Xanax vs Hydroxyzine: Which is Better For Anxiety & Is It Safe To Take Them Together?

In anxiety management, the most confusing and difficult part is choosing the right medication for anxiety from the countless drug options. Among the anti-anxiety medicines Xanax and Hydroxyzine are the two most frequently searched medicines. Both are working as anti-anxiety drugs, but have significant differences in some aspects. Before knowing about the comparison of Xanax vs hydroxyzine. We will shortly discuss Xanax and Hydroxyzine and how they work, and know “can you take Hydroxyzine with Xanax? Or “which is a better anxiety medication among them?”

What is Xanax?

Xanax belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines and is commonly prescribed to manage anxiety and panic attacks. It is also widely used for intense worry, fear and nervousness. Xanax gives relaxation from anxiety for a short time period so it is also used in stressful situations. It works quickly in the body so it is a widely known anxiety treatment. Xanax carries some unwanted effects like drowsiness, dizziness and tiredness. It has a high risk of Xanax addiction if it is not properly used under guidance.

How does Xanax work?

Xanax targets the brain and the central nervous system. It naturally increases the calming chemical called GABA in the brain. Which slows down the brain activity and produces a calming effect. This calming effect helps to reduce anxiety and panic quickly. Xanax takes almost 3-4 hours to reach its peak effects and has a short half-life period. It also helps in relaxing the tight muscle which leads to making easy to sleep. Because of its mechanism of work it has some unwanted side effects. 

What Is Hydroxyzine?

Hydroxyzine is a member of antihistamines and has been used to produce calmness and relaxation. It is prescribed to help with anxiety, tension and nervousness. While an antihistamine is used for allergies but Hydroxyzine is used to treat anxiety. In some cases, Hydroxyzine is given to patients before a medical procedure to help them feel at ease. Hydroxyzine does not have the same effect as Xanax so it is considered a milder option. It has less risk of addiction as compared to other anti-anxiety drugs.

How Does Hydroxyzine Work?

Hydroxyzine works by calming some signals in the brain. It targets a natural chemical called histamine which is vital for alertness and stress response. It blocks the histamine and creates a calming effect that helps in relaxation. Hydroxyzine also helps to manage nervousness and restlessness by affecting other chemical which are connected to mood. It does not directly change the level of strong calming chemicals like other anti-anxiety so it has a milder effect. Because of its calming effect it can make people sleepy.

Difference Between Hydroxyzine vs Xanax

Xanax and hydroxyzine are both used as anti-anxiety pills, but they are not the same. Xanax directly changes the level of GABA which produces a quick calming effect. This is why it produces a quick relaxation. In comparison to xanax, Hydroxyzine affects the histamine which creates a mild relaxation gradually. Also the overall feeling of Xanax and Hydroxyzine is different.

Feature	Xanax	Hydroxyzine
Drug Class	Benzodiazepine	Antihistamine
Mechanism of action	Stimulating GABA	Blocks histamine receptors
How long it take to work	Takes 10-30 minutes	Takes 30-60 minutes
Duration Of Effect	4-6 hours	6-8 hours
Risk of addiction	High	Low
Withdrawal Symptoms	Can cause withdrawal symptoms	Rarely causes withdrawal symptoms
Serious Risks	Can cause respiratory depression	Has low risk of serious side effects

Side Effects Of Hydroxyzine and Xanax

Side effects are possible with both Xanax and hydroxyzine. Although individual reactions can differ hydroxyzine typically has fewer side effects than Xanax.

Side Effects Of Hydroxyzine

Hydroxyzine can seriously affect the skin called acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis. Symptoms like fever, skin redness or discoloration with small pustules covering large areas of the skin are shown. 

Some examples of other side effects that hydroxyzine can cause are

• Irregular heartbeats
• Headache
• Hallucinations
• Rash
• Hives

Side Effects Of Xanax

When alcohol is combined with Xanax can cause harmful effects like Respiratory depression. Other side effects are

• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• sexual dysfunction
• Restlessness 
• Difficulty concentrating

Which Is stronger, Hydroxyzine Or Xanax?

Generally Xanax is more powerful compared to Hydroxyzine and can work more quickly have a powerful calming effect. But Hydroxyzine is milder in comparison to Xanax. Although it is used for the same problem but the overall effect is not as strong as Xanax. The calming effect of hydroxyzine is mild and less intense. Based on strength Xanax is stronger and works quickly compared to Hydroxyzine.

Interaction of Xanax with Hydroxyzine

Taking Xanax with hydroxyzine together can cause unwanted effects like drowsiness and sleepiness. In some cases slower thinking, poor focus, dizziness and feeling unsteady are shown. Both medications relax the nervous system but the combination of these drugs can cause an overdose. You may feel more tired and have low energy. Because of these effects it is not recommended to take both together unless it is prescribed by doctor.

FAQ

Is hydroxyzine similar to Xanax?

Although Hydroxyzine and Xanax are both used to manage anxiety but they are different in the basis of mechanism and effectiveness. Xanax works by stimulating GABA while Hydroxyzine works by balancing histamine. Xanax has the power and works quickly compared to Hydroxyzine.

Can You Take Xanax And Hydroxyzine In The Same Day?

Sometimes is prescribed to take Xanax and hydroxyzine on the same day, but under your doctor’s guidance. Both medicines cause sedation, drowsiness and slowed breathing when combined. Xanax carries a risk of dependence so doctor guidance is needed.

Is Xanax Or Hydroxyzine Better For Sleep?

Xanax and Hydroxyzine have an effect of drowsiness but both are not primarily used for sleep. Sometimes Hydroxyzine is prescribed for short-term sleep support because it has no risk of drug addiction.

Conclusion

In conclusion Although Xanax and Hydroxyzine are used to treat anxiety, they are not the same. Each carries a different mechanism, benefits and risks. While Xanax is powerful and quick, Hydroxyzine is mild and less intense as compared to Xanax. Which is better, Xanax vs Hydroxyzine, depends on your need and age. Follow your doctor’s prescription and avoid adjusting doses yourself.