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Xanax is a brand-name anti-anxiety medication commonly prescribed to adults with anxiety, or generalized anxiety disorder. Xanax can also be used to treat panic disorder. Xanax contains the active ingredient alprazolam.
Xanax is classified as a benzodiazepine drug. It works by binding to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, producing a calming and sedating effect.
Xanax was initially approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1981 and is still popular today. Although many individuals refer to Xanax as a brand-name medication, a Xanax generic is available. The generic name is alprazolam, and this generic can be found at pharmacies across the US. As of 2020, alprazolam is the 37th most prescribed medication in the country. Continue reading to learn more about Xanax and its generic, alprazolam.
Is there a generic for Xanax?
Yes, generic Xanax is called alprazolam, and it is widely available. Alprazolam is much more popularly dispensed in pharmacies than brand-name Xanax, and for good reason—generic drugs such as alprazolam are just as safe and effective as their brand-name counterparts, yet they cost up to 80% less. There is not just one generic version of Xanax, as generics are produced by multiple manufacturers, such as Mylan Pharmaceuticals, Teva, and others.
If your healthcare provider prescribes Xanax, your pharmacist will likely dispense alprazolam, unless you or your healthcare provider specifically request brand name.
What are the differences between brand name and generic Xanax?
New brand-name drugs go through extensive testing in order to be approved by the FDA. Generic drug manufacturers are held to the same strict manufacturing standards. Because the brand-name drug has been thoroughly tested, generic manufacturers do not have to perform as many clinical trials. However, they must prove that their medication—as a generic formulation—is just as safe and effective as the brand and has the same effect in the body—reaching the same levels in the body in the same amount of time. Generics may look different from the brand name, but they contain the same active ingredient and work exactly the same way. You’ll find a significant difference in cost, as generics can cost up to 80% less than brands.
Appearance
Different generic manufacturers produce generic versions of Xanax, which may result in slight differences in appearance. Despite any differences in the pill appearance, such as different colors or shapes, alprazolam and Xanax work the same way and have the same effect.
Dosage forms
Regardless of whether you get brand-name or generic Xanax, both are prescribed at the same dosage and frequency. Brand-name and generic Xanax are available in several dosage forms, including:
- Xanax (alprazolam) immediate-release tablet: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
- Xanax XR (alprazolam) extended-release tablet: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg
- Niravam (alprazolam) orally disintegrating tablet: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
- Oral solution: 1 mg per mL
The immediate-release tablets are most commonly prescribed in pharmacies. A common dosage is 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg by mouth 3 times daily as needed for anxiety. However, dosage and frequency vary based on the individual.
Clinical studies
Generic and brand-name drugs contain the same active ingredients and have the same FDA-approved uses. Generics offer significant cost savings, and most patients do opt to take generics and find them to be just as effective as the brand. After all, the FDA does require the generic to be bioequivalent to the brand. Bioequivalent means that the generic drug results in the same concentrations in the blood over the same time as the brand.
However, some studies do find that there may be differences. For example, a 2020 study done in Taiwan compared brand-name and generic antidepressants and found that people who took a brand-name antidepressant had a lower risk of a hospital visit than those who took a generic.
However, these studies are certainly more the exception than the norm, though—data from the FDA shows that 90% of all prescription drugs in the US are filled for generics.
The following table summarizes important information about Xanax and its generic, alprazolam.
| Xanax (alprazolam) | |
| Uses |
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| Standard Xanax dosage |
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| Common side effects |
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| Contraindications (individuals who should not take this medication) |
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| Other considerations |
|
How much is generic Xanax?
There is a significant price difference between brand-name and generic Xanax if you pay out of pocket. For example, a common prescription would cost $246 for 30, 0.5 mg tablets of brand-name Xanax. But, if you choose generic alprazolam, you could pay as low as $3 for the same prescription medication with a SingleCare discount. Even if you have an insurance plan, the price for generic alprazolam should be much less than for brand-name Xanax.
You can check SingleCare for coupons for your prescription. Once you land on your prescription page, remember to click on the drop-down menu so you can select your medication (in brand or generic), dosage, and quantity, and find a local pharmacy that accepts SingleCare discounts.
Brand vs. generic Xanax prices |
||
|---|---|---|
| Brand-name Xanax | Xanax generic (alprazolam) | |
| Average cost without insurance | $246 for 30, 0.5 mg tablets of brand-name Xanax | $89 for 30, 0.5 mg tablets of generic alprazolam |
| SingleCare’s lowest price | $200 for 30, 0.5 mg tablets of brand-name Xanax | $3 for 30, 0.5 mg tablets of generic alprazolam |
| Free coupons | Xanax coupons | Alprazolam coupons |
What are the off-label uses for Xanax?
Sometimes, healthcare professionals prescribe a medication for use that is not FDA-approved. This is called off-label prescribing. Some possible uses include:
Depression
Alprazolam has been prescribed off-label for depression, but this is not a first-line (first choice) medical treatment for depression. Clinical guidelines for depression instead recommend therapy and/or an antidepressant such as an SSRI medication, like Lexapro (escitalopram) or Prozac (fluoxetine).
Insomnia
Benzodiazepines are sometimes prescribed to adults with sleep problems because they have a relaxing, sedating effect. However, experts warn that benzodiazepines are not well studied for safety and efficacy for people who have trouble sleeping.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Although PMDD is listed as an off-label use, studies have mixed results. Because of the high risk of withdrawal reactions and adverse effects, alprazolam is not a preferred treatment for PMDD.
Anxiety in children 7 years and older
Xanax is FDA-approved for use in adults and is not approved for use in children or adolescents under 18 years old. Thus, prescribing Xanax to someone in this age group would be considered off-label prescribing. Some healthcare providers may prescribe Xanax to children 7 years and older for short-term anxiety treatment.
How to switch from Xanax to alprazolam
When issuing a prescription for this medication, a healthcare provider will often write the prescription as “Xanax.” State laws allow pharmacists to dispense the generic version of brand-name drugs, even if your prescription is written for the brand-name drug (unless you or your healthcare provider specifically request the brand).
If you take brand-name Xanax and want to switch to generic, check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Because the brand-name and generic products contain the same ingredients and dosage, switching to generic should be a seamless and easy transition.
Ask your healthcare provider if it is okay for you to switch to generic Xanax. In most cases, the healthcare provider will approve the switch. Keep track of your anxiety or panic attacks, and make note of any side effects when you switch from brand to generic medication. This will help you and your provider understand how well the new medication works and make any adjustments, if necessary. Always consult your healthcare provider for medical advice if you have any questions or concerns about your medications.
