What's the difference between gabapentin and Xanax?
- Gabapentin and Xanax (alprazolam) are used to treat anxiety.
- A difference is that gabapentin is primarily an anti-seizure (anticonvulsant) drug used for preventing seizures and for treating post-herpetic neuralgia, the pain that follows an episode of shingles. Gabapentin is used off-label to treat anxiety. Xanax belongs to a different drug class called benzodiazepines, and is used primarily to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks.
- Brand names for gabapentin include Neurontin, Horizant, and Gralise.
- Side effects of gabapentin and Xanax that are similar include drowsiness, fatigue, and memory problems or memory loss.
- Side effects of gabapentin that are different from Xanax include dizziness, sleepiness, loss of control of bodily movements, fluid retention, hostility, nausea, vomiting, difficulty speaking, jerky movements, unusual eye movements, double vision, tremors, and unsteadiness.
- Side effects of gabapentin that are different from Xanax include speech problems, constipation, changes in weight, and addiction (dependency).
- Suddenly stopping Xanax after prolonged use can lead to withdrawal symptoms including insomnia, headaches, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, sweating, anxiety, fatigue, and seizures.
What are gabapentin and Xanax?
Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine used for the treatment of anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Other benzodiazepines include diazepam (Valium), clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), flurazepam (Dalmane), and others.
What are the side effects of gabapentin vs. Xanax?
Gabapentin
The most common side effects of gabapentin are:
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Ataxia
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Fluid retention (edema)
- Hostility
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Difficulty speaking
- Jerky movements
- Unusual eye movements
- Double vision
- Tremors
- Memory loss
- Unsteadiness
Other adverse effects and serious side effects associated with gabapentin include:
- Weight gain
- Joint pain
- Motion sickness
- Blurred vision
- Viral infection
Antiepileptic medications have been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior. Anyone considering the use of antiepileptic drugs must balance this risk of suicide with the clinical need. Patients who are started on therapy should be closely observed for clinical worsening, suicidal thoughts, or unusual changes in behavior.
Xanax
The most common side effects of Xanax taken at lower doses are:
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
Other side effects include:
- Memory problems
- Speech problems
- Constipation
- Changes in weight
- Addiction (dependency)
Addiction is more likely to occur at high doses given over prolonged periods of time. Abrupt discontinuation of alprazolam after prolonged use can lead to symptoms of withdrawal such as:
Seizures can occur in more severe cases of withdrawal. Consequently, patients on alprazolam for extended periods of time should slowly taper the medication under a doctor's supervision rather than abruptly stopping the medication.
What is the dosage of gabapentin vs. Xanax?
Gabapentin
Gabapentin is available as:
- Capsules: 100, 300, and 400 mg.
- Tablets: 100, 300, 400, 600, and 800 mg.
- Solution: 250 mg/5 ml
Xanax
- The starting dose for treating anxiety is 0.25-0.5 mg 3 to 4 times daily using immediate release tablets. The dose may be increased every 3-4 days to a maximum dose of 4 mg daily.
- The starting dose for treating panic attacks is 0.5 mg 3 times daily. Doses can be increased every 3-4 days but by no more than 1 mg daily.
- The effective dose for preventing panic attacks may be as high as 10 mg daily for some patients. The starting dose when using extended release tablets to treat panic disorder is 0.5 mg once daily and the average dose is 3-6 mg once daily.
- Alprazolam may be taken with or without food.

SLIDESHOW
A Visual Guide to Generalized Anxiety Disorder See SlideshowWhat drugs interact with gabapentin and Xanax?
Gabapentin
- Antacids reduce the concentration of gabapentin in blood. Therefore, gabapentin should be administered 2 hours or more after taking antacids.
- Morphine significantly increases blood concentrations of gabapentin and may increase central nervous system-related adverse events associated with gabapentin.
Xanax
- Ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), nefazodone (Serzone), cimetidine (Tagamet), and fluvoxamine (Luvox) increase concentrations in the blood of alprazolam and therefore may increase the side effects of alprazolam.
