Xanax Vs. Valium: A Comparison of These Two Medications from a Patient's Perspective

Xanax, also referred to as alprazolam, and Valium, also referred to as Diazepam, are both classified as benzodiazepines. I have been prescribed both of these medications to help promote sleep and reduce muscle muscle spasms. In this article I will review and compare my experiences with Xanax and Valium and discuss the differences and similarities between these two prescription medications.

Xanax Vs. Valium: Common Side Effects

When taking both Xanax and Valium, I initially experienced drowsiness, mild dizziness, increased blurred vision, and fatigue. After taking Valium for about three weeks all but the drowsiness completely went away and since I was taking this medication before bed the drowsiness did not impact how I got through my day. I had the same experience with Xanax and only the drowsiness remained after taking the medication for three weeks. Headache and constipation are also considered common side effects of these drugs, particularly Valium, but I did not experience these two side effects.

Xanax Vs. Valium: Serious Side Effects

Fortunately, I did not experience any of the serious side effects of these two drugs. However, if you take any of these medications and do experience the serious side effects it is important to contact your physician immediately or seek immediate medical attention if you need it. The serious side effects of Valium include memory problems, persistent sore throat, agitation, persistent fever, hallucinations, other mental or mood disturbances or changes, dark urine, slurred speech, yellowing of the eyes, clumsiness, yellowing of the skin, trouble walking, abdominal or stomach pain, decreased interest in sex, sleep disturbances, increased interest in sex, trouble urinating, and tremor.

The serious side effects of Xanax include agitation, memory problems, persistent sore throat, hallucinations, persistent fever, other mental changes or mood changes, yellowing of the skin, slurred speech, yellowing of the eyes, clumsiness, decreased interest in sex, trouble walking, and increased interest in sex.

Xanax Vs. Valium: Contraindications

There are certain medical conditions in which will prevent Xanax and Valium cannot be prescribed because doing so could lead to life-threatening complications. Fortunately, I did not have any medical conditions that prevented me from taking these medications. The medical conditions that Xanax should not be prescribed with include pregnancy, liver disease, breastfeeding, kidney disease, drug abuse, severe lung problems, alcohol abuse, and severe breathing problems.

The medical conditions that Valium should not be prescribed with include narrow-angle glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, myasthenia gravis and certain other muscle disorders, drug abuse, sleep apnea and other breathing problems that make it difficult to breathe when sleeping, alcohol abuse, liver disease, breastfeeding, lung problems like COPD, pregnancy, and kidney disease.

Xanax Vs. Valium: Drug Interactions

Patients who already take certain medications may not be able to take Xanax or Valium because the combination could be dangerous. The medications that may adversely interact with Valium include sodium oxybate, fluvoxamine, certain antidepressants, tranquilizers, cimetidine, psychiatric medications, clozapine, narcotic pain relievers, digoxin, muscle relaxants, disulfiram, sleep medications, kava, anti-seizure medications, ketoconazole, antihistamines, levodopa, phenytoin, and omeprazole.

The medications that may adversely interact with Xanax include indinavir, delavirdine, sodium oxybate, CYP 3A4 (inhibitors, substrates, and inducers), St. John's wort, azole antifungals, ritoavir, certain antidepressants, rifamycins, certain anti-seizure medications, macrolide antibiotics, cimetidine, tranquilizers, antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, sleep medications, psychiatric medications, narcotic pain relievers, and muscle relaxing medications.

Xanax Vs. Valium: Final Verdict

In my experience, Xanax was more effective in promoting sleep and reducing my muscle spasms. I also experienced more mild side effects with Xanax. When deciding which of these drugs to take, it is always best to fully compare each drug with your doctor to determine which one will be most beneficial to you.

Resources

http://www.rxlist.com/xanax-drug.htm

http://www.rxlist.com/valium-drug.htm