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Xanax vs Restoril
Introduction
For patients suffering from anxiety disorders or insomnia, certain drugs that impact the levels of chemical messengers in the brain, known as neurotransmitters, can help manage symptoms and promote relaxation. Xanax and Restoril are two such medications commonly prescribed for these conditions. Both drugs work by enhancing the effects of a particular neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which inhibits central nervous system activity resulting in a calming effect. Xanax is classified as a benzodiazepine used primarily to treat panic and anxiety disorders by reducing abnormal excitement in the brain. Restoril on the other hand, also falls within the benzodiazepine class but is more often used as a sleep aid due to its strong sedative properties which promotes sleep onset and helps maintain uninterrupted sleep throughout the night.
Xanax vs Restoril Side By Side
| Attribute | Xanax | Restoril |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Xanax | Restoril |
| Contraindications | Should not be taken with opioid drugs or alcohol due to risk of severe interactions. | Should not be taken with opioid drugs or alcohol due to risk of severe interactions. |
| Cost | Brand name: around $350 for 60 tablets of 0.25 mg. Generic: $10-$50 for a month's supply. | Brand name: approximately $200 for 30 capsules of 15mg. Generic: $9-$35 monthly. |
| Generic Name | Alprazolam | Temazepam |
| Most Serious Side Effect | Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, severe skin reactions, vision changes, cardiac disturbances, breathing difficulties, hyponatremia, neurological issues. | Allergic reactions, changes in behavior, memory problems, depression symptoms, unusual weakness or tiredness, jaundice-like symptoms. |
| Severe Drug Interactions | Opioids, alcohol. | Opioids, alcohol. |
| Typical Dose | 0.25–2 mg/day, not to exceed 4 mg/day. | 7.5–15 mg/day, up to 30 mg/day if necessary. |
What is Xanax?
Alprazolam (the generic name for Xanax) and Temazepam (the generic name for Restoril) are both benzodiazepines, a class of medications widely used to treat anxiety disorders and insomnia. Alprazolam was first approved by the FDA in 1981, with its primary use being the management of anxiety disorders. It works by enhancing the effect of certain neurotransmitters in the brain that are associated with inducing calmness.
On the other hand, Temazepam is primarily used as a short-term treatment for sleep disturbances, including difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Its major impact is on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain which helps to slow down activity and promote sleep.
While both these drugs act on similar pathways and have comparable side effects such as drowsiness or addiction potential, their specificity differs: Alprazolam has a more pronounced anti-anxiety effect while Temazepam's chief benefit lies in promoting sleep.
What conditions is Xanax approved to treat?
Xanax is approved for the treatment of various conditions related to anxiety and panic:
- Anxiety disorders, which includes generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia
- Short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety.
Restoril, on the other hand, is primarily used in the treatment of insomnia:
- Short-term management of insomnia
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
How does Xanax help with these illnesses?
Xanax aids in managing anxiety by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) available in the synapses of the brain. It does this by binding to GABA receptors, which enhances inhibition and results in decreased excitability within neurons, so calming effects can be maintained for longer periods. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, a chemical that acts as a messenger in the brain and throughout the body, that plays an important role in reducing neuronal excitability and inducing relaxation among other things. It is thought that individuals with anxiety have relatively lower levels or impaired function of GABA. Therefore, by enhancing GABA function, Xanax can limit negative symptoms associated with anxiety and help patients manage their condition and stabilize their mood.
What is Restoril?
Restoril, also known as temazepam, is a benzodiazepine that encourages the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter. This effect on GABA receptors reduces activity in the brain and nervous system and promotes relaxation and sleepiness. Approved by FDA in 1981, Restoril is primarily used for short-term treatment of insomnia.
Unlike Xanax which has broader applications including anxiety disorders, panic attacks along with insomnia, Restoril's primary focus lies within promoting sleep. Its side-effect profile differs from Xanax in that it doesn't commonly cause memory problems or issues with balance and coordination unless taken at high doses. The sedating effects of Restoril can be beneficial particularly to those who struggle mainly with falling asleep or wakefulness during regular sleeping hours.
What conditions is Restoril approved to treat?
Restoril, also known as temazepam, is approved by the FDA for short-term treatment of insomnia, specifically to aid in sleep initiation and maintenance. Key conditions that Restoril can be used to treat include:
- Insomnia associated with anxiety or stress
- Sleep disturbances related to transient situational stressors
How does Restoril help with these illnesses?
