Valium (diazepam) is used to treat anxiety disorders such as panic attacks, insomnia, and other forms of tension. Xanax (lorazepam) is used to treat anxiety disorders including panic attacks, insomnia, and other forms of tension. Both drugs are prescribed for different types of anxiety disorder. However, they have similar effects when taken together or at least with alcohol. They both act on the same brain chemicals called benzodiazepines. These chemicals are responsible for calming down your nervous system. The main difference between these two drugs is that while valium works quickly, it takes longer to affect the body’s chemistry than xanax does.
How Long Does Valium Last?
Valium is usually prescribed for short periods of time like one week or less, but it may be given continuously if needed. Xanax can be taken indefinitely because its effect lasts much longer than valium’s.
How Long Does Xanax Last?
Xanax is typically prescribed for shorter periods of time like one day or less, but it may be given continuously if needed. Valium can be taken indefinitely because its effect lasts much longer than xanax’s.
What Are Their Side Effects?
The side effects of both drugs are the same. If you take either drug, you will experience some side effects. The side effects of this drug can range from mild to severe. Some common side effects of this drug are:
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Trouble speaking
Slurred speech
Confusion
Difficulty in concentrating
Problems with balance and coordination
Headache Low blood pressure
How Are They Prescribed?
A person should take a low dose when they are first using these drugs. It is best to increase the dose slowly until you reach the proper dosage recommended by the doctor. If you have been taking a low dosage for a long period of time and feel that it is not working any longer, then you should consult your doctor about increasing your dosage. It is very important that you take the correct dosage prescribed by your doctor. If you take a higher dose than what is recommended, then you may experience overdose symptoms.
How Long Do Their Effects Last?
The effects of the drug can last up to 12 hours or more. It all depends on the type of drug given and dosage. For example, if you are taking valium, then the drug’s effects will usually wear off in 3 to 4 hours. On the other hand, if you are taking diazepam, then the drug’s effects may last up to 12 hours or more.
Taking valium and alcohol can cause severe drowsiness. It is not recommended to take this drug if you plan on driving or doing any activity that requires full concentration.
These drugs are useful in treating certain medical conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder, nausea, and other uses. It is important to take this drug exactly as your doctor directs.
If you have been taking this drug on a regular basis, then it is best to take the smallest dose possible to control your symptoms.
You should not stop taking a benzodiazepine abruptly. If you stop taking this drug suddenly, then you will experience severe withdrawal symptoms like convulsions, tremors, and hallucinations.
Are There Any Overdose Symptoms?
If you take too much of this drug, then you may experience overdose symptoms. Some common overdose symptoms include:
Slowed breathing
Shallow breathing
Confusion and inability to think straight
Fatigue
Lack of energy Irregular heartbeat Dizziness Convulsions Coma
It is very important that you seek medical attention if you start to experience overdose effects from this drug.
Sources & references used in this article:
Double-blind comparison of alprazolam, diazepam, and placebo for the treatment of negative schizophrenic symptoms by JG Csernansky, SJ Riney, L Lombrozo… – Archives of general …, 1988 – jamanetwork.com
Comparative pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of lorazepam, alprazolam and diazepam by EH Ellinwood, DG Heatherly, AM Nikaido… – …, 1985 – Springer
Double‐blind study of alprazolam, diazepam, clonidine, and placebo in the alcohol withdrawal syndrome: preliminary findings by B Adinoff – Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 1994 – Wiley Online Library
The effects of alprazolam, quazepam and diazepam on saccadic eye movements, parameters of psychomotor function and the EEG by MW Blom, PR Bartel, K De Sommers… – Fundamental & …, 1990 – Wiley Online Library
