The Difference Between Etizolam and Xanax

Benzodiazepines (aka. “benzos”) are a class of medications that can be habit-forming and are risky when combined with other substances or alcohol. Some of the most common benzos include Klonopin, Xanax, Ativan, Valium, Librium, Restoril, and Halcion. Benzos are prescribed for those with anti-anxiety and panic disorders, as well as those who have issues with insomnia and seizures. 

Etizolam is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that has properties useful as a sedative and hypnotic as well as for anxiety and seizure disorders. Etizolam is sold under the brand names Etilaam, Sedekopan, Etizest, Etizex, Pasaden, and Depas. It also can be used as a muscle relaxant. One risk associated with etizolam is that it is between 6 and 10 times as potent as diazepam (Valium). Clinical studies have shown promise for using etizolam as an anti-anxiety medication and to relieve certain symptoms associated with depression. There is some evidence that etizolam may be useful to offset certain symptoms associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 

Benzos and related substances are commonly abused substances and can be increasingly addictive and dangerous when combined with other drugs or alcohol. If you or someone you care about is experimenting with benzos or combining substances, they may be at risk for serious and even fatal consequences. 

Overdoses and overdose fatalities are tragically all too frequent. Benzos are dangerous when mixed with “downers” such as opiates or alcohol and “uppers” including cocaine and meth, as well as many other illicit substances. 

Early intervention is always best, but it’s important to keep in mind that it is never too late to find lasting recovery. The experts at Oasis Recovery put your safety and security first while keeping in mind your comfort and needs. Our programs and services are tailored to fit the individual needs of our clients. We work with you to develop treatment plans to make the most sense for your specific situation. Reach out today to speak with a specialist about drug addiction treatment programs and mental health therapies that make the most sense for you based on your particular life circumstances. 

The Difference Between Etizolam and Xanax

Etizolam is absorbed into the body relatively rapidly and has a short half-life. This means that, for most individuals, etizolam metabolizes in the body fairly quickly and this can make it more likely to be abused. This is similar to the problem with a drug like Xanax. Xanax is extremely effective for those who experience panic attacks as it has a quick onset and is a potent drug.

A problem with Xanax is a person begins to feel withdrawal symptoms after a short period of time. Ativan is a variation on the Xanax formulation that has related effects and a longer half-life. Klonopin is considered by some medical experts to be one of the least problematic benzos as it has a particularly long half-life. That being said, Klonopin (clonazepam) is habit-forming and it is not difficult to form both a physical and psychological dependency. 

Studies have indicated that prescribing itraconazole or fluvoxamine in conjunction with etizolam can help slow down the rate at which etizolam is metabolized and lessen the likelihood of forming a dependence.

There are many risks involved in combining substances and etizolam is no exception. There are reports of suicides that have involved etizolam taken in conjunction with other benzos, alcohol, or barbiturates. 

Signs and Symptoms of Benzo Abuse

The signs that a person is abusing a drug like Xanax (alprazolam) is similar to common signs for those who are abusing other benzos. Common withdrawal symptoms for a person who has been abusing or is addicted to Xanax include:

• Anxiety
• Intense cravings
• Tremors
• Sweating
• GI issues 
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Increased heart rate
• Muscle pain
• Temporary psychosis 
• Hallucinations

Unlike other benzos, Xanax has additional risks. The physical effects associated with Xanax withdrawal can include changes in heart rate and the risk of seizures. A tapering method is always recommended for those who are using or misusing Xanax. If a person goes “cold turkey” off Xanax or misses a dose there is the possibility that they may experience extremely negative side effects including seizures. Xanax withdrawal should always be taken very seriously and contact with medical and psychiatric professionals is highly recommended. 

Xanax Withdrawal Timeline

Different from benzos with a longer half-life, Xanax withdrawal can become obvious after a mere 6 hours since your last dose. Symptoms tend to worsen and the negative intensity generally peaks around 48 hours. 

After several days without a dose of Xanax, a person will usually have fewer withdrawal symptoms. Keeping this in mind, a person who has used or abused Xanax for long periods of time may have permanent changes to their brain. Prolonged use or abuse of Xanax is associated with memory loss and decline in cognitive ability. 

Often, it will take a considerable amount of time for an individual’s brain and mental well-being to heal from long-term Xanax abuse. If Xanax was being used to treat anxiety, a person will likely feel heavily increased symptoms of anxiety after ceasing use. It is advisable to seek treatment with a professional mental health counselor and remain under medical supervision to ensure you remain as safe and comfortable as possible while undergoing withdrawal and recovery. 

Some individuals experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). PAWS can result in physical and mental health issues linked to withdrawal that may be experienced for months or even years are ceasing Xanax use. Common PAWs symptoms include:

• Cravings
• Changes in mood and personality 
• Increased anxiety
• Increased depression
• Social issues

Xanax and The Danger of Going “Cold Turkey” 

Xanax has additional risks for individuals who regularly take the drug. If a person who has been habitually taking Xanax abruptly ceases use that can have a number of extremely negative consequences. 

Dangers associated with going cold turkey off Xanax can include:

• Increased anxiety
• Acute depressive symptoms 
• Extreme irritability 
• Restlessness
• Agitation 
• Mood swings
• Paranoia 
• Mania
• Psychosis 
• Convulsions 
• Seizures
• Stroke

There is only one recommended method for ceasing use of Xanax and that is a slow taper. This means that a person who is ideally under medical supervision slowly reduces the amount of Xanax they take each day over a number of days that is recommended by a medical doctor. Rapid reduction in Xanax dosage can result in extremely negative consequences and can be life-threatening. 

Xanax and The Risk of Overdose

Research has shown that more people overdose on Xanax more than any other benzo. This is one of the many reasons why those who have developed a dependency or addiction to Xanax are highly recommended to consider detox in a medically-supervised setting. Medical detox provides the safety and security of knowing that medical doctors are available 24/7 in case emergency intervention is needed. 

Reach out to Oasis to Stop Xanax Abuse Today 

Stopping Xanax abuse can be frightening because of the need to do so in a way that is medically safe. If appropriate medical precautions are taken, using a slow taper, a person can safely reduce their Xanax dosage over a period of time. At Oasis Recovery, our medical professionals are familiar with the risks and protocols necessary for safe Xanax addiction recovery. We encourage you to reach out to us to speak with a specialist about how we can create a personalized treatment plan that will help you withdraw from Xanax in a safe and secure environment.