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Valium vs Xanax: Which is better?

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 19, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

What is better for anxiety, Valium or Xanax? Also is one less addictive than the other?

In Summary

There are some notable differences between Valium and Xanax, but also some similarities.

See also: Drugs.com Compare Tool - Valium vs Xanax

More detailed information

What are Valium and Xanax?

Valium is a brand name for diazepam and Xanax is a brand name for alprazolam. Although both drugs are benzodiazepines, so have a similar mechanism of action, there are structural differences between them that affect their activity in the body.

Which one works quicker?

Valium may be absorbed slightly faster than Xanax; however, the difference is minimal. Peak concentrations of both usually occur within 1-2 hours. Effects of Xanax last on average 5 hours although there are wide variations between individuals (see below). Effects of Valium last approximately 4 hours, although may persist for longer in some people. One study suggested diazepam may be more effective than alprazolam at controlling anxiety particularly if the person was also depressed; however, the overall difference was not significant.

How much Xanax equals 5mg of Valium?

Benzodiazepine equivalency tables state that 0.5mg of alprazolam (Xanax) is approximately equivalent to 5mg diazepam (Valium). However, people of Asian descent metabolize Xanax differently to people of other races, and certain disease states such as alcoholism, liver and kidney disease, obesity and even old age can affect how Xanax behaves in the body; so benzodiazepine equivalency tables should be used as a guide only as they do not reflect individual variation. Unfortunately, few studies have been done investigating the metabolism of diazepam in people of different enthnic backgrounds. However, researchers do know it is metabolised by the CYP2C19 group of hepatic enzymes. Approximately 15.7% of Asian people and 18.5% of African Americans have a slow metabolizing form of this enzyme. Both Valium and Xanax should only be used short-term due to risk of addiction and dependence.

Related questions

How do Valium and Xanax work?

Both Valium and Xanax, like all benzodiazepines, enhance the actions of a neurotransmitter in the brain called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). This neurotransmitter can reduce the activity of nerve cells, so enhancing it has a calming effect which can improve symptoms of anxiety, reduce muscle tension, stop seizures, and induce sleep. Benzodiazepines are also known for their amnesic effect – or ability to disrupt short-term memory – and this makes them useful before surgery. Because of structural differences, some benzodiazepines are more likely than others to make you sleepy, relieve anxiety, stop seizures, relax muscles, or make you forget. Valium and Xanax are both FDA approved for anxiety-relief, but Xanax is less likely than diazepam to induce sleep. Diazepam may also be used in the treatment of seizures, in anesthesia, and as a muscle relaxant.

Which drug is more effective for anxiety?

A trial that directly compared Valium with Xanax for the treatment of anxiety reported Valium to be slightly more beneficial than Xanax at relieving anxiety, particularly if the anxiety was also accompanied by depression, but the differences were unlikely to be clinically meaningful. Few side effects were reported, the more common ones were drowsiness, tremor, light-headedness, and dry mouth. One allergic-type reaction was reported with Xanax. Other studies suggest Xanax is less likely to cause drowsiness than diazepam.

Which drug is more addictive or has more withdrawal reactions?

Generally speaking, benzodiazepines with a shorter half life (such as Xanax) are harder to stop than those with a longer half life (such as Valium). Both drugs readily enter brain tissue which reinforces drug taking and is generally associated with more severe withdrawal symptoms. Some experts advise Xanax to be used with caution as it has been associated with more severe withdrawal symptoms compared with other benzodiazepines.

References
  1. Valium (Diazepam) [Package Insert] Revised 08/2015 Genentech, Inc. https://www.drugs.com/pro/valium.html Accessed 08/2016
  2. Xanax (alprazolam) [Package Insert] Revised 03/2015 Pharmacia and Upjohn Company https://www.drugs.com/pro/xanax.html Accessed 03/2016
  3. Benzodiazepine equivalency table Revised April 2007 http://www.benzo.org.uk/bzequiv.htm Accessed 08/2016
  4. Greenblatt DJ, Harmatz JS, Dorsey C, Shader RI. Comparative single-dose kinetics and dynamics of lorazepam, alprazolam, prazepam, and placebo. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1988 Sep;44(3):326-34.
  5. How long does Xanax last? http://prescription-drug.addictionblog.org/how-long-does-xanax-last/
  6. Elie R, Lamontagne Y.Alprazolam and diazepam in the treatment of generalized anxiety.J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1984 Jun;4(3):125-9.
  7. Juergens S1. Alprazolam and diazepam: addiction potential.J Subst Abuse Treat. 1991;8(1-2):43-51.

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