Tramadol Vs Xanax

Tramadol and Xanax: A Point by Point Comparison

Tramadol is one of the latest types of opioids to enter the United States. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration on March 1995 as a non-schedule narcotic. However, due to reports of drug abuse and misuse, the drug was reclassified as a schedule IV drug on August 2014.

Xanax, a branded version of the drug alprazolam, is a potent benzodiazepine anxiolytic. It was patented in the United States as early as October 1969.

The Forbes magazine tagged Xanax as the 12^th most prescribed medicine in the US in 2010. Authorities are worried by the widespread abuse of the drug due to its highly addictive nature. Similar to Tramadol, the drug is classified by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency as a Schedule IV drug. (1)

Here are some significant differences between Tramadol and Xanax:

Uses of Tramadol and Xanax

The uses of Tramadol and Xanax varies greatly in such a way that Tramadol is used to treat varying degrees of pain, while Xanax is prescribed to patients who are suffering from several types of anxiety disorders.

Xanax is primarily used to treat panic disorders, anxiety disorders, and chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting. Xanax, however, is no longer recommended in Australia for the treatment of panic disorders due to studies indicating the drug’s high addiction and abuse potential.

Clinical studies have shown that using Xanax to treat anxiety is only effective for up to four months. Beyond this period, the patient may grow accustomed to the drug and its benefits may vanish. (2)

Tramadol has also been proven effective in treating post anesthesia shivering. Post anesthesia shivering is experienced by patients after undergoing surgery. It happens more frequently to patients that were administered general anesthesia.

Side Effects of Tramadol and Xanax

Tramadol and Xanax are two very different drugs. Hence, they affect the body in two completely different ways. However, since the primary target of these drugs is the chemical composition of the brain, there would be some side effects that are present in both drugs.

Below is a table showing a comparison of the probabilities of certain side effects similar to both drugs: (3)(4)

1. Constipation- Tramadol’s 24% probability versus Xanax’s 10% probability
2. Nausea– Tramadol’s 24% probability versus Xanax’s 10% probability
3. Headache– Tramadol’s 18% probability versus Xanax’s 13% probability
4. Drowsiness– Tramadol’s 16% probability versus Xanax’s 41% probability

Note: The probabilities used for Xanax above are determined when the drug is used for anxiety only.

Effect on Pregnant Women

FDA has given Tramadol a grade C when it comes to its effects on unborn babies. A grade C means that there is enough evidence that the drug could significantly harm fetuses. On the other hand, Benzodiazepines like Xanax have been shown to affect infants during pregnancy and lactation adversely.

The use of Xanax during pregnancy has been shown to cause congenital physical disabilities among patients. A similar drug, diazepam, has also been shown to cause lethargy and weight-loss on children that breastfeed from mothers taking such medicine.

It is highly unadvisable for mothers to take the said drug during pregnancy and lactation periods. Consult your doctor for an alternative drug in case you plan to or already are pregnant. (5)

Price of Tramadol and Xanax

Tramadol’s generic versions can be bought at an average price of $50 per 30 120 mg packs. However, its branded version, Ultram, is sold at $83 for the same amount. Patients can use their Medicare, or other insurances to pay for the Tramadol.

Xanax can be purchased in varying dosages. Each dosage can be purchased for different prices. (6)

Listed below are the various average prices of Xanax based on dosage:

• 25 mg tablet is around $63.07 for a supply of 30 tablets
• 5 mg tablet is around $77.17 for a supply of 30 tablets
• 1 mg tablet is around $101.04 for a supply of 30 tablets

Can Tramadol and Xanax Be Taken Together?

There have been no formal research on the interaction between Tramadol and Xanax; however, it is advisable to consult your doctor first if you intend to mix both drugs together.

References

“Drugs@FDA. FDA approved drug products (searchable database)”. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Retrieved 2009-03-30.

FDA package inserts for Ultram (tramadol). (n.d.). Retrieved August 2, 2017, from Iodine: http://www.iodine.com/drug/tramadol/fda-package-insert

“In Pictures: The Most Popular Prescription Drugs”. Forbes. Retrieved  4 August 2017.

“Alprazolam – Oral (Xanax) Side Effects, Medical Uses, and Drug Interactions”. Medicinenet.com. MedicineNet. July 2005

Xanax (Alprazolam). (n.d.). Retrieved August 4, 2017, from Iodine: http://www.iodine.com/drug/xanax

Xanax Price. (n.d.). Retrieved August 4, 2017, from TrueMedCost: http://www.truemedcost.com/xanax-price

To read more posts like – Tramadol Vs Xanax, visit www.drug.education

https://www.drug.education/opiates/tramadol/tramadol-vs-xanax/

from WordPress https://drugeducationbl0g.wordpress.com/2017/08/04/tramadol-vs-xanax/