Which is Proper For You? — Talkspace

Xanax (or its generic kind, alprazolam) and Gabapentin are typically used to assist with anxiousness, however they’re very completely different anxiousness medicines. Xanax is a benzodiazepine that works shortly to alleviate sudden or intense anxiousness signs, whereas Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant that’s prescribed off-label for anxiousness, typically focusing on nerve-related ache and temper stabilization. These medication have distinct mechanisms, makes use of, and dangers to pay attention to, and they aren’t interchangeable

As a result of every medicine works otherwise, the fitting selection is dependent upon your distinctive well being wants and needs to be made with steering out of your physician or psychological well being supplier. Choosing the proper one can really feel overwhelming, particularly while you’re already coping with anxiousness. 

Understanding how Xanax and Gabapentin work can assist you make one of the best, most knowledgeable determination.​ Proceed studying to be taught every little thing it’s essential find out about Xanax vs. Gabapentin​. 

What Is Xanax?

Xanax is a fast-acting medicine within the class of medicine generally known as benzodiazepines. It’s used to deal with acute anxiousness signs and panic assaults, particularly ones that happen out of nowhere. Xanax presents speedy reduction from anxiousness signs and works by growing the exercise of GABA (a neurotransmitter within the mind that promotes calmness). As GABA ranges rise, it slows your nervous system down, serving to you are feeling relaxed and fewer anxious, typically inside just some minutes of taking it. 

Widespread makes use of

Xanax is generally used to deal with varied anxiety-related circumstances. It’s typically prescribed for situational anxiousness that makes you are feeling overwhelmed, whether or not you’re having a panic assault or experiencing anxiousness earlier than a nerve-racking scenario like a flight, take a look at, or vital assembly. 

Your physician would possibly prescribe Xanax for:

• Acute anxiousness
• Agoraphobia 
• Generalized anxiousness dysfunction (GAD)
• Panic dysfunction
• Anxiousness brought on by melancholy*
• Quick-term therapy of acute anxiousness signs*
• Anxiousness from particular conditions, like flight anxiousness or post-traumatic stress dysfunction (PTSD)*

*Off-label makes use of (which means not FDA-approved for that particular use however identified to assist)

Execs of Xanax

One of many largest advantages of Xanax is how briskly the consequences kick in. Whenever you’re having a panic assault, you don’t have weeks or months to attend for reduction. Xanax has a speedy onset that may be important while you’re experiencing extreme, acute anxiousness. 

Cons and unwanted effects

Regardless of the good thing about being fast-acting, there are some downsides to Xanax. The most typical Xanax unwanted effects are drowsiness and impaired reminiscence, even for those who don’t notice it straight away. There’s additionally a danger of dependency when taken usually for a very long time. Moreover, some folks discover their anxiousness is worse when Xanax wears off, which may enhance the danger of overuse. 

Widespread unwanted effects of Xanax embrace:

• Sedation
• Dependency danger
• Dizziness or feeling light-headed
• Reminiscence points
• Confusion
• Issue forming new reminiscences 

Critical unwanted effects are potential and require fast medical help. Contact your physician or go to the emergency room for those who expertise any of the next after taking Xanax:

• Weak or shallow respiration
• Hallucinations
• Double imaginative and prescient
• Seizures
• Participating in risk-taking conduct
• Being extraordinarily agitated
• Jaundice (a yellowing of the pores and skin or eyes)
• Sudden bursts of vitality or a decreased want for sleep
• Feeling light-headed to the purpose you would possibly go out
• Racing ideas
• Changing into overly talkative out of nowhere

What Is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant drug that’s FDA-approved for nerve ache and seizure management. It’s additionally used off-label to deal with signs of tension. One key distinction between Gabapentin and Xanax is how they work. Gabapentin doesn’t instantly have an effect on calming neurotransmitters like Xanax does. As an alternative, it modulates calcium channels within the mind, successfully lowering nerve excitability and inflicting calming results.

Widespread makes use of

Gabapentin is a go-to possibility for treating ongoing anxiousness and sleep points. Should you’ve been battling anxiousness for weeks or months, otherwise you’re managing persistent ache along with anxiousness, your physician would possibly counsel Gabapentin.  

Your physician would possibly prescribe Gabapentin for:

• Nerve ache
• Postherpetic neuralgia (nerve ache following shingles)
• Seizures
• Sizzling flashes*
• Stressed leg syndrome (RLS)
• Anxiousness*
• Sleep issues*
• Some sorts of temper issues*

*Off-label makes use of (which means not FDA-approved however identified to assist)

Execs of Gabapentin

Taking Gabapentin for anxiousness comes with a comparatively low danger of dependency in comparison with another anti-anxiety medicines, particularly benzodiazepines like Xanax. If you need reduction from ongoing anxiousness or have a historical past of substance misuse, Gabapentin is likely to be a great possibility. It’s additionally helpful for persistent ache and sleep issues. 

Cons and unwanted effects

Like all drug, there are negatives to Gabapentin. For instance, it might make you are feeling drained or dizzy, and though much less frequent than with different medication, weight achieve can happen. Lastly, you might expertise Gabapentin withdrawal signs for those who abruptly cease your dose. At all times seek the advice of your physician earlier than altering your dose or discontinuing. 

