Xanax and Prozac are both commonly prescribed for panic disorder. These two drugs are similar in many ways but they also have a few major differences. If you or a loved one is addicted to Xanax or Prozac, here’s what you need to know about the side effects of abuse, withdrawal symptoms, and treatment for Xanax and Prozac addiction.
Xanax vs. Prozac: What’s the Difference?
Xanax (a benzodiazepine) and Prozac (an SSRI) are both used to treat panic disorder, but Prozac can also treat other disorders like depression, bulimia, and OCD. For this reason, it may be a better treatment option for people with panic disorder and depression. Xanax is also a Schedule IV drug and Prozac is not considered a highly addictive drug, although it can cause physical dependence and psychological addiction.
What Is Xanax?
Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine that is commonly prescribed to treat panic disorder and anxiety. It reduces anxiety and produces feelings of calmness by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain.
Xanax is a well-known medication and is generally a very safe way to treat anxiety and panic disorder. However, it is classified as a Schedule IV drug, so it does have the potential for abuse. You may be more likely to develop tolerance, dependence, and addiction if you take Xanax for a long time or use it in any way other than directed by your doctor.
People who abuse Xanax recreationally often mix it with opioids in an attempt to get high. Benzodiazepines and opioids depress the central nervous system so mixing them is never advised, as it can lead to harmful side effects or life-threatening overdoses. In fact, more than 30 percent of opioid overdoses also involve benzodiazepines like Xanax.1
Xanax abuse is rampant in the U.S., and the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) estimates that about 5.4 million Americans abused prescription benzodiazepines last year alone.2
People who abuse it use street names or slang terms for Xanax and other prescription benzodiazepines, such as:3
- Bars
- Benzos
- Blue footballs
- Bricks
- Handlebars
- Planks
- School bus
- White boys
- White girls
- Yellow boys
- Xannies
- Z-Bars
- Zanbars
How Long Does Xanax Stay in Your System?
Xanax stays in your system for about four days after the last dose.4 However, this timeframe often varies depending on your age, metabolism, dosage, and how frequently you use it. If you are required to take a drug test for employment purposes, you may want to let your potential employer know that you are taking Xanax for medical purposes.
Approximate Drug Test Detection Times for Xanax
Urine test: Detectable for 5 to 7 days.
Blood test: Detectable for up to 24 hours.
Saliva test: Detectable for up to 2.5 days.
Hair follicle test: Detectable for up to 90 days.
Signs and Symptoms of Xanax Addiction
If you are addicted to Xanax, you may experience some of the following signs and symptoms of Xanax addiction:
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
- Having strong cravings to use Xanax
- Having difficulties functioning normally without Xanax
- Experiencing financial problems related to Xanax use
- Having stressful relationships and problems at work or school because of Xanax use
- Needing more frequent or larger doses to achieve the same effects
- Losing interest in hobbies
- Using Xanax despite the physical and emotional toll it takes
- Trying to stop using Xanax but being unable to
- Lying about your Xanax use or hiding it from loved ones
Xanax Withdrawal Symptoms
Stopping Xanax suddenly can trigger withdrawal symptoms ranging from mild to severe. These may include dizziness, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, depression, memory issues, sweating, twitching, and even suicidal thoughts.
If you are severely addicted to benzodiazepines, detox can be very dangerous or life-threatening, especially if your withdrawal symptoms are not treated. Before you decide to quit cold turkey, consider your other options.
If you need help to detox from Xanax, a medical detox program may be the safest and most effective way to stop using it.
What Is Prozac?
Prozac (fluoxetine) is an SSRI, not a benzodiazepine—so if you’re asking “is Prozac a benzo” or “is Prozac a benzodiazepine,” the answer is no. Comparing Prozac vs Xanax or fluoxetine vs Xanax reveals key differences:
Xanax is a fast-acting benzo, while Prozac works over time to stabilize mood.
Common questions like “is fluoxetine like Xanax” or “is fluoxetine the same as Xanax” reflect confusion between these drugs. Though not addictive like Xanax, Prozac can be misused.
