Etizolam is a prescription drug currently sold in Japan, Italy, and India. The drug also trades under the following brand name Etilaam. While it ‘s licensed in the countries above, in the United States it is not permitted. The Food and Drug Administration is yet to approve the use of the drug in the United States. In Europe, it is available in certain countries such as Germany and the UK. Despite its availability, the relevant agencies have placed heavy regulations on Etizolam.
Xanax is a minor tranquilizer drug, unlike Etizolam which is a psychoactive drug. Both belong to the class benzodiazepine, but Xanax is an anxiolytic. Xanax also trades under the brand name Alprazolam. It helps in the treatment of health conditions brought by excessive excitability. This usually occurs in the central nervous system. The drug is also used to treat conditions arising from increased neurotransmitter activity. While the FDA does not approve etizolam, Xanax is approved by the FDA.
Chemical classification
Although Etizolam belongs to the drug class benzodiazepine, the drug is classified as a thienodiazepine. It means that the chemical composition of the drug is heterocyclic. It has a combo of thiophene and triazole rings. As such, the drug is not accepted for medical use in the US. Despite this, the drug is useful as a research chemical.
When it comes to Xanax, classified as a triazolobenzodiazepine, as such, its chemical structure contains a triazole ring combined with a benzene ring. Due to this, the drug is licensed for use in the US. It helps in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Xanax is also used to treat panic disorders because of the mild tranquilizer property it contains.
Side effects
Etizolam is an unscheduled drug as categorized by the FDA. Its useful in legal research purposes alone. While there have been reports that Etizolam is abused, WHO has proven such reports as false. The WHO report based its report on research as far back as 1991. Although Etizolam is useful for research purposes, users may experience side effects.
They include:
- A headache
- Uncontrollable spasms
- Muscle weakness
- Vertigo
- Sexual dysfunction
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
- Confusion.
When it comes to Xanax, the drug is categorized as a Schedule IV substance by the FDA. Users can get addicted to the substance whether one uses the drug according to the provided prescription or not. As a result, the drug is under the jurisdiction of the Drug Enforcement Agency by the FDA.
Research has identified several side effects.
They include:
- Fatigue
- Cognitive impairment
- Insomnia
- Ataxia.
The only side effect that is common between Etizolam vs. Xanax is drowsiness. That is why it’s recommended that users of Xanax consult with their doctors before taking the drug. This is to ensure that the side effects above do not endanger their lives.
Dosage
Etizolam is available as immediate-release tablets in three dosage increments:
- 0.25 mg
- 0.5 mg
- 1 mg
When it comes to Xanax, it is available in four dosage increments namely:
- 0.25 mg
- 0.5 mg
- 1 mg
- 2 mg.
Unlike Etizolam which is available in immediate-release tablets only, Xanax is available in the same format and as:
- Extended-release
- Oral solution
- Orally disintegrating tablet.
By looking at the dosage above, it is clear that Xanax has more options that Etizolam. Also, Xanax is available in three more formats than Etizolam.
Cost
Both drugs have been in the market for a long time, but Xanax is cheaper compared to Etizolam.
The cost of Etizolam is as follows:
- 0.25 mg – $0.50 per tablet for a 100 tablet pack
- 0.5 mg – $0.80 per tablet for a 100 tablet pack
- 1 mg – $1.05 per tablet for a 100 tablet pack
The cost of Xanax is as follows:
- Tablets – $0.11 to $0.35 per tablet for a 60 tablet pack
- Orally disintegrating tablet – $29 to $180 for a 30 tablet pack
- ER or XR – $16 to $65 for a 30 tablet pack
From the pricing above, the price per tablet for Etizolam is more than that of Xanax if you live within the US. If you live outside the United States, the price of Etizolam and Xanax could be similar.
There is a price difference between the name brand version and the generic version of Xanax. The name brand version is more expensive than the generic version, but both have the same effect.
Withdrawal symptoms
Etizolam and Xanax can cause withdrawal symptoms. If one discontinues using the drugs whether from a high dose or after long-term use. In some cases, death has occurred. After users have stopped the use of both drugs without the proper procedure.
Etizolam is not sold in the US as a prescription drug, but Xanax is sold as a prescription drug in the US. As such, it can cause the following withdrawal symptoms:
- Heart palpitations
- Panic attacks
- Tense muscles
- Increased urination
- Shakiness
Research shows that the withdrawal of Etizolam is more comfortable than that of Xanax. Why? Because it increases GABA evoked currents even at equal doses. What you ought to know is that withdrawal symptoms from both drugs manifest after 2 to 12 weeks. In some cases, the symptoms may last for more than three months. Depends on the duration of using the drugs, the dosage, and other factors. You may be wondering why the withdrawal symptoms occur? Well, research shows that the source may be the state of neurochemical imbalance.