Alprazolam vs Zolpidem: A Safe Comaprision (Uses, Side Effects & Interactions)

Anxiety and lack of sleep quietly affect our daily lives especially during such times of isolation and stress. To manage these concerns doctors commonly prescribe medications such as alprazolam and zolpidem. Both have different works but same mechanism. This basic difference between these drugs make confusion among the patients. 

The aim of this blog is to clarify such confusions in a simple way. Instead of using complicated medical terminology, the blog uses simple and not-so-complicated words. This makes the difference for the reader in the form of an easy comparison of alprazolam vs zolpidem. It describes the fundamental purpose of the drug, their usage, mechanism of function and briefly discussion about the comparison along with thei side effects and Risks.

Difference between Alprazolam vs Zolpidem

Alprazolam and Zolpidem are medications that can be prescribed to treat anxiety and Insomnia (sleeping difficulties occurs). Both of these medications have a sedative effect due to their action as central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and both act on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter whose primary function is to reduce neuronal excitability throughout the entire nervous system is reduced. Before looking at the Alprazolam Vs Zolpidem difference, let’s first take a look at these medications separately, their actions and side effects of each of these medications.

What Is Alprazolam?

Alprazolam (Xanax) is a benzodiazepine and prescribed to manage Anxiety and panic disorder. Sometimes it used to manage depression, fear of open spaces (agoraphobia), and premenstrual syndrome. It undergoes to the group of medicines called central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which are medicines that slow down the nervous system. Alprazolam is available in the form of capsule, tablet and oral solutions taken by mouth. Alprazolam also relaxes the muscles, which may sometimes cause sleepiness. It is classified as a controlled substance and carries the risk of Alprazolam addiction.

Mechanism Of Work Of Alprazolam

Alprazolam increases the action of a calming chemical in the brain known as GABA. It binds with GABA receptors and makes the functioning of this chemical stronger. It reduces the excitement of nerve cells and delays messages in the brain. Due to this effect, the brain stops being overactive. This reduced activity of nerves helps to control anxiety, panic, and stress. 

What is Zolpidem?

Zolpidem (Ambien) is a medicine that is used to treat insomnia. It is useful because it assists in the improvement of sleep. The drug enables a patient to fall asleep earlier. The drug is generally prescribed for short-term use. It is administered orally once in a day before going to bed. This helps one sleep for a full night. It has an effect upto seven to eight hours. It should be used by adults as directed by a medical doctor for proper use.

Mechanism Of Work Of Zolpidem

Zolpidem specifically works on special areas of the brain which control sleep. These special areas are related to a chemical called GABA. GABA acts naturally to bring a state of relaxation to an individual. GABA becomes more powerful and starts working more effectively due to Zolpidem. This leads to reduced activity within your brain. Your brain slows down to the point where your mind becomes quiet. You feel drowsy and relaxed. Your body starts to relax as the brain becomes quiet. This enables you to go to sleep instantly. Zolpidem mainly works on special areas related to sleep but does not affect any other functions within the body.

Comparing Alprazolam With Zolpidem

Alprazolam and Zolpidem are prescription medications and have different uses. Alprazolam is typically used to treat anxiety or panic disorders. It helps calm the brain to reduce nervous feelings. However Zolpidem is used to cure insomnia. The drug helps in falling asleep early. Alprazolam can also be taken in the daytime, whereas Zolpidem is taken just before going to sleep. Alprazolam may lead to drowsiness, dizziness and difficulties in concentrating, etc. Zolpidem may result in sleepiness, headache and strange sleep actions including sleepwalking. Both of these medications can cause dependency after prolonged use.

Side Effects Of Zolpidem Vs Alprazolam

Alprazolam and Zolpidem work on the brain in similar ways but they serve different purposes. Additionally they each have some their own side effects. The primary use of alprazolam is to treat anxiety whereas the primary use of zolpidem is to treat sleep disorders. Both drugs have the risk of sedation. The risk of the side effects can differ from patient to patient and also depends upon the strength of doses.

Alprazolam side effects

By taking alprazolam for a long time may develop physical dependence. Suddenly stop taking alprazolam can cause anxiety and difficulty in sleeping. Other side effects of alprazolam are;

• Drowsiness and tiredness
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Memory problems
• Confusion, depression, or irritability
• Slow breathing in high doses
• Risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms

Zolpidem Side Effects

As a sedative Zolpidem is used to treat insomnia which can cause side effects like next-day drowsiness and dizziness. Long-term use can arise serious effects like complex sleep behaviour, memory loss, hallucination and dependency. Other side effects of Zolpidem are listed below.

• Daytime sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Confusion, especially in older adults
• Unusual sleep behaviours like sleepwalking
• Mood changes
• Risk of dependence

Alprazolam And Zolpidem Interaction

Taking Alprazolam and Zolpidem together is not recommended. It may have fatal adverse effects. Both affect the central nervous system and can result in poor breathing and excessive sedation.

• Extreme drowsiness and Disorientation: Alprazolam and Zolpidem together can cause a significant increase in drowsiness, confusion, dizziness and decreased ability to focus.
• Respiratory Depression: Taking Alprazolam and Zolpidem together will slow your brain function, resulting in possible extreme low breathing rates.
• Impaired Cognition and Motor Skills: These drugs, when taken together can severely impair one’s judgement and reasoning abilities and coordination leading to falls and accidents.
• Increased Addiction Potential: Both drugs are controlled substances. Using them together presents an increased risk for abuse and potential for dependence.
• Coma or Death related issue: The use of these two CNS depressants together could result in coma or death in severe cases.

Zolpidem vs Alprazolam: Which is better?

Alprazolam and Zolpidem both are used for different problems. Alprazolam is mainly used for anxiety and panic disorder while Zolpidem is prescribed for insomnia. Both carries high risk of addiction and dependency. Which is better depends on your main problem. If you cannot sleep at night zolpidem is usually better because it helps you fall asleep faster and is taken right before bed. It is mainly made for sleep issues. If you have anxiety or panic attacks alprazolam is usually better because it helps calm your mind and reduce nervous feelings.

Conclusion

In this blog, we conclude that both medications are effective. However they also serve different needs. Zolpidem is more effective for sleep and generally helps get to sleep faster. Alprazolam works best for anxiety and panic. Both medications have risks associated with their use particularly for extended periods of time. These include dependency problems. Alprazolam has a higher risk for dependency generally compared to zolpidem. Any option should always be made with medical advice as to the safest choice.