The difference between Xanax and Prozac lies in how they treat anxiety. So, Prozac or Xanax? Talk to a professional.
Though both treat anxiety, Prozac is not a benzodiazepine and works differently. Those with mental illness or who misuse other drugs have a higher risk of abusing Prozac. Always consult a healthcare provider for guidance.
The normal adult dosage for Prozac is 20 mg per day and the maximum dose is 80 mg per day. If you take larger doses of Prozac, you are likely to experience a stimulant effect, which can increase your risk of becoming addicted.
People who misuse Prozac may refer to it with slang like miracle drug, happy pills, wonder drug, or bottled smiles to hide their use.
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How Long Does Prozac Stay in Your System?
When comparing Prozac versus Xanax or Xanax versus Prozac, it’s important to understand how long each stays in your system. Fluoxetine, the active ingredient in Prozac, has a half-life of two to seven days and can remain in the body for up to 39 days, especially with long-term use.
Factors like age, sex, liver function, and metabolic rate impact how long Prozac stays in your system. Though it’s not commonly flagged on standard drug tests, Prozac may trigger false positives.
If you’re taking prescription medications like Prozac, notify your employer to avoid confusion. And remember—Prozac affects levels of serotonin, not like Xanax, which works differently.
Signs and Symptoms of Prozac Addiction
If you have developed a substance use disorder involving Prozac, you might experience withdrawal symptoms after suddenly stopping. Signs include strong cravings, using higher doses to feel the same effects, and continued use despite health or relationship problems. You may also face financial strain or feel unable to function without it. Drug interactions and escalating misuse can make things worse.
Prozac Withdrawal Symptoms
Prozac, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, should never be stopped abruptly. Suddenly quitting this serotonin reuptake inhibitor SSRI can worsen symptoms of depression and cause severe withdrawal effects like irritability, dizziness, anxiety, and insomnia.
In the United States, substance abuse and mental health experts recommend tapering the dose slowly under medical supervision. A professional detox program reduces risks and discomfort, ensuring safer withdrawal. With expert care, individuals are more likely to achieve long-term recovery and avoid relapse—especially when facing co-occurring abuse and mental health challenges.
Xanax Uses vs. Prozac Uses
Xanax and Prozac both treat panic disorder, but Prozac also helps with depression, OCD, and bulimia, making it ideal for co-occurring conditions. While Xanax is a benzodiazepine and Prozac is an SSRI, many ask, “Is Prozac like Xanax?”—they’re not. Prozac is better suited for long-term use and broader treatment.
It’s also used for treatment-resistant depression, obsessive compulsive disorder ocd and bipolar I disorder with olanzapine. Although neither drug commonly affects drug test results, stopping either one suddenly can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms.
In addition to these medical uses, Xanax and Prozac are both prescription drugs that are commonly abused because they are frequently prescribed and therefore easily accessible and diverted for abuse.
Xanax vs. Prozac: Addiction and Dependence
Xanax, a Schedule IV drug, has a higher risk of addiction than Prozac, though Prozac can still cause psychological dependence. Risk increases if you misuse either drug, have a history of substance abuse, take them long-term, or abuse other substances.
Xanax vs. Prozac: Side Effects of Abuse
Chronic Xanax abuse may lead to tolerance, depression, mood swings, aggression, memory issues, coordination problems, and brain damage. Prozac abuse can cause drowsiness, nausea, loss of appetite, dry mouth, tremors, nervousness, sweating, and low sex drive.
Get Xanax or Prozac Addiction Treatment Treatment Today
If you’re addicted to Xanax or Prozac, life may feel unmanageable. But with help, you can break free. At Briarwood, we understand the struggle and the difference between Prozac and Xanax—and we’re here to support your recovery.
Briarwood Detox Center offers medical detox programs in Houston and Austin for all addictive substances, including Xanax detox and Prozac detox. Our individualized programs cater to your unique needs during the detox process and guarantee a safe, supportive environment, as well as access to ongoing care after detox.
If you’re ready to start your new life and leave antidepressant abuse behind, call (888) 857-0557 to speak with a Briarwood representative today. We accept most forms of insurance.