- Alprazolam interacts with alcohol and medications (for example, barbiturates, and narcotics) that suppress activity in the brain by suppressing activity more and causing sedation.
- Carbamazepine and rifampin reduce the effect of alprazolam by increasing metabolism and elimination of alprazolam in the liver.
Are gabapentin and Xanax safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Gabapentin
- Doctors do not know the safety of gabapentin during pregnancy.
- Gabapentin is secreted in human breast milk; therefore, if you are pregnant you should only use this medication if the benefits outweigh the unknown risk to the fetus.
Xanax
- Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, can cause fetal abnormalities and should not be used in pregnancy.
- Alprazolam is excreted in breast milk and can affect nursing infants. Therefore, it should not be used by women who are nursing.
Summary
Gabapentin and Xanax (alprazolam) are used to treat anxiety. Gabapentin is primarily an anti-seizure (anticonvulsant) drug used also used for treating post-herpetic neuralgia, the pain that follows an episode of shingles. Gabapentin is used off-label to treat anxiety. Xanax belongs to a different drug class called benzodiazepines, and is used primarily to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
A Visual Guide to Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Learn about generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). See if your worries are normal or something more by learning about symptoms,...
-
Epilepsy & Seizures Quiz: What Causes Seizures?
Do you know the difference between seizures and epilepsy? What are the types of seizures? Take the Epilepsy & Seizures Quiz to...
Related Disease Conditions
-
Anxiety
Second Source article from WebMD
-
Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension and fear characterized by symptoms such as trouble concentrating, headaches, sleep problems, and irritability. Anxiety disorders are serious medical illnesses that affect approximately 19 million American adults. Treatment for anxiety may incorporate medications and psychotherapy.
-
Seizure (Epilepsy)
Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which the person has seizures. There are two kinds of seizures, focal and generalized. There are many causes of epilepsy. Treatment of epilepsy (seizures) depends upon the cause and type of seizures experienced.
-
Seizures Symptoms and Types
Seizures are divided into two categories: generalized and partial. Generalized seizures are produced by electrical impulses from throughout the brain, while partial seizures are produced by electrical impulses in a small part of the brain. Seizure symptoms include unconsciousness, convulsions, and muscle rigidity.
-
Postherpetic Neuralgia
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a painful complication of shingles. Symptoms include severe pain, itchy skin, and possible weakness or paralysis of the area. There is no treatment for postherpetic neuralgia that is effective for all patients.
-
Seizure vs. Seizure Disorders: What's the Difference?
Seizures and seizure disorders are not the same medical problems. A seizure happens when the electrical activity in the brain is uncontrolled. There are about 40 different types of seizure disorders, in which epilepsy is one. Symptoms depend on the type of disorder, but can include loss of consciousness, uncontrolled twitching or shaking of one side, or the entire body.
-
Holiday Depression, Anxiety, and Stress
Though the holidays are a fun time for most, for others, they're a sad, lonely and anxiety-filled time. Get tips on how to avoid depression and stress during the holiday season.
-
Is Valerian Root Similar to Xanax and Valium?
Valerian root is one of the most popular alternatives to sleep medications. While valerian is a herb, Xanax and Valium are considered benzodiazepines (benzos).
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Seizure (Epilepsy)
- Anxiety
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Anxiety Treatment with Virtual Reality Exposure
- Anxiety in These Uncertain Times -- Patricia Farrell, PhD -- 04/10/03
- Epilepsy: Silencing the Seizures
- Anxiety, Panic, and Phobias: Seeking Help
- Anxiety: Facing Fear and Anxiety -- Jonathan Davidson, MD
- Epilepsy and Seizures FAQs
- Seizure Symptoms: How to Assist the Victim
- Hot Flashes: Anxiety Worsens Hot Flashes
- Panic Attack Symptoms
- Seizures: When the Computer Goes Haywire
- Senator Ted Kennedy: Seizure, Brain Cancer, and Death
- Brain Cancer Symptoms: Headaches and Seizures
- Home Remedies for Shingles
- Shingles Pain
- Can the Chicken Pox Vaccine Cause Shingles?
- Does Lupus Cause Seizures?
