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Valium vs Xanax
Introduction
For patients experiencing anxiety disorders or symptoms of acute stress, certain drugs that affect the balance of chemicals in the brain known as neurotransmitters can provide relief and help manage these conditions. Valium and Xanax are two such medications commonly prescribed for these purposes. They both belong to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which enhance the effect of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits activity in the brain and induces sedation. While both have calming effects on patients with anxiety or stress-related conditions, they differ subtly in their pharmacological profiles. Valium (diazepam) has a longer half-life than Xanax (alprazolam), meaning it stays active in your system for a longer period; it's often used for more chronic forms of anxiety or as muscle relaxant due to its anticonvulsant properties. On the other hand, Xanax acts more quickly but lasts shorter; it's more suitable for panic disorder and short-term relief from acute symptoms of anxiety.
Valium vs Xanax Side By Side
| Attribute | Valium | Xanax |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Name | Valium | Xanax |
| Contraindications | May worsen symptoms of depression, should not be taken with opioids, should not be stopped abruptly. | May worsen symptoms of depression, should not be taken with opioids, should not be stopped abruptly. |
| Cost | For brand name: around $400 for 60 tablets of 5 mg. For generic (diazepam): ranges from $0.16 to $1 per day depending on dosage. | For brand name: about $470 for 30 capsules of 0.25 mg. For generic (alprazolam): starts from about $.05/tablet, not exceeding more than about $3-$4 a day even at high doses. |
| Generic Name | Diazepam | Alprazolam |
| Most Serious Side Effect | Severe drowsiness or lightheadedness, allergic reactions, blurry vision, double vision, involuntary eye movement, rapid heartbeats, chest pain, shortness of breath, symptoms of hyponatremia, and serious nervous system reactions. | Allergic reactions, significant change in mood or behavior, confusion and hallucinations, uncontrolled muscle movements, seizures, pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest, depressed mood with thoughts of suicide, manic episodes. |
| Severe Drug Interactions | Opioids, due to risk of life-threatening interactions. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms. | Opioids, due to risk of life-threatening interactions. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms. |
| Typical Dose | 2-10 mg taken 2-4 times daily | 0.25-0.5 mg taken three times a day, up to a maximum daily dose of 4 mg |
What is Valium?
Diazepam (the generic name for Valium) was one of the first drugs in the class of benzodiazepines, which marked a significant advancement from barbiturates used previously. Diazepam was approved by the FDA in 1963. It works by enhancing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits activity in the brain, effectively reducing anxiety and promoting sleep. It is prescribed for various conditions such as anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Meanwhile, Alprazolam (Xanax) belongs to the same family of benzodiazepines but was approved later in 1981. Xanax also enhances GABA's effects; however, it is more potent and has a quicker onset than Valium but with a shorter duration of action making it more useful for panic disorder treatment but increases dependency risk due to its high potency and short half-life.
What conditions is Valium approved to treat?
Valium and Xanax are both approved for the management of different anxiety disorders:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia
- In the case of Valium, it is also used to manage symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal
- Additionally, Valium can be prescribed as an adjunctive treatment for seizures.
How does Valium help with these illnesses?
Valium and Xanax both help to manage anxiety by increasing the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) available in the synapses of the brain. They do this by enhancing the effect of GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits or reduces activity in the nervous system, thus balancing out overactivity and producing a calming effect. This is particularly important for people with anxiety disorders as their brains often show signs of heightened neural activity.
Both Valium and Xanax are classified as benzodiazepines, but they have different durations of action. Valium has a longer half-life than Xanax which means it stays active in your body for a longer period time; this could be beneficial for conditions requiring sustained relief from symptoms. On the other hand, Xanax acts quickly giving rapid relief from acute symptoms of anxiety but its effects don't last as long.
In conclusion, both Valium and Xanax increase levels of GABA in order to limit negative effects associated with excessive neural activity characteristic to anxiety disorders and help patients manage their condition more effectively.
What is Xanax?
Xanax, a brand name for alprazolam, is an effective medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. It works by increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits the activity in the brain and induces tranquility. Xanax was first approved by the FDA in 1981 and has since been widely used as an anti-anxiety medicine due to its fast onset of action.
Unlike Valium, which is also a benzodiazepine but with longer-lasting effects, Xanax does not stay active in your body for an extended period. This makes it less likely to build up concentration over time if taken multiple times throughout a day.
Its primary function on GABA means that its side-effect profile can include drowsiness and dependency with long-term use—issues that are common amongst benzodiazepines like Valium. However, Xanax's quick action may be beneficial for those who need immediate relief from acute symptoms of anxiety or panic disorder.
What conditions is Xanax approved to treat?
Xanax, also known by its generic name alprazolam, has been approved for the treatment of:
- Anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder, with or without a fear of places and situations that might cause panic, helplessness or embarrassment (Agoraphobia)
How does Xanax help with these illnesses?
