Xanax vs Xanax XR
Anxiety is inevitable. People around the world experience it as it is very common. Different factors trigger anxiety such as events like upcoming competitions, board exams, licensure exams, weddings, and a lot more. Good thing, powerful medications come to the rescue to help people with very long anxiety which becomes so abnormal.
There are different levels of anxiety, and the topmost is called a panic attack in which the person feels in doom and something is wrong. In panic attacks, a person experiences heightened fear and panic. The vital signs of that person are also elevated such as pulse, blood pressure, or even that person’s heart rate. In panic attacks and lower forms of anxiety, Xanax is usually prescribed by doctors. There is also Xanax XR. Let us try to differentiate between both medications and see what their differences are.
Xanax is a short-acting drug. Xanax XR or Xanax Extended Release is a long-acting drug. Xanax is taken by people with panic attack every 4-6 hours. That’s about four times a day. However, Xanax XR is more advantageous as it can only be taken once a day and lasts for 24 hours. Xanax is taken all throughout the day since it’s short-acting. Xanax XR is taken once every morning. Thus, the drug will take effect for the whole day, and one will not have to worry about underdosing or overdosing.
Xanax and Xanax XR should not be taken by those with allergies particularly to benzodiazepines. If one is also pregnant, she should ask her doctor about it before taking it. Lastly, for those who have a history of glaucoma, and for those who are taking anti-fungal drugs, they should tell their physicians about their symptoms.
Xanax is available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg tablets while Xanax XR is available in 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg tablets which are all consumed once and work for 24 hours.
Xanax XR is a bit more expensive than Xanax. A 30-tablet bottle of 2 mg tablets of Xanax costs $130 USD while a 30-tablet bottle of 2 mg of Xanax XR costs $161 USD. Both drugs cause mild drowsiness, but one should still avoid operating heavy machinery driving, etc. as safety might be compromised while on these drugs.
Summary:
1. Xanax is a short-acting drug. Xanax XR or Xanax Extended Release is a long-acting drug.
2. Xanax is taken several times a day while Xanax XR is taken only once a day.
3. Xanax XR is more expensive than Xanax.