- What Is a Jacksonian Seizure?
- Does Stress Cause Panic Attacks?
- Can Stress Cause Shingles?
- Shingles Contagious Period and Diagnosis
- Shingles During Pregnancy
- Shingles Causes
Medications & Supplements

QUESTION
Panic attacks are repeated attacks of fear that can last for several minutes. See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Top Gabapentin vs Xanax Related Articles
alprazolam (Xanax)
Alprazolam is a member of the benzodiazepine family, which are sedatives that cause dose-related depression of the central nervous system. Alprazolam is used for the treatment of anxiety disorders and panic attacks, which cause unrealistic worry and apprehension, restlessness, aches, trembling, shortness of breath, smothering sensation, palpitations, sweating, cold clammy hands, lightheadedness, flushing, exaggerated startle responses, problems concentrating, and insomnia.It is important to be aware of the drug interactions related to alprazolam, effects on pregnancy and nursing mothers, as well as common side effects on the user.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension and fear characterized by symptoms such as trouble concentrating, headaches, sleep problems, and irritability. Anxiety disorders are serious medical illnesses that affect approximately 19 million American adults. Treatment for anxiety may incorporate medications and psychotherapy.Benzodiazepines (Benzodiazepine Drug Class)
Benzodiazepine is the name of a class of drugs in the US. They belong to a class of man-made drugs prescribed to treat anxiety, nervousness, panic attacks, seizures, muscle spasms, and insomnia. Lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), and diazepam (Valium) are examples of benzodiazepines.Seizures Quiz
Do you know the difference between seizures and epilepsy? What are the types of seizures? Take the Epilepsy & Seizures Quiz to test your knowledge and learn about this complex disorder of the brain.What Is the First Aid for Seizures?
Some seizures are caused by brain diseases, tumors, genetic conditions, or other illnesses or disorders that can be diagnosed (symptomatic seizures). When the cause for the seizures is unknown, they are referred to as idiopathic or cryptogenic seizures. If a person has a seizure, loosen the clothing around his/her neck and remove sharp objects around the person to prevent injury. After the seizure, lay the person on his/her side to maintain an open airway. If the seizure lasts more than five minutes or if the person cannot be awakened after the seizure, call 911. Learn common seizure triggers, including foods or medications, hormones, stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, or sensitivity to light.gabapentin (Neurontin)
Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant, Fanatrex FusePag) is a drug prescribed for the treatment of seizure disorders, nerve damage from shingles and postherptic neuralgia. Off label uses of gabapentin include treatment for:
- Substance abuse withdrawal
- Hiccups
- RLS (restless legs syndrome)
- Headaches
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Hot flashes
- Fibromyalgia
- Hyperhydrosis
Anxiety Slideshow
Learn about generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). See if your worries are normal or something more by learning about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of anxiety disorders.Holiday Depression, Anxiety, and Stress
Though the holidays are a fun time for most, for others, they're a sad, lonely and anxiety-filled time. Get tips on how to avoid depression and stress during the holiday season.Postherpetic Neuralgia
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a painful complication of shingles. Symptoms include severe pain, itchy skin, and possible weakness or paralysis of the area. There is no treatment for postherpetic neuralgia that is effective for all patients.Seizure (Epilepsy)
Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which the person has seizures. There are two kinds of seizures, focal and generalized. There are many causes of epilepsy. Treatment of epilepsy (seizures) depends upon the cause and type of seizures experienced.Seizure vs. Seizure Disorders: What's the Difference?
Seizures and seizure disorders are not the same medical problems. A seizure happens when the electrical activity in the brain is uncontrolled. There are about 40 different types of seizure disorders, in which epilepsy is one. Symptoms depend on the type of disorder, but can include loss of consciousness, uncontrolled twitching or shaking of one side, or the entire body.Seizures Symptoms and Types
Seizures are divided into two categories: generalized and partial. Generalized seizures are produced by electrical impulses from throughout the brain, while partial seizures are produced by electrical impulses in a small part of the brain. Seizure symptoms include unconsciousness, convulsions, and muscle rigidity.