Vicodin vs Xanax: What’s The Difference & Which Is More Addictive?

Feeling pain in the body? Or having anxiety? Well, this is a common problem that is faced by millions of people worldwide. For this, you can find several medications available in a pharmacy. Mostly for this kind of problem, doctors prescribe Vicodin and Xanax. Although both are different medications that treat different diseases. But mostly people have questions on this, like which is more addictive, or is it safe to use them together? Well, let’s find out by doing a brief comparison of Vicodin vs Xanax, and learn about these medications in detail.

Know Briefly About Vicodin and Xanax

Both are potent and prescribed medications. They work for different diseases and problems. Both are CNS depressants, but differently inside the CNS. Let’s compare Vicodin vs Xanax differences in detail for a better understanding.

What is Vicodin?

A commonly prescribed medication for treating pain from normal to severe. It is a combination of two pain-relieving medicines, hydrocodone and acetaminophen. Comes under the brand name Vicodin. As a CNS Depressant, it functions inside the CNS and binds with the receptors which transfer pain signals from the brain to the body and stops it. Also, this medicine is FDA-approved and comes under Schedule II controlled substances.

What is Xanax?

A high-power medication is mainly prescribed to deal with anxiety and panic disorder. It is also a CNS depressant and works inside the CNS and the brain by binding with GABA receptors and increasing their frequency. Which relieves the tension from the CNS and calms the body. This is also an FDA-approved medication and comes under Schedule IV controlled substance.

The Key Difference Between Vicodin And Xanax

They are both totally different medications and differ in almost all aspects. Xanax comes from a single medicine, alprazolam, whereas Vicodin comes from a combination of two medicines, hydrocodone and acetaminophen.

Factors	Vicodin	Xanax
Drug class	Opioid combo analgesic	Benzodiazepines
Half-life	3 to 4 hours	Almost 12 hours
Onset action	Within 10  to 30 minutes	Within 20 to 60 minutes
Addiction potency	Higher	Lesser than Vicodin
Approved for	Pain, from normal to severe	Anxiety and panic disorder
Generic name	Hydrocodone/acetaminophen	Alprazolam

Can You Take Vicodin and Xanax Together?

Well, taking both are CNS depressants and work inside the CNS. Taking them together can be very harmful to your body. Their effect can overload the CNS, which can cause many harmful side effects. Vicodin and Xanax interaction can be very severe for your body and can be life-threatening. The FDA has also officially warned not to use any benzodiazepine medications with opioids like Vicodin. If you are severely going through a pain and anxiety disorder, then there are chances that you might get prescribed both. But with a minimum dosage possible for a very short period of time, and you will be under a doctor or medical supervision 24/7.

Which is More Addictive? Vicodin or Xanax

Both are very highly addictive medications and are only prescribed for short-term use. Both are classified differently in terms of addiction. Vicodin comes under Schedule II controlled substance, whereas Xanax comes under Schedule IV controlled substance. These medications can make you physically and mentally dependent on them. If you face any addiction symptoms in both, you can join rehab programs for addiction recovery, and verify their Vicodin or opioid addiction treatment, and Xanax addiction treatment, by consulting your doctor.

Side Effects of Vicodin Vs Xanax

As both are different medications, it’s obvious to have different side effects. The side effects are only noticeable if medications is not used according to the advised manner. Also, it depends on the body type. Side effects can never be the same for anyone; they can be similar. Let’s see what are the common side effects of Vicodin and Xanax you can notice.

Vicodin Side Effects

• Constipation
• Itching
• Sweating
• Sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Swelling

Xanax Side Effects

• Sedation
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Lack of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth

Withdrawal Symptoms Of Vicodin And Xanax

Withdrawal symptoms are very common with these types of high-power medications. These symptoms can be severe or normal, depending on body type and dosage. Some can face it critically, and some face it normally. Withdrawal symptoms are not the same for everyone, but can be similar. Let’s see what are the withdrawal symptoms you can face from Vicodin and Xanax.

Vicodin Withdrawal Symptoms

• Vicodin craving
• Vomiting
• Insomnia
• Pupil dilation
• Rapid breathing

Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms

• Anxiety
• Panic Attacks
• Sweating
• Loss of appetite
• Seizures

FAQs

Can you mix Xanax and Vicodin?

As both function inside the CNS, mixing Vicodin and Xanax can overload your CNS with different effects can lead to several many side effects. The FDA has also officially not recommended using them together.

What happens when you mix Vicodin and Xanax?

There are several causes you can face if you mix them, like Respiratory depression, a higher risk of addiction, and the chances of getting an overdose. Also have the potential to cause life-threatening health problems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Vicodin and Xanax are not directly comparable to each other as they are totally different and work for different diseases. But they have only one thing in common that they are CNS depressants. In terms of addiction, Vicodin is more addictive than Xanax, as it comes under Schedule II and Xanax comes under Schedule IV controlled substances. Both are generally not recommended together, if recommend then with a lower dosage possible and 24/7 under a doctor’s supervision.