Valium Vs. Xanax: Differences, Similarities, And Effects

Có thể bạn quan tâm

Medical News TodaySubscribeExplore more in Anxiety

Related Topics

Causes & Risk Factors
Causes & Risk Factors
Related Articles
- Causes Overview
- Dehydration
- Triggers
- Caffeine
- Long COVID
Home Remedies
Home Remedies
Related Articles
- Home Remedies Overview
- Homeopathic Treatment
- Herbs
- Magnesium
- Melatonin
- Passionflower
- Saffron
- Ear seeds
- Hemp Oil
- Fidget Toys
- Best Supplements
- Weighted Blankets
- Valerian Root
- Benadryl
- Kratom
- Acupuncture
Management
Management
Related Articles
- Management Overview
- EFT Tapping
- Without Medication
- How to Stop a Panic Attack
- 4-7-8 Breathing
- Foods that Help
- Ease Throat Tightness
- Service Dogs
- Sour Candy for Panic Attacks
- Breathing Exercises
- Journaling
- Disability Benefits
- Exercises
- 333 Rule
- Mindfulness Meditation
- Box Breathing
- Support Groups
- Coping Tips
- Best Books
- Mantras
- Support During Panic Attack
- Coping Methods
- Yoga
- In Black Communities
- Drawing
- Best Jobs
- Affirmations
- Sleep Tips
- Support for Children
Prognosis
Prognosis
Related Articles
- Outlook Overview
- Is It Fatal?
- What Makes It Worse
- Does Everyone Have Anxiety?
Symptoms
Symptoms
Related Articles
- Symptoms Overview
- Anxiety-Avoidance Cycle
- Shortness of Breath
- Anxiety Attack
- Dizziness
- Brain Fog
- Rash
- Itching
- Jaw Tension
- Panic vs. Anxiety Attack
- Facial Numbness
- Lip Biting
- Heart Palpitations
- Shaking
- Numbness
- Fatigue
- Physical Symptoms
- Appetite Changes
- Headache
- Nervous Breakdown
- Tongue Tingling
- Nausea
Treatment
Treatment
Related Articles
- Treatment Overview
- Anxiety Medications
- Beta-Blockers
- Medication for Anxiety and Depression
- Xanax
- Ativan
- Propranolol
- Hydroxyzine
- Clonazepam
- Diazepam
- Ketamine
- Buspar
- Social Anxiety Medication
- Antipsychotics
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation
- Best Online CBT Platforms
Types
Types
Related Articles
- Types Overview
- In the Morning
- Separation
- Driving
- Anticipatory
- Debilitating
- Parental
- Hyperstimulation
- Panic Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Existential
- Travel
- Social
- Trait vs. State Anxiety
- Situational
- Political
- Hospital
- Types of Social Anxiety
- Eco-Anxiety
- Pathological
- Free-Floating
- Anxiety Disorders
- Anxiety in Children
- High Functioning
- Health
- Before Period
- Dating
- School
- Friendship
- Surgery
- At Night
- Dental
- In Males
- Hangover
- Test
- Gym
Complications
Complications
Related Articles
- Left Arm Pain
- Hot Flashes
- Acid Reflux
- Anxiety Poop
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Inflammation
- Anxiety Dreams
Related Conditions
Related Conditions
Related Articles
- Vs. Depression
- Psychosis
- Vs. Stress
- Tinnitus
- Panic vs. Heart Attack
- AVPD vs. Social Anxiety
- Vs. Paranoia
- Adjustment Disorder

What's the difference between Valium and Xanax?

Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD — Written by Claire Sissons — Updated on February 17, 2023

Similarities and differences
How they work
Side effects
Withdrawal
Dangers
Drug interactions
Who should avoid Valium or Xanax?
Takeaway

Valium and Xanax are both benzodiazepines doctors prescribe to treat anxiety. However, there are key differences in side effects and drug interactions.

Valium and Xanax are brand names for two types of medication for anxiety. The generic name for Valium is diazepam. The generic name for Xanax is alprazolam.

Many anxiety symptoms result, to some extent, from a chemical imbalance in the brain. Medication can help change this imbalance.

Sedatives slow down certain functions in the body. This can help a person sleep or make them feel calmer.

The best choice of medication and the dosage and duration of treatment will be different for each individual.

Similarities and differences

person taking xanax or valium — Getty Images

Valium and Xanax are different medications. A doctor should help a person decide which is most suitable.

People can take either medication as tablets or liquid, but adults usually only receive a prescription for pills.

