With so many generic and brand-name drugs out there, it’s hard to keep them all straight. Many consumers aren’t even aware of the generic drugs that the brands contain. Two of them that most people don’t know the difference between are etizolam vs. Xanax. One of these drugs is a brand, while the other is generic. However, no matter which medication an individual uses, there is still the possibility of developing a dependency or addiction. Even when individuals follow their doctor’s instructions, the effects of medication on brain chemistry can lead to addiction. Therefore, it makes sense to know the difference between these two drugs and how they affect the body. At Santé Center for Healing, our team of counselors, therapists, and medical professionals are familiar with these drugs and how best to treat them at our substance abuse treatment center.
Etizolam vs. Xanax
First, brand names for the generic drug etizolam include Etizola, Etilaam, and Sedekopan. There are numerous brand names for this form of benzodiazepine (specifically, it is a thienodiazepine). Some may recognize it as Zolpidem, Brotizolam, Alprazolam, Triazolam, or Flunitrazepam, among others. These medications are used as a short-term treatment for insomnia and effectively address anxiety disorders like OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder).
In the United States, it’s not common for people to know the difference between etizolam and Xanax. One reason is that doctors don’t prescribe etizolam very much. Physicians in the European and Japanese health care systems use it more. Several states in the United States list this drug as a Schedule I substance.
Xanax, on the other hand, is a brand name of alprazolam. It’s also a benzodiazepine, which is why people often compare it to etizolam. The most significant difference between etizolam vs. Xanax is that American doctors prescribe Xanax more than etizolam.
Why Do Doctors Prescribe These Drugs?
Doctors use etizolam and Xanax for several reasons. Both aid people who struggle with intense anxiety and panic attacks. Also, both can induce a state of relaxation or sedation. Because of that, they’re effective in helping people control seizures.
Like many medications, these drugs can lead to dependency and the need for a Xanax addiction treatment center. It’s easy to get caught up in comparing etizolam vs. Xanax and which one works better. Despite doctors not prescribing etizolam in America, some people illegally import the drug. However, both Xanax and etizolam have the potential for abuse. Some experts say that etizolam has a greater risk, which is why it’s no longer legal in America.
However, the frequency of prescription doesn’t really impact how medication can lead to an addiction. Rather, frequent prescribing or over-prescribing only impacts the number of overall substance use disorders. This is the case with prescription opioid painkillers, which were potent and overprescribed, leading to an addiction epidemic. Etizolam is just as addictive as Xanax, and its signs of abuse and treatment are similar.
Signs of Abuse
Since Xanax and etizolam are benzodiazepines, they cause similar signs of abuse. People who abuse these drugs often have strong cravings for them. They actively seek out the drugs long after their doctors stop prescribing them.
Another sign is that they take more of the drug than their doctors prescribe. They might even take the drug more often. These signs of abuse tend to worsen slowly over time. In either case, it’s important to get prescription drug abuse help right away if they start showing signs of abuse.
Don’t Let Benzodiazepines Lead You Down the Path to Addiction
Do you need a Xanax addiction treatment center? Maybe you want to learn more about the differences between etizolam vs. Xanax? If so, reach out to Santé Center for Healing. A few of the programs that we offer include:
- Medical detox
- Family counseling
- Residential treatment
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Intensive outpatient rehab
Learn more about the difference between etizolam vs. Xanax and the risks of using them. Find out how to get help for an addiction to either of these drugs. Call 866.238.3154 today for more information about our substance use treatments.