I am aware that Xanax is for Anxiety and that Ambien is for insomnia and other troubles sleeping but they seem the same to me. Are they both depressants? How do they work differently in the brain? May any former/current users contribute some input? Thanks!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Xanax is used for panic and anxiety. It’s a benzo, like Valium.
Ambien is simply a sleep aid, it would not help in the event of a panic attack.
Claire’s answer is good. Xanax is an anti-anxiety agent to be used on an "as needed" basis. It can be addictive so doctors are careful when prescribing it to individuals. I don’t believe that Ambien is addictive because as a sleeping aid it’s part of a different category of medications. (But don’t quote me on that one…)