Valium vs. Xanax: Which Is Better for Anxiety?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBoxed WarningsTheir UsesWhich Is More Effective?Side EffectsHow to Take ThemWho Should Avoid Them?Frequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Boxed Warnings

Their Uses

Which Is More Effective?

Side Effects

How to Take Them

Who Should Avoid Them?

Frequently Asked Questions

Both medications can reduceanxietysymptoms. Clinical trials show that Xanax is as effective as Valium, and sometimes more effective, in alleviating anxiety symptoms.

Apart from treating anxiety, Xanax is also used to managepanic disorders,while Valium is prescribed for muscle spasms, alcohol withdrawal, andseizuredisorders.

However, long-term use of these drugs is typically avoided due to the potential for dependence, with Xanax posing a higher risk.

This article will discuss the similarities and differences between Valium and Xanax.

Getty Images /BSIP/ Contributor

Two boxes of Xanax (alprazolam) on a table

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires both Xanax and Valium labels to carry boxed warnings, which are the agency’s highest safety warnings for a medication.

Before starting either medication, it’s important to understand the potential safety considerations, which include the following:

Uses of Valium vs. Xanax

Xanax is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety disorders, panic disorders with or withoutagoraphobia(anxiety causing a fear of being trapped, experiencing a panic attack in public, or being unable to get help if something goes wrong) and for the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms.

Valium is a prescribed for the following reasons:

How Long Do Valium and Xanax Take to Work?

Xanax peaks in your blood within one to two hours after an oral dose.You may start to feel its effects within 30 minutes, and it can last for about six hours.Symptom relief can be expected as early as within the first week.

Studies show Xanax was at least as effective as Valium, and some even show it more effective in treating anxiety symptoms.

Specifically, in six studies that used a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, three studies found Xanax and Valium to work as well as each other.

One study found no difference between active drugs and placebo due to the small number of participants. Two studies found Xanax to be more effective than Valium.

It is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable treatment for you.

When selecting an appropriate medication, your provider will consider a range of factors, including:

Valium and Xanax are both benzodiazepines and have similar side effects. However, because Valium has a longerhalf-lifethan Xanax, its side effects may last longer.

You may experience the following while taking either of these medications:

Severe reactions while taking either Valium or Xanax include:

Addiction Risk

Both Xanax and Valium have the potential to cause dependence, abuse, and addiction.

Three studies found the dependency risk to be higher with Xanax than with Valium when given at doses equal in potency (strength).

National data on emergency room visits and prescriptions also show that Xanax is more likely to be misused and result in hospitalizations.

Xanax has a higher risk of addiction compared to Valium due to its properties, withdrawal potential, and potency. For instance, Xanax is absorbed faster in the body than Valium and has a smaller volume of distribution. This makes it more prone to abuse, as it absorbs quickly in the body and has a shorter duration, causing people to take more frequent doses.

Withdrawal symptoms from Xanax also tend to be worse and occur sooner due to its shorter half-life.

On the other hand, Valium remains in the body for a longer time and can take longer to be fully eliminated. This results in fewer withdrawal symptoms compared with Xanax. Additionally, Xanax is more potent than Valium, with 1 milligram (mg) of Xanax being equal to 10 mg of Valium.

How to Take Valium and Xanax

Who Should Not Take Them?