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If you’ve ever suffered from anxiety, you’ll know how debilitating it can be. When the problem is serious, sufferers have excessive and intense feelings of worry and fear about everyday situations. The most common types of anxiety disorders are generalized anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and social anxiety disorder. Sometimes, anxiety is treated with medications like benzodiazepines. Two of the most well-known are Xanax and Valium. This article will compare these two medications and how they treat anxiety.
What Are Xanax and Valium?
Both drugs are benzodiazepines but they are different. Firstly, both are brand names. Valium is diazepam and Xanax is alprazolam. While they have a similar action mechanism (both enhance GABA activity in the brain to promote calmness), they have differences that mean they affect the body differently.
*GABA stands for Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid, and it plays an important role in reducing brain activity and calming the nervous system. Low levels are associated with anxiety.
● Xanax: This is often prescribed for panic disorders and acute anxiety.
● Valium: This is used more broadly for anxiety, muscle spasms, seizures, and even alcohol withdrawal.
Differences Between Xanax and Valium
As well as their use cases, there are other differences between Xanax and Valium. Here’s where they differ:
Onset and Duration of Action
Both drugs work quickly (usually in 30 to 60 minutes). Valium tends to work a little bit quicker but also has a very long half-life–between 20 to 70 hours. This is the time it takes for 50% of the drug to leave the body. Essentially, it could still be in your system to some small degree up to six weeks after taking it. The half-life of Xanax is shorter.
Duration
In terms of the duration of its effects, Valium lasts longer than Xanax, the latter being effective for hours instead of up to a day or more.
Potency
Milligram for milligram, Xanax is the stronger of the two, but it doesn’t last as long.
Dependency Risks
Both drugs carry risks but because Xanax acts faster, you can become dependent on it more quickly. They are both only recommended for short-term use.
Side Effects and Risks
Both medications have similar side effects and risks. Both have been known to cause:
● Drowsiness
● Dizziness
● Fatigue
● Dry mouth
● Nausea
● Appetite changes
● Constipation
● Sex drive changes
● Difficulty urinating
Valium can also cause weakness, diarrhea, restlessness, and blurred vision. Xanax has been known to cause headache, irritability, difficulty concentrating, joint pain, and increased salivation. Long-term users of both drugs might find they develop cognitive and memory issues too. Both should only be taken under medical supervision.
Choosing the Right Option
In terms of a Xanax vs Valium comparison, neither drug is “better” universally. The choice of drug depends on:
1. The nature of the anxiety. Do you have short bursts or ongoing symptoms?
2. Any co-existing conditions. For example, muscle spasms or seizures, for which Valium could help.
3. The duration of needed relief. Do you need something for a short while (e.g., for an awake medical procedure) or something long-acting?
A doctor will always consider your symptoms, history, other medications you’re taking, and your potential for misuse. Before starting either or switching, it’s important to seek medical advice.
Endnote
Over 30 million U.S. adults are prescribed benzodiazepines like Xanax and Valium each year. This means it is one of the most widely prescribed drugs ever. Both are effective as anti-anxiety medications, but serve different needs. However, each comes with its risks; these are powerful medications, and there are concerns around dependence and withdrawal. It’s important to have professional oversight. Only a qualified healthcare professional can decide which option is safest and most effective for an individual’s needs.
