Millions of people in the United States take prescription drugs to manage a medical or mental health condition. Some of the medications people take have the risk of dependence and addiction.

Some prescription medications used to treat anxiety disorders have the potential for abuse and addiction. Xanax and Valium are two of the most common anti-anxiety drugs in the country. Both have the potential for abuse and dependence.

What are the differences between Xanax and Valium? This article will explore this question. You will learn:

If you or a loved one struggles with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Find compassionate, holistic SUD treatment at Alamo Behavioral Health. Contact our intake specialists to learn about our programs or to schedule an appointment.

What is Xanax?

Xanax is the brand name for a benzodiazepine drug called alprazolam. Doctors can prescribe Xanax to help patients treat anxiety and panic disorders.

Xanax increases the effects of a brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA slows central nervous system (CNS) activity, causing feelings of calm and relaxation. People who take Xanax may have fewer symptoms of anxiety or panic.

Effects and Risks of Xanax

Xanax can reduce symptoms related to panic and anxiety disorders. In addition to relieving these symptoms, Xanax can also cause unwanted side effects, including:

• Drowsiness
• Headaches
• Dry mouth
• Difficulty with attention or focus
• Excessive sleepiness
• Euphoria
• Nausea

People may also experience dangerous side effects, including:

• Risk-taking behaviors
• Fast talking
• Double vision
• Fainting
• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Jaundice
• Agitation
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Physical dependence

Sometimes, people like the way they feel while taking Xanax and begin to abuse it. People who abuse Xanax may become addicted to it, meaning it is hard to quit when they choose to.

People who develop Xanax dependence usually require treatment and ongoing support to stop using it and avoid relapse.

Alamo Behavioral Health accepts many major insurance plans, including:

Check if my insurance covers rehab

What is Valium?

Valium is the brand name for a prescription drug called diazepam. It is a benzodiazepine. Doctors can prescribe Valium to help people manage:

• Panic disorder
• Anxiety
• Seizures disorder
• Muscle spasms
• Alcohol withdrawal

Valium slows central nervous system (CNS) activity and provides relief from panic and anxiety symptoms.

Effects and Risks of Valium

People may abuse Valium by taking larger doses, taking it more often, or taking it without a prescription. This can lead to physical dependence. Abusing Valium can also increase the risk of unwanted side effects, including:

• Aggressive or violent behaviors
• Depression
• Drowsiness
• Mood swings
• Loss of motivation
• Loss of coordination
• Respiratory depression and coma

People who abuse Valium or become addicted to it typically require treatment and ongoing support to stop using it.

What is the Difference Between Xanax and Valium?

Valium (diazepam) and Xanax (alprazolam) have some similarities and differences. Understanding the differences between these drugs is important so you can make informed decisions about your treatment.

Valium and Xanax are both benzodiazepines. They have similar side effects and risks. Both have the potential for misuse and addiction. However, they differ in some crucial ways.

Here are some of the differences between Xanax and Valium.

Half-life

Xanax has a shorter half-life (the amount of time it takes the body to remove half of a substance) than Valium. Xanax’s half-life is 11-12 hours, and Valium’s half-life is 20-50 hours. This can affect how many times daily someone takes the drug and when withdrawal symptoms may begin during detox.

Uses

Xanax is medically reviewed and approved to treat panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). People may take Valium to treat seizures, muscle spasms, anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and other conditions.

Risk of addiction

Research suggests that Xanax has a higher risk of physical dependence and addiction than Valium.

Valium and Xanax have risks, including dangerous drug interactions. Talk to your medical provider about any drugs you are taking before taking Xanax or Valium. Take these medications exactly as prescribed. Seek treatment if you recognize signs of abuse or addiction.

Recognizing and Treating Benzodiazepine Abuse

People may develop a physical dependence on Valium, Xanax, or other benzodiazepines after just a short time. Doctors may prescribe these drugs for short-term use to reduce the risk of addiction.

Signs of benzodiazepine abuse and addiction include:

• Running out of a prescription early
• Having new or worsening mental health symptoms
• Needing to take more of a drug to get the desired effects
• Using benzodiazepines without a prescription
• Doctor-shopping (having multiple prescriptions)
• Neglecting responsibilities, relationships, or hobbies because of drug abuse
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms if they stop taking benzodiazepines

Treatment for benzodiazepine addiction typically includes:

• Assessments and screenings
• Medical detox programs
• Medications
• Behavioral therapies
• Individual, group, and family therapy
• Relapse prevention education
• Holistic therapies, including exercise, mindfulness, and nutrition support
• Aftercare planning and support

Comprehensive treatment can help people address the physical, emotional, and behavioral roots of their substance use. It also gives people the skills and support to avoid relapse in the future.

Find Treatment Now

If you or someone you love struggles with benzodiazepine abuse, you are not alone. Contact the intake specialists at Alamo Behavioral Health to learn about our programs or schedule appointments.

References:

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Xanax alprazolam tablets
2. FDA: Valium brand of diazepam
3. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): Benzodiazepines
4. National Institute of Health (NIH): Benzodiazepines