Compare Xanax vs. chlordiazepoxide
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Helps you relax.
Xanax (alprazolam) effectively treats occasional or short-term anxiety and panic attacks. Compared to similar drugs, it is more likely to cause withdrawal symptoms and can have more interactions with some medicines.
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3.9/ 5 average rating with 1287 reviewsforXanax
Reduces anxiety.
Librium (chlordiazepoxide) is good for lowering anxiety since its effects aren't as strong as similar medicines; however, it lasts longer in the body and can be more dangerous in older people.
Upsides
- Xanax (alprazolam) can be used to manage anxiety associated with depression.
- Works very quickly - in hours.
- Available in generic.
- Librium (chlordiazepoxide) is available as a generic.
- Because Librium (chlordiazepoxide) lasts longer in the body, it's preferred for alcohol withdrawal since it's less likely to cause seizures.
- Librium (chlordiazepoxide) can be used by itself, or with antidepressants to help lower anxiety.
Downsides
- Use of Xanax (alprazolam) can cause memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.
- Xanax (alprazolam) can be habit-forming, so it's not typically used for long-term treatment.
- Compared to other similar drugs, Xanax (alprazolam) is more likely to cause withdrawal symptoms if you take it for a long time and then stop suddenly.
- If you have liver problems, Xanax (alprazolam) may not be the best choice since it is processed by the liver. Several drugs can also interfere with how Xanax (alprazolam) works. Talk to your doctor to see if Xanax (alprazolam) is right for you.
- Librium (chlordiazepoxide) lasts much longer in older people, so it's not safe to use if you're age 65 or older.
- Librium (chlordiazepoxide) is not as strong as similar medicines, so it's only really useful to calm anxiety and for alcohol withdrawal.
- Librium (chlordiazepoxide) can be addictive, so you should use it for as short of a time as possible.
Used for
- Anxiety
- Panic disorder
- Anxiety in children
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Anxiety
- Preoperative anxiety
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Dissolving tablet
- Liquid
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$13.29
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$5.97
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Reviews
1287 reviews so far
74%
saidit'sworth it
55%
saiditworked well
13%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Xanax (alprazolam)?
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Side effects
24possible side effects
- Drowsiness41%
- Lightheadedness21%
- Dry mouth15%
- Depression14%
- Headache13%
- Confusion10%
- Constipation10%
- Diarrhea10%
- Nausea/vomiting10%
- Difficulty sleeping9%
- Fast heartbeat8%
- Nasal congestion7%
- Blurry vision6%
- Low blood pressure5%
- Nervousness4%
- Increased salivation4%
- Muscle rigidity4%
- Tremor4%
- Skin irritation/allergy4%
- Fainting3%
- Weight gain3%
- Dizziness2%
- Restlessness2%
- Weight loss2%
The Librium (chlordiazepoxide) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Decreased breathing from use with opioids
- Taking Xanax (alprazolam) with opioids, drugs or alcohol
- Using Xanax (alprazolam) for a longer duration and at high doses
- Dependence and withdrawal
- History of substance abuse
- Taking with alcohol or drugs
- Taking more than 4 mg/day or longer than 12 weeks
- Stopping Xanax (alprazolam) suddenly
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Severe depression
- Driving impairment
- Taking with alcohol or drugs
- Drug interactions
- Current liver problems
- Taking medicines such as antifungals, cimetidine, or some HIV medicines
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Taking Librium (chlordiazepoxide) for more than 2 weeks
- Drowsiness and sleepiness
- Drinking alcohol or taking narcotics
- Addiction