Gabapentin vs Xanax: Which Is Best For Anxiety And Pain?

The two most disturbing and irritating problems are pain and anxiety. Millions of people go through it regularly all over the world. You can find several medications to deal with it. But Gabapentin and Xanax are the most commonly prescribed medications for these types of problems. Although both belong to different drug groups, they work for similar diseases. As both can’t be taken for one problem. So, which is better and will be suitable for you, Gabapentin or Xanax? Let’s find out by doing a brief comparison of Gabapentin vs Xanax and get enough information to know before taking any of them.

Understanding Gabapentin and Xanax

Both are high-power and prescribed medications and are not directly comparable. To treat neuropathic pain, Gabapentin is prescribed, as it slows down the CNS by enhancing GABA’s performance, which gives a relaxing sensation to the body. For dealing with anxiety and panic problems, Xanax is prescribed. It also works inside the CNS by binding to GABA receptors and improving their performance, which makes the brain and the CNS calm. Which gives relief from anxiety and panic problems. Also reduces several pains in the body. Both got FDA approval in different years. In December 1993, Gabapentin was approved, and in October 1981, Xanax was approved.

What is The Difference Between Gabapentin And Xanax?

The main differences between Gabapentin and Xanax are that Xanax comes under Schedule IV controlled substance because of its potential for addiction. Treatment for Xanax addiction is important; consult with a health expert if you notice any symptoms. Gabapentin comes under Schedule V controlled substances, and has less chance of addiction than Xanax. Still, many people fall into Gabapentin addiction because of misuse. There are many other factors on which they are differentiated. To understand better, have a look at the table given below.

Factors	Gabapentin	Xanax
Half-life	Upto 7 hours	Upto 12 hours
Drug Class	Anticonvulsants	Benzodiazepines
Mainly used for	Neuropathic Pain	Anxiety and panic disorder
Onset action	Almost 1 week	Within 1 hour
Mechanism of action	Enhances GABA	It binds with GABA receptors and increases their frequency

Another main factor on which they can be differentiated is dosage. Let’s have a detailed view of it.

Xanax vs Gabapentin Dosage

Xanax dosage is about 0.25 to 0.5mg, and can be increased in 4 to 5 days after observing results. It is prescribed to take 2 to 4 times a day on the basis of the condition. The maximum dosage of it is 1mg. Xanax is only prescribed for short-term usage. Prescribed for long term in severe cases, but under medical supervision.

Gabapentin dosage is about 300mg daily, which remains the same, but the frequency of use increases according to the patient’s condition. It can be taken 1 time a day to 3 times a day. The time gap between every dosage should be around 7 to 10 hours if prescribed multiple times a day.

Can You Take Gabapentin With Xanax?

Taking both together can increase the risk of harmful side effects on your body. It increases the chances of getting addicted and can give the worst withdrawal symptoms ever. As both work inside the CNS and the brain, there are high chance of malfunctioning. Some other effects you will notice while taking Gabapentin and Xanax together are:

• Respiratory Problems
• Memory problems
• Bad brain and body coordination
• Risk of overdose
• Can lead to serious medication related to kidney and liver

This is only prescribed together in critical cases, and that too with a minimum dosage of both medications and a minimum frequency of use. The time period of taking together is seriously observed by doctors to avoid any critical effects.

Side Effects

Getting side effects after using or while using any high-power medication is normal. As both are different medications, the side effects are also different. Side effects are not noticeable for everyone. It mainly depends on the dosage, frequency of use, and body type. Let’s see what the side effects of Gabapentin and Xanax are that you can see.

Xanax Side Effects

• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Vision problem
• Memory problem
• Muscle discomfort
• Hard to concentrate

Gabapentin Side Effects

• Weight gain
• Infections
• Dry mouth
• Swelling in arms and legs
• Mood swings
• Diarrhea

Which is Better Gabapentin or Xanax?

Both medications are better at treating their main diseases. Many people compare Gabapentin vs Xanax for sleep or Gabapentin vs Xanax for anxiety. For sleep, Xanax can be better than Gabapentin because of its faster effects. It is better for treating normal anxiety or panic disorders, but have chances of side effects. Gabapentin can treat anxiety and panic disorder better, from normal to severe, better than Xanax. But for treating anxiety, Gabapentin is sold off-label. For pain, Gabapentin is mainly prescribed and works better in severe problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long after Gabapentin can I take Xanax?

The timing can vary for everyone, depending on metabolism or body type. But generally, it is advised to take Gabapentin after 7 to 8 hours of taking Xanax. Taking both frequently can worsen your problem and give you many critical side effects.

Are Xanax and Gabapentin similar?

They are both similar in only one thing: they are both CNS Depressants, and work for treating anxiety. Although both work for similar diseases but in different ways. Both belong to different classes and can never be very similar.

Conclusion

In conclusion, after comparing Gabapentin and Xanax, we know that Gabapentin is better for treating anxiety problems than Xanax, but off-lable. Xanax is only better than Gabapentin in faster action. Gabapentin has less chance of addiction as it is a Schedule V controlled substance, whereas Xanax is a Schedule IV controlled substance and has a higher chance of addiction. Always make sure to use both medications according to the prescription and report every single thing you notice while using them. This helps to avoid getting unusual side effects.