Difference Between Xanax and Xanax XR

Last Updated : Aug 27, 2022 / By Sandeep Bhandari / Fact Checked / 3 mins

It is a short-acting drug which means it needs to be given four times a day in an interval of 4 to 6 hours. It is recommended to continue the use of Xanax for around six weeks.

Xanax XR is also given to people who suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. Xanax XR is a long-acting drug which means it is only required to take one dose of this sedation drug every 24 hours.

Comparison Table Between Xanax and Xanax XR

Parameters of Comparison	Xanax	Xanax XR
Duration of effect	Xanax is a short-acting drug	Xanax XR is a long-acting drug
No. of doses	It needs to be taken 4 - 6 times a day	It needs to be taken once every 24 hours
Duration of use	It must be given for approximately six weeks	It must be provided for more than eight weeks
Treatment for	It is used in the treatment of severe anxiety and panic attacks.	It is used in the treatment of panic attacks, anxiety as well as depression.
Price	It is less costly than Xanax XR	It is an expensive drug

What is Xanax?

Xanax is a short-acting drug which means it needs to be taken 4 to 6 times a day. It is prescribed by doctors for patients suffering from severe anxiety, panic attacks, etc., and is very helpful in treating these conditions.

Anxiety is something that needs to be taken care of for some amount of time in very close observation, and after that, it can be treated even without medicines.

Pregnant women and people with allergies or a history of medical conditions must ask the doctor before taking this drug.

What is Xanax XR?

Xanax XR is also a sedation drug widely used to treat extreme anxiety, panic attacks, and even depression. Since the rate of depression patients is increasing day by day at an alarming rate, Xanax XR is a very useful and common drug nowadays.

Xanax XR or Xanax extended-release is an expensive drug, but it becomes pretty affordable since it is only taken once a day. Being a sedation drug, it can cause drowsiness, and lightheadedness can be taken after taking the dose, and therefore, one should strictly prohibit themselves from performing heavy tasks.

All the people who have underlying medical conditions and women who are pregnant must always consult a doctor before starting with this drug. 

Main Differences Between Xanax and Xanax XR

1. Xanax is used to treat mainly panic attacks, whereas Xanax XR is used for patients suffering from severe anxiety, panic attacks, and depression.
2. Xanax is not an expensive drug, and on the other hand, Xanax XR is a bit costly sedation drug.

Conclusion

Both Xanax and Xanax XR are drugs that are used to treat patients suffering from mental health issues like anxiety, panic attack, and depression. On the one hand, where Xanax is a short-acting drug, which is prescribed for as long as six weeks and is not very costly on the other hand, Xanax XR is a long-acting drug that needs to be taken once every 24 hours, is prescribed for more than eight weeks and is a bit costly.

References

1. https://journals.lww.com/americantherapeutics/Fulltext/2006/09000/Pharmacokinetics_of_an_Extended_Release.8.aspx
2. https://doktika.com/candesartan_cilexetil-xanax_xr_oral