professionals, such as dentists and ophthalmologists (eye doctors), can only prescribe Xanax if it’s related to a specific procedure. And in some cases, you need an established relationship with a healthcare professional before they can prescribe you Xanax or other controlled substances. This means a walk-in clinic, for example, wouldn’t be able to prescribe it.
Rules around which healthcare professionals can prescribe controlled substances vary by state. Check your state laws for more information.
No, Xanax is only available by prescription. It’s also a controlled substance. This means there may be additional rules about how often you can fill your prescription and how much you can fill at once. Your prescriber or local pharmacist can let you know the rules for your state.
In general, any healthcare professional with a license to write prescriptions for controlled substances can prescribe Xanax. Some healthcare professionals, such as dentists and ophthalmologists (eye doctors), can only prescribe Xanax if it’s related to a specific procedure. And in some cases, you need an established relationship with a healthcare professional before they can prescribe you Xanax or other controlled substances. This means a walk-in clinic, for example, wouldn’t be able to prescribe it.
Rules around which healthcare professionals can prescribe controlled substances vary by state. Check your state laws for more information.
The bottom line
Xanax (alprazolam) is a medication that treats anxiety-related conditions. It comes as both a brand-name medication and a lower-cost generic.
Brand-name Xanax can cost over $300 per month without insurance or discounts. What you pay can depend on factors such as your dosage, location, and insurance coverage. Choosing generic alprazolam and/or using a free GoodRx discount may help you save on the cost of your prescription. A manufacturer copay card is also available for brand-name Xanax.
Why trust our experts?
References
Gabay, M. (2013). Federal Controlled Substances Act: Controlled substances prescriptions. Hospital Pharmacy.
Healthcare.gov. (n.d.). Using your health insurance coverage: Getting prescription medications.
Xanax. (n.d.). Xanax savings card terms and conditions. Viatris.
