Valium and Xanax are prescription medications used to treat anxiety, referred to the group of benzodiazepines, a specific class of drugs commonly prescribed to help alleviate stress.
Valium is a brand name for diazepam, whereas Xanax is a brand name for alprazolam. Both act like minor tranquilizers. Valium and Xanax are different medications, and a doctor should help a person decide which is most suitable. A person tends to take valium or Xanax one to four times per day, but these dosages will depend on the person’s needs and the medication due to differing lengths of action.
They both help increase the activity of gamma-aminobutyric neurotransmitters that send signals to the body, and when there is no sufficient GABA, feelings of anxiety may arise. Valium and Xanax can help to alleviate the stress that would otherwise ensure.
Some main components of both are given below:
- Xanax is used to treat severe anxiety and panic disorders. In comparison, valium is used to treat less severe anxiety disorders, alcohol and drugs withdrawal, muscle spasms, and seizures.
- Xanax is an intermediate onset(15-30 minutes), whereas valium is a rapid onset within 15 minutes.
- Xanax can cause dependency, whereas valium is a kind of drug which causes dependence.
- Xanax causes withdrawal symptoms, whereas valium causes withdrawal symptoms.
- Xanax withdrawal does not last longer if a person takes the drugs for a longer period. In contrast, valium does not last longer if a person takes medicine for a more extended period.
Similarities and differences between Valium and Xanax
Xanax and valium are two kinds of benzodiazepines and are central nervous system depressants. Valium is a brand name that refers to diazepam, and Xanax is the brand name for alprazolam; thus, both the drugs form the same drug classes, the mechanism of action is identical, however. At the same time, they may share this similarity structural differences between them affect their activity in the body and how long their side effects last.
Xanax
- Xanax is Slower to take effect
- Xanax stays active for a shorter period
- Xanax is approved for panic disorders
- In the case of Xanax, safety is not established for children.
Valium
- Valium takes effect quickly
- It stays active for a more extended period.
- Valium is not approved for panic disorders.
- Valium May be used to treat children.
Both medications act with a chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid. GABA reduces activity in parts of the brain nerves that control memory, emotions, logical thoughts, and functions such as breathing. They both increase the effects of GABA, which makes the muscles relax, reduces anxiety, and causes drowsiness.
How do Valium and Xanax work
Valium And Xanax are both versions of brand names for different generic medicines. Valium is a brand name that refers to the drug diazepam, while Xanax is a brand name that refers to the drug alprazolam; both of these drugs are minor tranquilizers. They work by helping to increase the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid. These medications work with a chemical in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid. GABA, a neurotransmitter, reduces activity in parts of the brain cells that control memory, emotions, logical thought, and functions such as breathing. Valium and Xanax increase the effects of GABA, making the muscles relax, reducing anxiety, and causing drowsiness. Valium and Xanax are both FDA-approved for stress- relief. Still, Xanax is less likely than diazepam to induce sleep, and valium may also be used to treat seizures, in anesthesia, and as a muscle relaxant.
Which drug is more effective for anxiety
Valium and Xanax are for the treatment of anxiety. Still, valium is slightly more beneficial than Xanax at relieving pressure, mainly if the stress was also gone along with depression, but the differences were unlikely to be clinically meaningful. Therefore, Xanax is less likely to cause drowsiness than diazepam.
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