Widespread unwanted effects of Gabapentin would possibly embrace:

• Drowsiness
• Imaginative and prescient issues
• Nausea or vomiting
• Issue talking
• Dizziness
• Swelling of the legs or ft
• Fever
• Headache
• Tremors 

Some folks expertise extra severe unwanted effects that require fast medical help. Contact your physician or go to the emergency room for those who expertise:

• Elevated seizures
• Indicators of an allergic response
• Issues with steadiness or muscle motion

Key Variations Between Xanax and Gabapentin

Should you’re questioning if Gabapentin is like Xanax, it’d assist to have a look at a fast comparability chart:

Pace of onset

Should you want one thing that works shortly, like inside minutes, Xanax is likely to be a great Gabapentin different, as Gabapentin can take longer to see the complete advantages. 

How lengthy does Gabapentin take to work, precisely? With this drug, you may not discover vital enchancment instantly, however your baseline anxiousness would possibly lower after a number of days or perhaps weeks of use. Should you don’t see a lot enchancment after just a few weeks or a month, speak to your physician about adjusting your dose or switching prescriptions altogether. 

Threat of dependence

Xanax has a well-documented and extensively studied danger of bodily and psychological dependence. Some analysis states it’s “extremely addictive.” In case you have issues about changing into reliant on a drug, that is one thing to remember. 

Gabapentin is just not technically a managed substance, however many states have set regulatory requirements. You can turn out to be depending on it, even when the danger of growing an dependancy is decrease. 

By no means cease taking both drug abruptly except you’re underneath the steering of a health care provider or psychological healthcare skilled. They may enable you to give you a protected and efficient taper plan to return off your dose little by little, so your physique has time to regulate with out extreme withdrawal signs.  

Use circumstances

Xanax is best for short-term, acute anxiousness. Should you expertise panic assaults that make you are feeling helpless and also you’re on the lookout for a drug that works quick, Xanax is usually a good possibility. 

Gabapentin is best suited you probably have persistent anxiousness or anxiousness with comorbid nerve ache (which means your ache exists alongside anxiousness). It will also be a extra acceptable Xanax different if dependancy is a priority.

“Xanax is generally chosen when the anxiousness is sudden or paralyzing. That is generally taken earlier than conditions which can be identified to set off anxiousness for some together with flying, crowded areas or public talking. Xanax works on the identical receptors as alcohol and subsequently have to be given with warning to somebody who has a historical past of substance dependence. Gabapentin is a greater possibility for anxiousness therapy for a affected person who. has a substance dependence historical past. Additionally it is extra more likely to be prescribed for persistent anxiousness versus sudden anxiousness assaults.”

– Talkspace therapist Dr. Dion Metzger, MD

Which Treatment Is Proper for You?

Deciding on medicine to deal with anxiousness, nerve ache, or any associated situation isn’t one thing you’ll come to flippantly. Along with your physician, you’ll take into account extra than simply your present signs. You’ll additionally take a look at your well being historical past, objectives for therapy, medicine historical past, and extra. 

Think about Xanax if:

• You’ve gotten sudden, intense, extreme anxiousness or panic assaults and wish speedy reduction
• You’re on the lookout for a short-term, as-needed resolution, not a day by day medicine
• You haven’t had issues with dependancy or substance misuse previously

Think about Gabapentin if:

• Your anxiousness is persistent and has lasted weeks or months at a time
• You’ve struggled with dependancy or substance misuse previously and need to keep away from medicines with a better danger of dependency
• You need a long-term, constant possibility for therapy
• You’ve gotten nerve ache, sleep points, or different circumstances along with anxiousness

Xanax is just not meant for long-term or common use within the therapy of tension. It serves as a short-term resolution for acute signs. For ongoing administration, a day by day medicine reminiscent of an SSRI or SNRI is often most popular, as these work to forestall anxiousness from occurring quite than merely offering momentary reduction.

Speak to a Psychiatrist Earlier than Beginning Both Treatment

Xanax and Gabapentin are solely out there by prescription for a purpose. By no means take both drug except you’re underneath the supervision and steering of a licensed psychiatrist or different medical skilled. It’s essential that you simply’re sincere together with your physician about your signs, wants, and historical past so you may get the most secure, best therapy plan in place. 

“Xanax is just not meant for long-term or common use within the therapy of tension. It serves as a short-term resolution for acute signs. For ongoing administration, a day by day medicine reminiscent of an SSRI or SNRI is often most popular, as these work to forestall anxiousness from occurring quite than merely offering momentary reduction.”

– Talkspace therapist Dr. Dion Metzger, MD

Discover Personalised Treatment Help with Talkspace

You don’t must determine this out alone. Join with a licensed on-line psychiatrist by way of Talkspace to debate your signs and choices. Talkspace presents handy and inexpensive entry to care, so you may discover your therapy choices with medicine and remedy. Should you suppose Gabapentin is likely to be the medicine you’ve been on the lookout for to deal with your anxiousness, our on-line psychiatrists can work with you. 

Attain out at the moment to get a prescription for Gabapentin on-line or discover the fitting medicine in your distinctive wants.