Hydroxyzine or xanax (alprazolam)? which is best to treat anxiety?

Risk vs benefit: Hydroxyzine can be a complement to a treatment plan but usually not the best alone. Xanax (alprazolam) is habit forming and is not good for anxiety disorder not accompanied with panic attacks.

Likely Xanax (alprazolam): Hydroxyzine has its anti-anxiety effects in an indirect manner because it makes people tired and sleepy which tends to make them less anxious in the short run. Xanax (alprazolam) on the other hand is more specific for true anxiety symptoms as opposed to depression but it has dependency issues and is tightly regulated. Be sure the diagnosis of anxiety best describes you then, check with your doctor.