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What Is The Best Alternative To Xanax?

Posted on Mon, 6 Oct 2014

Question: What is the best alternative to Xanax?

Answered by Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Alternatives suggested

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

Xanax is a benzodiazepine medication which has anti-anxiety and sedative effects. If anxiety alone is your main problem, then an SSRI medication like Escitalopram would be a good alternative. However if both anxiety and sleep disturbance are your concerns, then an alternative would be another benzodiazepine medication like Clonazepam.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.)
Consultant Psychiatrist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar (43 minutes later)

Thank you very much. Does Clonazepam not have the same side effects as Xanax in relation to dementia and Alzheimer's?

Answered by Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Clonazepam is very similar to Xanax

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

Clonazepam belongs to the same class of medication as Xanax and has very similar effects and side effects. It also has a high risk for habituation or dependence like Xanax. So, I would say that an SSRI is a better option than a benzodiazepine. If you are also having significant sleep problems, then another anti-depressant /anti-anxiety medication with sedative effects also would be Mirtazapine.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar MBBS., DPM., MRCPsych.(U.K.)
Consultant Psychiatrist

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar