Does Prozac Feel Like Xanax? (3+differences)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 06/02/2024 | Next review date: 06/02/2026

Author bio

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159

Ivan Kahwa

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In this article, we’ll discuss if taking Prozac and Xanax do feel the same, the effect of Prozac and Xanax on the body, their respective mechanisms of action, potential side effects, and how to choose between Prozac and Xanax for treating various psychiatric disorders.

Does Prozac feel like Xanax?

No, Prozac and Xanax do not feel the same. Prozac (fluoxetine) and Xanax (alprazolam) are both prescription drugs, but they belong to different drug classes and are used to treat different conditions.

Prozac and Xanax are both medications used in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders. Prozac, known by the generic name fluoxetine, is a type of antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class (1). It is commonly used for treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and bulimia nervosa (2).

Xanax, on the other hand, is a brand name for alprazolam, a medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class. It is widely prescribed for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder.

What are the uses of Prozac and Xanax?

While both medications are used in managing psychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorders and panic disorders, the experiences and purposes of taking Prozac and Xanax can differ. Prozac is typically used for the long-term management of conditions such as depression and OCD, and it works by gradually improving mood over time (3).

Xanax, on the other hand, is often used for short-term relief of acute symptoms of anxiety and panic disorders, providing immediate feelings of calmness and relaxation (4).

What effects do Prozac and Xanax have on the body?

Prozac primarily helps reduce symptoms of depression such as feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and difficulty concentrating. It can also help reduce feelings of fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and the number of panic attacks (5).

Xanax, on the other hand, is known for its calming effect. It aids in diminishing excessive, abnormal hyperactivity in the brain, thereby inducing a sense of tranquility in the mind and body. It can help reduce symptoms of anxiety disorders such as feelings of fear, unease, and intense worry about everyday situations.

Prozac works by increasing levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, in the brain. Xanax works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits or reduces the activity of nerve cells within the brain.

How quickly Do Xanax and Prozac start working?

The onset of action also differs between these two medications. Xanax is known for its rapid onset of action, often taking effect within 15 to 60 minutes after ingestion. On the other hand, Prozac may take longer to become effective, with some people starting to feel better in 1 to 2 weeks, while others may need up to 8 weeks or longer to feel the effects (6).

What are the side effects of Prozac and Xanax?

Prozac and Xanax, like all medications, can cause certain side effects. For Prozac, these may include symptoms such as headaches, nausea, sleepiness, insomnia, loss of appetite, sexual side effects like decreased libido, and feelings of nervousness or anxiety.

Xanax, on the other hand, may cause side effects such as sedation, dizziness, weakness, memory issues, poor balance or coordination, slurred speech, and difficulty concentrating.

How to choose between Prozac and Xanax?

Choosing between Prozac and Xanax depends on the specific symptoms you’re experiencing, the duration of treatment, and your response to medication.

Prozac, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), primarily affects levels of serotonin over time to provide longer-term mood stabilization. It’s commonly used for depression and can be used more regularly without the risk of dependency, making it more suitable for chronic conditions like major depressive disorder.

Xanax is a benzodiazepine that increases the effect of GABA, a calming neurotransmitter, offering immediate relief from acute symptoms of anxiety. It works quickly and has a short half-life, making it suitable for acute anxiety and panic attacks. However, it’s intended to be a short-term treatment due to potential dependency issues over long-term usage (6).

Some patients take both an SSRI and a benzodiazepine to help with anxiety and depression. Your healthcare provider will consider your particular symptoms, possible side effects, interaction with other medicines, and other health conditions when choosing an antidepressant that’s likely to work well for you.

In conclusion, while Prozac and Xanax are both effective in managing certain psychiatric conditions, they do not necessarily produce similar feelings due to their different mechanisms of action. Bear in mind that these medications should only be consumed under the guidance of a healthcare professional due to the potential side effects and risks involved with their usage.

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References

1.-

Masand PS, Gupta S. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors: an update. Harv Rev Psychiatry. 1999 Jul-Aug;7(2):69-84. PMID: 10471245. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10471245/

2.-

Ait-Daoud N, Hamby AS, Sharma S, Blevins D. A Review of Alprazolam Use, Misuse, and Withdrawal. J Addict Med. 2018 Jan/Feb;12(1):4-10. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000350. PMID: 28777203; PMCID: PMC5846112. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5846112/

3.-

ite this PageClose
Pharmacological Treatment of Mental Disorders in Primary Health Care. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2009. Chapter 6, Medicines used in generalized anxiety and sleep disorders. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK143206/

4.-

Komlósi G, Molnár G, Rózsa M, Oláh S, Barzó P, Tamás G. Fluoxetine (prozac) and serotonin act on excitatory synaptic transmission to suppress single layer 2/3 pyramidal neuron-triggered cell assemblies in the human prefrontal cortex. J Neurosci. 2012 Nov 14;32(46):16369-78. doi: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.2618-12.2012. PMID: 23152619; PMCID: PMC3752144. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3752144/

5.-

Wichniak A, Wierzbicka A, Walęcka M, Jernajczyk W. Effects of Antidepressants on Sleep. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2017 Aug 9;19(9):63. doi: 10.1007/s11920-017-0816-4. PMID: 28791566; PMCID: PMC5548844. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28791566/

6.-

Bandelow B, Michaelis S, Wedekind D. Treatment of anxiety disorders. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2017 Jun;19(2):93-107. doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2017.19.2/bbandelow. PMID: 28867934; PMCID: PMC5573566. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5573566/

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Does Prozac feel like Xanax? (3+differences)