Xanax, also known as alprazolam, is a medication that positively modulates the action of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. This leads to an overall reduction in nervous tension and anxiety. It's particularly useful for treating panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. While Valium also acts on the GABA system, Xanax is often favored due to its faster onset of action and shorter half-life, which means it can provide quick relief without remaining in the system too long. This makes Xanax a more suitable choice for acute management of severe symptoms but requires careful monitoring by healthcare professionals due to potential issues with tolerance and dependence. Like all benzodiazepines, it should be used responsibly under medical supervision.
How effective are both Valium and Xanax?
Both diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax) have well-established histories of success in managing symptoms of anxiety, having been approved by the FDA in 1963 and 1981 respectively. Both medications are classified as benzodiazepines, a group of drugs known for their sedative effects on the central nervous system. They work by enhancing the effect of GABA neurotransmitters, thereby inducing a calming effect.
The effectiveness of both Valium and Xanax was directly studied in several clinical trials throughout the years; these studies demonstrated that both drugs exhibit similar efficacy in managing symptoms related to panic disorders and generalized anxiety disorder. However, there is some variation between patients receiving Valium or Xanax due to different pharmacokinetics: Diazepam has a longer half-life compared to alprazolam which results in slower onset but prolonged effects.
A comprehensive review conducted over multiple decades indicated that diazepam effectively managed acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome, muscle spasticity related to neurological diseases such as cerebral palsy and paraplegia, preoperative sedation as well as seizure disorders including epilepsy.
Conversely, alprazolam is primarily used for short term relief from acute symptoms of anxiety disorders including panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. It's also prescribed off-label for chemotherapy induced nausea & vomiting alongside standard antiemetic therapy.
In conclusion while they belong to same class i.e., Benzodiazepines yet due to differences in pharmacological profiles each drug can be more favorable depending upon individual patient circumstances like nature & severity of disease condition along with potential risk factors associated with long-term use such as tolerance development leading into dependency.
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At what dose is Valium typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Valium range from 2-10 mg taken 2-4 times daily, depending on the individual's response and tolerance to the drug. It is recommended that for anxiety disorders in adults, a dose of 2 to 10 mg should be taken two to four times per day. For children older than six months, dosage will need to be personalized based on age, weight and condition being treated. In contrast, Xanax doses vary widely from person-to-person but are usually started at about 0.25mg - 0.5mg three times per day for treatment of Anxiety Disorders in adults; this can then be increased every three or four days if necessary up until a maximum limit which generally does not exceed 4 mg/day.
At what dose is Xanax typically prescribed?
Xanax treatment is typically initiated at a dosage of 0.25-0.5 mg taken three times a day. The dose can then be increased to reach a maximum daily dose of 4 mg, divided into smaller doses that are taken throughout the day with approximately 6 hours apart. However, it's important to note that the required dosage will vary depending on the severity and type of anxiety disorder being treated, as well as individual patient response to medication. If there is no substantial improvement in symptoms after several weeks at this maximum dosage, further consultation with your healthcare provider may be necessary for alternative or supplementary treatments.
What are the most common side effects for Valium?
Some common side effects of Valium and Xanax include:
- Drowsiness, sleepiness or fatigue
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Changes in appetite (either increased or decreased)
- Decreased libido (sex drive)
- Difficulties with coordination and memory
- Weight changes
Severe side effects can include mood changes such as agitation, hallucinations, confusion, depression. If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms or worsening health conditions while taking either medication, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider immediately.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Valium?
In some cases, Valium (diazepam) can cause serious side effects. These may include:
- Severe drowsiness or lightheadedness that might lead to self-harm
- Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat
- Blurry vision, double vision or involuntary eye movement
- Rapid heartbeats, chest pain and shortness of breath; feeling like you might pass out
- Symptoms suggestive of hyponatremia - headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting and loss of coordination
- Serious reactions affecting the nervous system: stiff (rigid) muscles high fever sweating confusion rapid heartbeat tremors feeling like you might faint.
If you experience any such symptoms while using Valium (diazepam), it is imperative to seek medical care immediately. It's also worth noting that both Xanax and Valium carry a risk for dependency if misused over time. It's essential to use these medications only as directed by a trusted healthcare provider.
What are the most common side effects for Xanax?
Potential side effects of Xanax include:
- Drowsiness, fatigue
- Dry mouth or increased salivation
- Changes in sex drive/ability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Weight changes (loss or gain)
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Headache, dizziness
- Skin rash and other allergic reactions
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia) -Tremors and unsteady movements -Anxiety, restlessness, agitation. Please note that more severe symptoms like confusion, hallucinations, risk-taking behavior should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Xanax?
