Valium and Xanax

Valium and Xanax are both in the benzodiazepines (BZD) family of depressant drugs. Discovered in the mid-1950s, both drugs have been prescribed throughout the world since the 1960s and have only increased in popularity for the treatment of anxiety, muscle relaxants, anticonvulsants and sleeping pills.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, the benzodiazepines account for about 61 million prescriptions a year. While Valium had traditional been prescribed more often today, the top-selling tranquilizer in the United States in Xanax.

How Do They Work?

The primary therapeutic benefit of the benzodiazepines is to reduce anxiety and induce sleep. What makes this drug class different from other depressant drugs is that BZDs target receptors in the limbic region of the brain instead of depressing activity throughout the central nervous system. The limbic region of the brain is responsible for regulating and controlling emotions, so the BZD can effectively treat anxiety without impacting the entire body.

Differences Between Valium and Xanax

Both drugs are very similar, however the differences include potency, how quickly they go to work and the length of time they remain active in the body.

• One of the differences between Valium and Xanax is in the potency. For example, 0.5 milligrams (mg) of Xanax is approximately equivalent to 10mg of Valium.
• Xanax acts more quickly than Valium.
• A single dose of Xanax typically is eliminated from the body within 6 – 12 hours, while the equivalent dose of Valium remains in the system for upwards to 100 hours.

BZD Side Effects

Taken as directed for a limited period of time, both Valium and Xanax have few side effects. The two greatest risks of using either Valium or Xanax are dependence and addiction. Many users, who are receiving the benefit of the drugs blocking their feelings of anxiety, do not want to risk the reoccurrence of anxious feelings, so they continue to use the drug on an ongoing basis versus just during peak anxiety periods.

Learning to live without the daily intake of Valium or Xanax is not something that an anxiety-ridden person considers. This perceived ongoing need for the drug is what leads to addiction.

Valium Withdrawal Symptoms

The amount of Valium you take and the length of time that you have been taking Valium has a direct impact on withdrawal symptoms that can include but are not limited to:

• Dizziness
• Personality changes
• Sensitivity to sound or light
• Numbness or tingling
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• A rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
• Heart palpitations
• Hallucinations
• Memory loss
• Panic attacks
• Fever, sweating
• Headaches
• Anxiety, tension, depression
• Insomnia, restlessness, irritability or confusion

Get Help for Valium Abuse

Effectively managing Valium use is often difficult without proper medical supervision and support. If you or someone you know is addicted to Valium, call our toll free number today at (888) 371-5703. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you might have about Valium addiction treatment. We are here to help.