What Are The Differences Between Etizolam And Xanax?
Xanax, also known as Alprazolam, is an anxiolytic benzodiazepine and a minor tranquilizer drug. Similar drugs can be bought with different trade names such as Niravam and Alpam. However, Xanax is still the most popular Alprazolam among them all. Furthermore, according to data, Xanax has become the most prescribed and abused benzodiazepine in the market. (1)
Etizolam, famous for the brands Etilaam and Etizolam, is an analog of the psychoactive drug class benzodiazepine. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved Etizolam’s use in the US. It is, however, available in other countries such as Germany Japan, and the UK. Nevertheless, those countries have placed heavy regulations on the drug.
Uses Of Etizolam And Xanax
Some sedating properties present in Xanax can help alleviate dysfunctions in the brain. Benzos like Xanax work by binding themselves to the GABA receptors present in our brains. The drug will then help regulate the electrical impulses that are in the brain.
Etizolam, on the other hand, is molecularly similar to benzodiazepines. Hence, it holds various uses akin to that of Xanax. Furthermore, it has anxiolytic, amnesic, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, sedative and skeletal muscle relaxant properties.
Both drugs have been used to treat various types of anxieties and panic disorders. Etizolam, however, is only a short-term treatment for anxiety and panic attacks. Each drug, also, has uses unique to each other; thus, they may be used to treat some disorders that the other cannot.
Listed below are some uses unique to each drug:
Etizolam Uses
- Insomnia: This disease is characterized by a difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep.
Xanax Uses
- Chemotherapy- induced Nausea: Studies have shown that Xanax can reduce the incidence or severity of nausea on patients that are undergoing chemotherapy.
Side Effects Of Xanax And Etizolam
Due to its low abuse potential, the FDA categorized Xanax as a Schedule IV drug. Nevertheless, there is still a slim chance of getting addicted to it whether or not one uses it according to its prescription. Because of this, the Food and Drug Administration decided to place it under the supervision of the Drug Enforcement Agency.
Some common side effects of Xanax are ataxia, cognitive impairment, constipation, drowsiness, fatigue, insomnia, and more. Remember to check with your doctor before taking this drug to assure that these side effects will not endanger your health and safety.
On the other hand, the US has not yet approved Etizolam for medical use. However, it remains to be an unscheduled drug and legal for research purposes only. There have been reports of Etizolam’s potential for abuse. The World Health Organization has released a statement disputing the claim back in 1991.
Users of Etizolam may experience some side effects such as drowsiness, headache, uncontrollable spasms, confusion, muscle weakness, slurred speech, sexual dysfunction, vertigo, and more. (2)
Also See: Buspar Vs Xanax
Effect On Pregnant Women
Studies have found that the teratogenic effect or the effect on unborn fetuses of Xanax is considerably small. No study was able to prove that pregnant mothers taking Xanax are placing their children at risk of long-term deformities. The findings also apply to infants ingesting breast milk from mothers taking the drug. (3)
Etizolam is under the category C in regards to pregnancy. This means animal studies have yielded results indicating adverse effects on fetuses from mothers taking the drug. However, researchers have not conducted enough studies on human subjects. Nevertheless, one must be very cautious when taking the drug when pregnant. (4)
Can Xanax And Etizolam Be Taken Together?
Etizolam and Xanax have very similar uses. Thus, it is unnecessary to use both drugs at the same time. Due to the presence of similar side effects, using them at the same time may also result in worsened effects. Hence, it is unadvisable to take both drugs at the same times.
Make sure to consult your doctor before taking any of these two drugs. If for some reason you need to use them at the same time, ask your doctor if doing so may compromise your health.