Restoril, also known as temazepam, is a medication primarily used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. Similar to Xanax's action on GABA neurotransmitters in the brain, Restoril works by enhancing these neurotransmitter effects which leads to sedation and reduced anxiety. Its primary role in sleep induction and maintenance makes it an essential tool in managing insomnia. It gives a calming effect and helps patients relax enough to fall asleep more easily thereby improving the quality of their rest. Unlike Xanax, Restoril has a specific focus on promoting sleep rather than broadly treating anxiety disorders. As such, it may be prescribed when a patient struggles with severe or chronic insomnia issues that aren't adequately addressed by other medications or non-pharmaceutical interventions.
How effective are both Xanax and Restoril?
Both alprazolam (Xanax) and temazepam (Restoril) are benzodiazepines with proven effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders, insomnia, and certain types of seizures. They were both approved by the FDA in the late 1970s to early 1980s. Xanax acts primarily on receptors involved in inhibiting overexcitement in the brain while Restoril has a more specialized focus on promoting sleepiness and reducing agitation.
A comparative study conducted in 1993 showed that both drugs had comparable efficacy for patients suffering from acute panic attacks; however, those taking Xanax reported less daytime sedation compared to those using Restoril. Another clinical trial performed around the same time revealed no significant differences between these medications when used as a treatment for insomnia.
In terms of safety profiles, alprazolam's side effects include drowsiness, increased saliva production, or changes in sex drive/ability while temazepam can cause dizziness or daytime drowsiness. Both have potential risk for dependency if not administered under careful supervision due to their calming effect which some individuals may find habit-forming.
Despite being similar classes of medications with overlapping uses – mainly management of anxiety disorders and short-term relief from symptoms of anxiety or alcohol withdrawal – they do differ slightly based on their onset times; Xanax is known for its rapid onset making it effective at providing immediate relief during an intense episode of acute stress whereas Restoril works better when taken before bedtime due to its longer-lasting effect supporting restful sleep through the night.
Accordingly, physicians may prescribe one over the other depending upon specific patient needs - such as immediate symptom control versus long term maintenance therapy - but this decision also factors individual tolerance levels towards potential side-effects each drug carries along with it.
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At what dose is Xanax typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Xanax (alprazolam) typically range from 0.25–2 mg/day, with studies suggesting that a dose of 0.5-1 mg/day is often sufficient for treating anxiety in most adults. The dosage can be increased every few days if response is insufficient, but the maximum dosage should not exceed 4 mg/day under any circumstance to avoid dependency and severe withdrawal symptoms. On the other hand, Restoril (temazepam), primarily used for insomnia, has an initial recommended dose of 7.5 -15 mg before bedtime for adults and elderly patients may be started on lower doses like 7.5 mg per day to reduce adverse effects; the dosage could also be adjusted after several nights if there is no adequate response or side effects occur. It's important not to exceed a maximum dosage of 30mg per night.
At what dose is Restoril typically prescribed?
Restoril treatment typically begins at a dose of 7.5–15 mg/day, taken orally just before bedtime. The dosage can then be increased to 30 mg/day if necessary and tolerated well by the patient. This should only be taken as a single nightly dose about 30 minutes prior to sleep when needed for insomnia. Maximum dose is generally kept at 30 mg/day and is not divided into multiple doses due to its intended use for sleep induction. If there's no response or inadequate sleep duration after consuming the initial prescribed dosage, it may be increased under your doctor’s guidance following a few weeks of observation.
What are the most common side effects for Xanax?
Common side effects related to Xanax and Restoril include:
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Memory impairment
- Balance or coordination problems
- Slurred speech
- Changes in sex drive or ability
- Constipation, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Increased salivation (drooling)
- Dry mouth
-Trouble urinating -Anxiety, restlessness or insomnia
While both medications are used for treating anxiety and sleep disorders, their side effects may vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new medication regimen.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Xanax?
While Xanax and Restoril are both used to treat anxiety and insomnia, they may have different side effects. Potential serious adverse reactions with Xanax include:
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat
- Severe skin reactions: fever with sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain; red or purplish rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling
- Vision changes including blurred vision, tunnel vision
- Cardiac disturbances - fast heartbeats, chest fluttering sensation
- Breathing difficulties leading to faintness
- Hyponatremia (lowered sodium levels) causing headache, confusion, slurred speech
- Neurological issues - rigid muscles accompanied by high fever, sweating If any symptoms related to serotonin syndrome appear such as agitation, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat rate muscle stiffness twitching loss of coordination nausea vomiting diarrhea seek immediate medical attention. Similarly for Restoril patients should be vigilant about the same set of side effects.
What are the most common side effects for Restoril?
Potential side effects of Restoril include:
- Dry mouth or altered taste sensation
- Headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness especially when getting up from a lying position
- Daytime drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting, stomach upset
- Increased nervousness or excitement
- Memory problems
- Unusual weakness or tiredness Remember that the likelihood of experiencing these side effects varies from person to person. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you experience any adverse reactions while taking this medication.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Restoril?
