Here is a list of benefits for both Xanax and Xanax XR but keep in mind it is all a generalization, and not intended to be medical advice (just information)
Xanax
Dosage forms: 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 mg tablets
FDA approved for the management of an anxiety disorder (a condition corresponding most closely to the diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder) or the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety or tension associated with the stress of everyday life usually does not require treatment with an anxiolytic. Xanax is also indicated for the treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia it is also approved for anxiety associated with depression. The FDA approved maximum dose is 4 mg/day of Xanax except for panic disorder which is FDA approved at up to 10 mg/day.
Benefits/Problems:
Best for people taking Xanax SHORT term.
Best for people taking Xanax as needed (prn)
Best for people with acute anxiety that will likely only require treatment for 1 month or less.
Best for people who require a RAPID reduction of anxiety such as people who experience occasional panic attacks, performance anxiety, or other periods of increased anxiety.
Greater risk of interdose symptoms, a particular problem for people with panic disorder.
Often instant release drugs, including Xanax are somewhat more effective in a small subset of patients.
Severe and debilitating anxiety typically responds much better to instant release Xanax.
Available as a generic, covered by most insurance, and very cheap. Cash price is often under $10 USD and rarely more than $20 USD monthly.
Xanax XR
Dosage forms: 0.5, 1, 2, 3 mg tablets ER
FDA approved for the treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia. It is FDA approved for up to 10 mg/day.
Benefits/Problems:
Often best for people taking Xanax for panic disorder, especially at high doses-the average/most effective dose for panic disorder WITHOUT agoraphobia is typically 3-4 mg/day, for panic disorder WITH agoraphobia the average/most effective dose is 4-6 mg/day however panic disorder may require up to Xanax 10 mg/day.
Often a better choice for people taking a large dose of Xanax (typically more than 4 mg/day) for any reason long term.
Better choice for people with a history of substance abuse/dependence.
Often considered better for a person taking any dose long term.
If physical dependence to Xanax occurs then any withdrawal is easier and more comfortable on Xanax XR.
Often a lower dose of Xanax XR can be used compared to regular Xanax. For example if a person is taking 3mg/day of Xanax XR typically they need to switch to 4 mg of Xanax IR (1 mg four times daily) for the same effect.
Available as a generic, may or may not be covered by most insurance, cash price is typically $100-300 USD monthly for the generic.
Niravam (alprazolam) ODT
Dosage forms: 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 mg ODT (sublingual)
This drug is basically the same as regular Xanax however instead of taken orally (swallowed) it is taken sublingually (put under the tongue and allowed to dissolve). The only benefits to using an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) are that they are helpful for people with a hard time swallowing pills and it may work somewhat more rapidly.
It really is a matter of personal preference. If what you are doing it working well for you then I don’t know why there is any reason to change it. Have a conversation with your doctor and see what he thinks. It is also possible to do both, for example taking TWO 1 mg Xanax XR tablets daily and TWO 1 mg Xanax IR tablets or four 0.5 mg IR tablets.