An individual tends to take Valium or Xanax one to four times per day, but the dosage will depend on the person’s needs and on the medication, due to the differing lengths of action.

The following are some key facts about each:

Xanax	Valium
used to treat severe anxiety and panic disorders	used to treat less severe anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug withdrawal, muscle spasms, and seizures
intermediate onset (15–30 minutes)	rapid onset (within 15 minutes)
can cause dependency	can cause dependency
causes withdrawal symptoms	causes withdrawal symptoms
withdrawal does not last longer if a person takes the drug for a longer period	withdrawal does not last longer if a person takes the drug for a longer period

How they work

Both medications work with a chemical in the brain called gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA).

GABA reduces activity in parts of the brain that control memory, emotions, logical thought, and functions such as breathing.

Valium and Xanax increase the effects of GABA. This makes the muscles relax, reduces anxiety, and causes drowsiness.

Side effects

Valium and Xanax have similar side effects. Seek medical advice if any of these symptoms are severe or last for a long time.

FDA black box warning

Concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate.
Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required.
Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.

Common side effects of these drugs include:

Side effect	Valium	Xanax
drowsiness	X	X
dizziness	X	X
fatigue	X	X
dry mouth	X	X
nausea	X	X
appetite changes	X	X
constipation	X	X
headache	X
irritability	X
difficulty concentrating	X
weight changes	X
weakness	X
diarrhea	X
restlessness	X
blurred vision	X
sex drive changes	X	X
difficulty urinating	X	X
joint pain	X
increased salivation	X

Some side effects can be serious. A person should seek urgent medical attention if they experience any of the following:

Side effect	Valium	Xanax
seizures	X	X
fever	X
shuffling walk	X
lasting tremor	X
difficulty breathing	X	X
difficulty swallowing	X
serious skin rash	X	X
yellow skin or eyes	X	X
irregular heartbeat	X
hallucinations	X
depression	X
memory problems	X
confusion	X
speech problems	X
thoughts of suicide	X
balance problems	X
lightheadedness	X
talkativeness	X
behavior or mood changes	X

These are partial lists of side effects. Effects may vary between individuals. People should talk to their doctor about side effects before using these drugs.

If anyone experiences these adverse effects, they should contact 911 or the nearest emergency line in their area.

Withdrawal

A person who has taken Valium or Xanax regularly for a long time may experience withdrawal if they stop taking the medication. These symptoms may be physical or mental.

Withdrawal symptoms are similar for both, but Xanax may cause more symptoms than Valium.

Some examples of these withdrawal symptoms include:

stomach cramps
increased feeling of anxiety
headaches
dizziness
problems sleeping

A person should not stop either medication without talking with their doctor and establishing a plan. This is very important due to the potential for withdrawal symptoms.

It is possible for withdrawal symptoms to last for weeks or months. Support from friends, family, a group, or an organization can help a person coping with these effects. A doctor may be able to prescribe medication to help with withdrawal symptoms.

Dangers

If a person does not have certain underlying health conditions, Valium and Xanax are safe to take as long as a person follows a doctor’s instructions.

Both medications can cause dependency because they trigger significant changes in the brain, and withdrawal can be difficult.

For this reason, doctors tend to recommend Valium and Xanax for short-term use.

Drug interactions

People may not be able to take certain medications alongside Valium or Xanax. A person should talk with their doctor or pharmacist and review current medications to decide what they can or cannot take.

The list below covers some of the drugs that may interact with Valium or Xanax, but there may be more. People should talk with their doctor about all possible interactions that may occur.

Valium

Treatments that can interact with Valium include:

opioids
alcohol
antacids
cimetidine, ketoconazole, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, and omeprazole, which inhibit certain hepatic enzymes, such as cytochrome P450 3A and 2C19
phenytoin
centrally acting agents

Examples of centrally acting agents include: phenothiazines, antipsychotics, anxiolytics and sedatives, hypnotics, anticonvulsants, narcotic analgesics, anesthetics, sedative antihistamines, narcotics, barbiturates, MAO inhibitors, and other antidepressants.

This is a partial list of interactions. Before starting treatment the individual should talk with their doctor or pharmacist about all medications, herbs, and supplements they are taking to ensure they are safe.

