Etizolam is a prescription drug used in many countries, including India, Italy, and Japan, but is not registered by the FDA; thus, it’s not used in the US. This drug comes in different brand names, including Etilaam and Etizolam. The drug is also present in the UK and Germany but is put under restricted use. Etizolam is classified as a psychoactive drug. This drug is yet t0 be approved by the FDA in treatment of any health conditions although it’s used in several countries medically.
On the other hand, Alprazolam commonly referred to as Xanax is a mild tranquilizer that is used to treat medical conditions that are characterized by excessive excitability in the central nervous system. Alprazolam is also an anxiolytic benzodiazepine Xanax is also popular in the treatment of health conditions that result due to increased activity of neurotransmitters. The FDA has approved this drug for use in the treatment of specific health conditions.
Chemical classification
Both Etizolam and Xanax are classified in the same group as benzodiazepine, although they belong to different sub-groups. For example, Etizolam is classified as a thienodiazepine meaning; the drug is heterocyclic; it has both triazole and thiophene rings. Its chemical structure is the basis of its illegality in the US.
On the hand, Xanax is classified as a triazolobenzodiazepine; this means its chemical structure is a combination of a benzene and triazole ring. Because of its structure, this drug is legal in the US, and it’s used in the treatment of several health conditions like anxiety-related disorders. Since this drug has mild tranquilizer properties, it’s used in the treatment of panic disorders. This drug comes in varying trade names such as Alpam and Niravam, but of all these brands, Xanax is the most common Alprazolam in the market. Besides it’s used in the treatment of a number of medical conditions, this drug ranks as the most abused benzodiazepine.
Dosage of Etizolam and Xanax
Etizolam is requiring in very low doses compared to Xanax; roughly about 0.2 to 0.5 mg. If you use a slightly higher dose, it will be beneficial to boost the effects of the drug. Clinically this drug is used in odes of around 0.5 to 2.0 mg each day the dosage, the means of administration, and the condition been treated.
Etizolam is readily available as immediate-release tablets, and it’s available in three strengths: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, and 1mg. On the other hand, Xanax is available in four incremental strengths: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, and lastly 2mg. Xanax is available in various forms such as oral solution, extended-release, and orally disintegrating tablets.
According to information from the US Drug Enforcement Administration, Etilozam is has a potency of about ten times that of diazepam (Valium). Although Xanax is administered at similar doses, the initial dosage for treatment of anxiety is smaller. Xanax is administered higher doses clinically mainly in severe cases of seizures and pain disorders.
When both drugs are administered at very high doses, the chances of side effects are higher. The patient may suffer from respiratory depression, memory loss, or depressed inhibitions. At extremely high doses, these drugs may cause respiratory failure, complete oxygen deprivation, brain damage, coma, and ultimately, death.
It’s also essential to note that similar strengths of both drugs may not produce the same results. These drugs, although they work similarly, they have varying effects on the body and brain.
Can Etizolam and Alprazolam be used at the same time?
These drugs should not be used at the same time since they can potentiate each other, thus resulting in a stronger effect and possibly some side effects. The compounded impact of using these two drugs increases the possibility of respiratory depression, sedation, memory loss, and at the worst death.
Since these drugs have similar effects, you should not use them at the same time. Remember the drugs have similar side effects and taking them at the same time may worsen the side effects.
Before considering taking the drugs, it’s vital to seek the opinion of your doctor.
Mechanism of action
Etizolam and Alprazolam have a similar mode of action. Both drugs increase the availability and activity of the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA serves as the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. This neurotransmitter promotes slow firing rates of neurons. Both Xanax and Etizolam act as depressant drugs of the central nervous system.
Cost of Etizolam and Alprazolam
Although both drugs have been in the market for many years, Xanax is available at more affordable prices. For example, you’ll pay $0.50 for each table of Etizolam while for the same tablets of Xanax you’ll pay $0.11 to $0.35. These prices are for individuals living in the US, but if you live in other countries, the costs may be similar. You’ll also note a price difference in the brands. Some brands of these drugs will be more expensive than others. For example, generic brands will be cheaper than the original brands.
How these drugs are used
Although both Etizolam and Xanax are used in the treatment of similar medical conditions, Xanax is more commonly used, especially in the US due to the legality issue linked to Etizolam. Primarily, Etizolam is used in treating anxiety and insomnia, while Xanax is used for anxiety and panic disorders.
Alprazolam has a longer duration of action when compared to Etizolam; this may lead to an extended period of drowsiness. Although these two drugs have a similar half-life, Etizolam is metabolized faster, and it will be reduced to half of its initial concentration in around six hours. Etizolam peaks in about three hours and its effects start to diminish. But if you take a high dose, you’ll still suffer next-day drowsiness.
Both drugs are intended for short me use to avoid dependency. Similarly to Xanax, extended use of this drug can lead to addiction. If you use these drugs often, your brain will begin adapting to its presence in your body and interpret it as part of your brain chemistry. For this reason, both drugs should only be used as short term treatments.
While the FDA does not approve etizolam, it’s legal I a few states in the US and its regarded as a schedule 1 drug because it can be easily abused. But this drug is used legally n most European countries and parts of Asia.
Overdose
Both Alprazolam and Etizolam are CNS depressant drugs, and the likelihood of overdosing is high for these drugs. It’s essential to note that overdosing these drugs can be fatal. Notable signs of overdose to watch in patients include:
- A decrease in breathing rate
- Irritability, depression, hostility
- Los of emotional control
- Unconsciousness, lethargy, and coma
- Poor motor coordination
- Confusion and problems in speech
If you note these signs in anyone using these drugs, you should refer them immediately to a trained medical professional. You should avoid administering any liquids, food, or medications to the individual if you’re not a trained medical professional.
Legality issue of Etizolam and Alprazolam
Federal governments in the US classify Xanax as a schedule IV substance. This means the probability of abuse for this drug is low. In the US, Xanax is medically accepted in the treatment of various health conditions. Additionally, it’s regarded as a low-risk drug for psychological and physical abuse.
Although benzodiazepines have a considerable risk of dependency, these drugs are considered low-risk drugs of abuse when compared to more addictive drugs that are strictly regulated. This drug should only be used if prescribed by a professional medical expert. Otherwise, it should not be sold or used without authorization.
Although Etizolam is not legal in the US, it’s readily available in the grey market where it can be purchased online as a ‘research chemical”. In this case, it is sold against the set laws. The drug can be bought in online stores.
The side effects of Etizolam and Xanax
If these drugs are used for an extended period, the chances of addiction and dependency are high. For example, the FDA rates Xanax as a schedule IV drug, but if overdosed or used for a longer duration to can result in addiction, dependency, and other side effects.
Some of the main side effects of Xanax include cognitive impairment, ataxia, drowsiness, insomnia, fatigue, etc. Before taking this drug, it’s vital to talk to your doctor to avoid any side effects. You doctor will advise if you have any health conditions that can aggravate the side effect of this drug. The doctor will assess your health and safety when using the medicine.
Although the FDA has not approved Etizolam to be used medical, some states have legalized the use of the drug to treat some conditions. Etizolam remains legal for research purposes and an unscheduled drug in the US.
If you use Etizolam, you may experience the following side effects Muscle weakness, headache, slurred speech, drowsiness, confusion, vertigo, uncontrollable spasms, and sexual dysfunction, among others.
Final words
Etizolam and Alprazolam are benzodiazepines that have a similar effect on the body and are used in treating some conditions. These drugs should be used if prescribed by a qualified doctor to avoid side effects if they are both legal in your country. Additionally, drugs should not be used for an extended period to prevent dependency and addiction.