Anxiety disorders are one of the most frequent mental health problems that impact millions of people throughout the world. For decades, benzodiazepines have been the main drugs used to treat anxiety. Valium (also known as Diazepam) and Xanax (also known as Alprazolam) are two of the most frequent drugs in this family. Even though they are both in the same medication family, their effects, when they start working, how long they last, and how to use them correctly can be very different. This in-depth comparison is meant to assist patients and their carers choose between Diazepam and Alprazolam with all the information they need.
What do benzodiazepines do?
People mostly use benzodiazepines to treat anxiety, panic attacks, muscular spasms, seizures, and sleeplessness. They are a type of psychotropic medicine. These drugs function by making gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) work better. GABA is a neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity. This helps people feel tranquil, which is why benzodiazepines work to relieve anxiety.
A look at Diazepam
Since the early 1960s, doctors have been able to employ diazepam in their work. It is one of the benzodiazepines that lasts the longest, with effects that might last 24 hours or longer. It is given to treat a number of conditions, such as:
- Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Sudden withdrawal from alcohol
- Muscle cramps
- Seizures
- Sedation before medical procedures
- Valium and Diastat are two well-known brand names.
- Tablets, injections, and rectal gel are among types that are available.
- Dosage: 2 mg to 10 mg, 2 to 4 times a day
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A brief look at Alprazolam
Xanax is a well-known brand name for alprazolam, which was first sold in the 1980s. It is a short-acting benzodiazepine that doctors typically provide to people with panic disorders and acute anxiety attacks because it works quickly.
- Xanax and Niravam are two well-known brand names.
- You can get them as tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and extended-release tablets.
- Most people take 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg up to three times a day.
What Makes Diazepam and Alprazolam Different
- Feature Alprazolam Diazepam
- 15 to 60 minutes until the start of action 15 to 30 minutes
- Length of Effect Lasts a long time (20 to 70 hours) Short-acting (11 to 16 hours)
- Half-life Up to 48 hours About 11 hours
Moderate Risk of Addiction High Use in Panic Disorder Not as common Withdrawal Severity is sometimes employed Less severe More intense and faster
What works better for anxiety?
- Both medications work, but how well they work depends on the kind and degree of the anxiety.
- For Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Diazepam’s lengthy duration may be better, especially for people who need to regulate their symptoms all day.
- For panic attacks, alprazolam works faster, thus it’s better for abrupt, acute episodes of anxiety.
- However, you shouldn’t use any of these drugs for a long time because they might make you dependent and tolerant.
What to Expect in Terms of Side Effects Common Side Effects of Diazepam:
- Sleepiness
- Tiredness
- Weakness in the muscles
- Feeling dizzy
- Speech that is slurred
- Alprazolam Side Effects: Drowsiness
- Problems with memory
- Mouth that is dry
- Changes in hunger
- Being irritable
Keep in mind that side effects are different for each person. Before taking or modifying any medicine, it is very important to talk to your doctor.
Risk of addiction and withdrawal
Both drugs can make you dependent, especially if you use them for a long time. Alprazolam is more prone to trigger severe withdrawal symptoms since it has a short half-life. These symptoms include:
- Anxiety that comes back
- Not being able to sleep
- Seizures (in really bad situations)
- Tremors and being irritable
Because diazepam has a longer half-life, it is simpler to taper off of, which makes it a little safer for people who are stopping medication.
Which One Should You Pick?
There are a number of things to think about while choosing between Diazepam and Alprazolam:
- How often and how bad your anxiety or panic episodes are
- Your own medical history
- Risk of drug misuse
- Other drugs being used at the same time
Alprazolam may work better if you require quick relief from panic episodes. If you need long-term, continuous management of your symptoms, Diazepam may be a better choice.
Warnings and Precautions
- Don’t drink alcohol. Mixing any medicine with alcohol makes sedation, respiratory depression, and overdose more likely.
- Don’t stop taking it all at once; this might cause withdrawal symptoms or seizures.
- Use in older people: Both medicines can make older people confused or lead them to fall.
- Pregnancy with breastfeeding: Don’t use it because it might hurt the baby or make them sleepy.
Talk to a doctor
Before you start using Diazepam or Alprazolam, you should talk to a certified healthcare professional who can look at your individual symptoms, lifestyle, and health. We have a lot of FDA-approved medicines at Be Better Pharmacy, and we can help you figure out the best way to manage your anxiety.
Last Thoughts
Diazepam and Alprazolam both work to control anxiety, but you need to be careful when you use them. Knowing how long they last, when they start, and what risks they pose might help you make a choice that is right for you.
Benzodiazepines are ideal for short-term usage. For long-term anxiety management, therapy, lifestyle modifications, and maybe non-addictive drugs should be employed.
