Benzodiazepines are administered for the case management of restlessness and anxiety. These drugs may also be prescribed for mental disorders like manic spells as well as sleep related problems such as insomnia. Meds forming part of this genre work on selective receptors in your brain. This action is known to bring about a calming effect. Of these, Valium and Xanax are commonly administered for treating people living with anxiety or restlessness. Which one is better among these two? It is a vital thing to know more on the differences.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is administered for treating anxiety and a few associated mental conditions. This drug requires lesser time to start functioning. Its therapeutic effects are known to be witnesses in 60 minutes’ time from the time of each dose. Due to its fast action, you are likely to calm down much faster than several other meds of this category. The sedative properties of Xanax if widely attributed to such fast action.
If you are living a sedentary life, tend to be overweight and / or undergoing treatment for obesity, you are advised to stay careful while consuming benzodiazepines – mainly, consumption of Xanax. Also, if you are aged above 55 years, your metabolic rate tends to slow down. This may cause Xanax to work in a different manner. It becomes important to talk to your service provider prior to starting your dosage plan of Xanax.
What is Valium?
This drug is also used for treating anxiety as well as substance abuse (such as being addicted to alcohol). Owing to its sedative capabilities, this med is used for relieving spasms as well as to offer sedation prior to medical / surgical procedures. Like Xanax, this drug also belongs to a class of meds known as benzodiazepines.
If you have prior muscular conditions or respiratory disorders (like sleep apnea or any form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease like asthma or bronchitis), renal conditions, etc., your treating doctor must be made aware of all such disorders.
Which drug is better – Xanax or Valium?
Both these meds are used for treating anxiety; but, the effects caused by Valium may last for up to 6 hours. On the other hand, Xanax may last for upto 5 hours. Valium has a longer half-life. It can take up to 60 hours to eliminate half of its key ingredients. This means you will need to wait for 5 to 6 weeks for all traces of Valium to exit from your system.
The half-life of Xanax is only about 10 – 11 hours. As a result, you may see all traces of Xanax leave your body within a few days’ time. Xanax may also react differently in people of different racial origin. For instance, people of Asian origin / descent may witness a higher level of this med. In such people, its effects are also known to persist longer – as compared to people of other races.
Last but not least, Valium may trigger dizziness or giddiness in people than its counterpart. You may be advised not to pursue sporting actions such as swimming or cycling after taking Valium. Signs of withdrawal are more severe in Xanax (when compared to Valium or other forms of benzodiazepines). You are hence advised not to discontinue the intake of Xanax without consulting with your treating doctor. Those who stopped their medication plan (comprising Xanax) all of a sudden may notice severe spells of migraine, tremors or involuntary shaking of your body.
Disclaimer
Data and information shared above are only of supplementary nature. Information provided here does not substitute a qualified physician’s advice and instructions. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before taking this med or any other drug.
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from New York University. Experience: 5 years of experience writing for physiotherapy and sports medicine blogs, providing expert insights on injury prevention and rehabilitation.