While Xanax is generally safe and effective when used properly, it can sometimes cause severe side effects. If you experience any of the following symptoms while taking Xanax, seek medical attention immediately:
- Signs of an allergic reaction such as hives; difficult breathing; swelling in your face, lips, tongue or throat
- A significant change in mood or behavior like feeling agitated, hostile, aggressive or restless
- Confusion and hallucinations
- Uncontrolled muscle movements (tremors), seizures (convulsions)
- Pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest
- Depressed mood with thoughts of suicide Lastly - a rare but serious condition called manic episodes could occur where one experiences racing thoughts; increased energy; unusual risk-taking behavior; excessive happiness or irritability; talking more than usual and having little need for sleep.
Contraindications for Valium and Xanax?
Both Valium and Xanax, along with most other benzodiazepine medications, may worsen symptoms of depression in some people. If you notice your mood declining or an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Valium nor Xanax should be taken if you are using, or have recently used opioid medications. Always inform your healthcare provider about all the drugs you are currently taking; opioids require careful management to avoid life-threatening interactions with benzodiazepines like Valium and Xanax. Furthermore, these medications should not be stopped abruptly due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms. Instead, they must always be tapered off under a doctor's supervision.
How much do Valium and Xanax cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price of 60 tablets of Valium (5 mg) averages around $400, which works out to about $6.66–$13.33/day, depending on your dose.
- The price of 30 capsules of Xanax (0.25 mg) averages about $470, working out to approximately $15.66/day.
Thus, if you are in the higher dosage range for Valium (i.e., 15 mg/day or higher), then brand-name Xanax is less expensive on a per-day treatment basis. Please note that cost should not be a primary consideration in determining which of these drugs is right for you.
For the generic versions of Valium (diazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam), costs are significantly lower:
- Diazepam (5 mg tablets) is available in packs from 10 up to several hundred tablets with approximate costs ranging from $0.16 to $1 per day for dosages between 2mg and 20mg.
- Alprazolam starts from as low as about $.05/tablet upward depending upon strength and quantity purchased; usually not exceeding more than about $3-$4 a day even at high doses like 3 milligrams daily or more.
Please bear in mind this does not include any dispensing fees a pharmacy might charge nor take into account insurance coverage which can greatly reduce patient's drug expenses while increasing adherence levels by making medications affordable where needed most--in patients' pockets!
Popularity of Valium and Xanax
Diazepam, known by the brand name Valium, was prescribed to an estimated 14 million people in the USA in 2020. Diazepam accounts for just over 15% of benzodiazepine prescriptions in the US. It is actually one of the most commonly-prescribed “classical” benzodiazepines (a group that includes drugs like alprazolam and lorazepam). The prevalence of diazepam has been generally steady since it peaked in popularity during the late 20th century.
Alprazolam, including brand versions such as Xanax, was prescribed to about 48 million people in the USA during 2020. Alprazolam represents a substantial percentage - nearly 50% - of all benzodiazepine prescriptions, making it not only one of the most popular medications within its class but also one of the most frequently prescribed pharmaceuticals overall. Despite concerns regarding dependency and withdrawal symptoms associated with long-term use, alprazolam's widespread usage indicates its perceived effectiveness among healthcare providers and patients alike.
Conclusion
Both Valium (diazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam) are widely used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, with a substantial history of use that demonstrates their effectiveness over placebo treatments. They may be used in combination under careful medical supervision but can interact negatively with each other. Both drugs work by enhancing the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter associated with calming effects, although they have different strengths and durations of action.
Valium is often deployed for its muscle relaxant properties as well as its anxiolytic effects, while Xanax is typically prescribed for panic disorder due to its rapid onset. Valium has a longer half-life than Xanax which means it stays active in your system longer.
Both medications come in generic forms bringing significant cost savings to patients who must pay out-of-pocket. For both Valium and Xanax, there might be an adjustment period; immediate relief from symptoms may not always be noticeable.
The side effect profile is similar between these two benzodiazepines; however, drowsiness and coordination problems tend to occur more frequently with Valium usage than with Xanax. Patients must monitor their emotions closely when starting therapy as abrupt discontinuation or prolonged use can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia and increased anxiety levels.
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Refrences
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- Shader, R. I., & Greenblatt, D. J. (1980, January). Benzodiazepines: Some Aspects of Their Clinical Pharmacology. Novartis Foundation Symposia. Wiley.http://doi.org/10.1002/9780470720578.ch9
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- Geiselmann, B., & Linden, M. (1991, March). Prescription and Intake Patterns in Long-Term and Ultra-Long-Term Benzodiazepine Treatment in Primary Care Practice. Pharmacopsychiatry. Georg Thieme Verlag KG.http://doi.org/10.1055/s-2007-1014439
- Dawson, G. W., Jue, S. G., & Brogden, R. N. (1984, February). Alprazolam. Drugs. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.http://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-198427020-00002