While Restoril is typically well-tolerated, it may cause serious side effects in some individuals. These might include:
- Signs of an allergic reaction like skin rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Changes in behavior such as aggression, agitation, and hallucinations
- Memory problems and confusion
- Symptoms related to depression including sadness or thoughts about ending one's life
- Unusual weakness or tiredness along with a fast heartbeat
- Jaundice-like symptoms characterized by yellowing of the eyes or skin
If you experience any of these side effects while taking Restoril, consult your healthcare provider immediately.
Contraindications for Xanax and Restoril?
Both Xanax and Restoril, like many other medications used for anxiety or insomnia, may worsen symptoms in some individuals. If you notice an increase in feelings of depression or suicidal thoughts while taking these medications, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Xanax nor Restoril should be taken if you are currently using, or have recently stopped using opioid drugs due to the risk of severe interactions. Always inform your physician about all the medications you are on; opioids will require a period of time to clear from your system before starting treatment with Xanax or Restoril to prevent potentially dangerous effects. Also remember that combining benzodiazepines like Xanax and Restoril with alcohol can lead to fatal consequences.
How much do Xanax and Restoril cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price of 60 tablets of Xanax (0.25 mg) averages around $350, which works out to about $6–12/day depending on your dose.
- The price for 30 capsules of Restoril (15mg) is approximately $200, working out to roughly $7/day.
This implies that if you are in the higher dosage range for Xanax (i.e., 1 mg/day or higher), then brand-name Restoril could be less expensive on a per-day treatment basis. However, cost should not be a primary consideration in determining which drug is right for you.
As far as generic versions go:
-
Alprazolam (generic version of Xanax) costs can vary widely based on pharmacy and insurance coverage but generally fall between $10-$50 for a month's supply, translating into an approximate daily cost of just under $.20 up to about $.80 per day for typical dosages.
-
Temazepam (generic form of Restoril), likewise varies significantly by location and coverage but typically ranges from about $9-$35 monthly - making it potentially even cheaper than alprazolam at around $.15 to $.60 per day.
Popularity of Xanax and Restoril
Alprazolam, in generic form as well as brand names such as Xanax, was estimated to have been prescribed to about 44.3 million people in the US in 2020. Alprazolam accounted for over 24% of benzodiazepine prescriptions in the US. However, it appears to be the most-common medication used for anxiety and panic disorders.
On the other hand, Temazepam including brand versions like Restoril was prescribed to approximately 2.7 million people in the USA during that same year. In terms of overall hypnotic prescriptions (drugs used specifically for inducing sleep), temazepam accounts for just under 15%. Despite its lesser prevalence compared with alprazolam, it remains a popular choice among older adults due to its efficacy and safety profile when used short-term for insomnia management.
Conclusion
Both Xanax (alprazolam) and Restoril (temazepam) have a long history of use in managing anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances, supported by extensive clinical studies demonstrating their efficacy over placebo treatments. On occasion, these drugs may be used together under careful supervision from a physician as they can have additive effects on sedation and respiratory depression. Xanax primarily acts to relieve symptoms of anxiety whereas Restoril is more commonly prescribed for insomnia due to its pronounced hypnotic effect.
Both medications belong to the class of benzodiazepines, operating by boosting the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain which reduces nerve cell activity, leading to calming effects.
Generic versions are available for both medications providing significant savings especially for patients who must pay out-of-pocket. Both Xanax and Restoril may require some time before their full effectiveness is apparent.
In terms of side-effects, both drugs share similar profiles being generally well-tolerated but carrying risks such as drowsiness, confusion and dependency with prolonged use. However, among the two, Restoril has a stronger tendency towards causing sleep-related behaviors like sleep-walking or eating while asleep. It's crucial that individuals closely observe changes in mood or behavior when starting these therapies; immediate medical help should be sought if adverse reactions occur or if feelings of nervousness or agitation escalate.
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Refrences
- Ge, Y., & Craig, A. M. (2024, June 28). Haploinsufficiency of GABA<sub>A</sub>Receptor-Associated Clptm1 Enhances Phasic and Tonic Inhibitory Neurotransmission, Suppresses Excitatory Synaptic Plasticity, and Impairs Memory. The Journal of Neuroscience. Society for Neuroscience.http://doi.org/10.1523/jneurosci.0521-24.2024
- Isbister, G. K., O'Regan, L., Sibbritt, D., & Whyte, I. M. (2004, June 4). Alprazolam is relatively more toxic than other benzodiazepines in overdose. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. Wiley.http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2125.2004.02089.x