Xanax

Drugs and drug types that may interact with Xanax include:

opioids
alcohol
other central nervous system (CNS) depressants
digoxin
imipramine
desipramine
drugs that inhibit CYP450 3A (examples include fluoxetine, propoxyphene and oral contraceptives)

A doctor may advise a person with a prescription for Valium or Xanax to stop taking other medications, or change the dosage of that person’s medications. The doctor may also monitor the person regularly for side effects.

»MORE:Get a refill for your medication in as little as 15 minutes with Optum Now Online Care.

Optum Now is operated by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.

Who should avoid Valium or Xanax?

These medications are not suitable for everyone. A doctor will ask about existing conditions before prescribing Valium or Xanax.

People with the following medical conditions usually cannot take Valium or Xanax:

breathing problems or lung disease
severe kidney or liver disease
sleep apnea
muscle weakness
previous or current drug or alcohol addiction or misuse
depression
glaucoma

Children generally cannot take Valium or Xanax. Older adults can, but they usually receive a reduced dosage. There is very little data showing the use of either Valium or Xanax in children.

People should speak to their doctor if they are pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or might become pregnant. There is no data in humans to show that either of these medications is safe or harmful during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Both drugs can cause drowsiness. A person should usually not drive or operate machinery while taking either medication.

Takeaway

Valium and Xanax are different, though they can treat similar issues. A doctor considers a range of factors before recommending either.

Mental Health
Anxiety / Stress
Pharmacy / Pharmacist

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Alprazolam. (2017).https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684001.html
Anxiety. (n.d.)https://www.mhanational.org/conditions/anxiety
Anxiety disorders. (n.d.). http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/anxiety-disorders
Comparison of benzodiazepines. (n.d.).http://www.vhpharmsci.com/vhformulary/tools/benzodiazepines-comparison.htm
Diazepam. (2019). https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682047.html
FDA requiring Boxed Warning updated to improve safe use of benzodiazepine drug class. (2020).https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-requiring-boxed-warning-updated-improve-safe-use-benzodiazepine-drug-class
Lautieri, A. (2020). Xanax withdrawal - Symptoms, duration, dangers, and treatment.https://americanaddictioncenters.org/withdrawal-timelines-treatments/xanax
Medication. (n.d.). http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/medication
Sleeping pills and minor tranquillisers. (2016).https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/sleeping-pills-and-minor-tranquillisers/about-benzodiazepines/#.W9cQm3r7SRs
Xanax — Alprazolam tablet. (2020).https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=388e249d-b9b6-44c3-9f8f-880eced0239f

Share this article

Medically reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD — Written by Claire Sissons — Updated on February 17, 2023

Latest news

A 1-week social media break could boost your mental health
Certain changes in driving patterns may point to cognitive decline, dementia
Eating takeout food too often may increase cardiovascular disease risk
Between sleep and exercise, choose sleep, research suggests
To keep your heart healthy, try drinking more orange juice

Related Coverage

5 breathing exercises for anxiety and how to do themMedically reviewed by Alex Klein, PsyD
Breathing exercises can help reduce anxiety. Learn how to practice deep breathing, quieting response, and three other breathing techniques here.
READ MORE
6 pressure points that alleviate anxietyMedically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT
Learn the location of six pressure points that relieve anxiety and how to massage them. Also, find out what the research says about the effectiveness…
READ MORE
All you need to know about illness anxiety disorderMedically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD
A look at illness anxiety disorder, a condition where people worry about their health to a dangerous level. The person may think that they have, or…
READ MORE
Can coffee protect against depression? The answer may be complicated
The so-called coffee paradox outlines how caffeine appears to protect against depression, but blocks adenosine receptors, which are key in two major…
READ MORE
Psychedelics may 'rewire' brain to improve depression treatment: study
Scientists have found that the psychedelic DOI helped 'rewire' the brains of rats and influenced a brain pathway key to mental health that may improve…
READ MORE

Từ khóa » Gg 550 Vs Xanax

Health Conditions

Health Products

News

Original Series

Podcasts

General Health

Health Tools

Quizzes

About Medical News Today

Find Community

Follow Us

Related Topics

Causes & Risk Factors

Related Articles

Home Remedies

Related Articles

Management

Related Articles

Prognosis

Related Articles

Symptoms

Related Articles

Treatment

Related Articles

Types

Related Articles

Complications

Related Articles

Related Conditions

Related Articles

Similarities and differences

How they work

Side effects

FDA black box warning

Withdrawal

Dangers

Drug interactions

Valium

Xanax

Who should avoid Valium or Xanax?

Takeaway

How we reviewed this article:

Latest news

Related Coverage

Liên Hệ