Valium and Xanax are prescription medications, highly recommended when looking to control or ease anxiety-related disorders. They are commonly consumed to ease cognitive activity which is recognised to trigger anxiety-driven side effects.
Although there are many similarities between both drugs, there are also key differences, highlighting the importance of legitimate consumption. Even in this case, there is a risk that addictive associations can develop. Yet, the highest concern is when both Valium and Xanax are misused or taken by those who do not require cognitive suppressants.
Before consuming either Valium or Xanax, it is important that their key functions are understood, recommended dosage guidelines are gauged, and their similarities and differences are appreciated. Throughout this blog, we will run through all appropriate information, along with answering the question of ‘is there a difference between Valium and Xanax?’.
If you have been misusing prescription medication, it is important that at this time, you consider your next steps. By enabling this consumption, addiction probabilities can increase, making it difficult to withdraw from Valium and Xanax. If you require support with the withdrawal process, we can help you here at Addiction Advocates.
What is Valium?
The drug Valium also recognised as Diazepam is a commonly prescribed medication from the Benzodiazepine drug family. Down to its ability to reduce the motivation of anxiety associated side effects, usually influenced in the brain, it is prescribed to ease anxiety disorders, seizures, and in some cases, the withdrawal of alcohol.
Consuming Valium is a short-term treatment form, usually prescribed over a few months. However, down to underlying addictive characteristics, prescriptions of Valium will not exceed a 4-month period.
For those who experience mental health issues, such as anxiety, Valium can be viewed as a lifeline. Yet, if misused, there is a likelihood that a dual diagnosis can develop, along with hazardous side effects. With this in mind, if you’re misusing Valium, or you’re abusing recommended doses, reaching out for professional medical guidance is recommended.
What is Xanax?
Xanax is also a part of the Benzodiazepine drug family. However, it is predominantly prescribed to treat panic disorders, anxiety disorders and depression driven anxiety disorders.
Consuming Xanax is a highly effective treatment, again in place to control cognitive responses and activity. However, if the medication is misused, significant side effects, withdrawal symptoms and addiction probabilities are aggravated.
Xanax is a powerful drug, which shouldn’t be misused. However, unfortunately, a number of individuals are abusing Xanax for its relaxing effects. If you’re abusing Xanax, with or without a prescription, addiction support may be required.
The similarities of both prescribed drugs
High similarities are present when comparing Valium and Xanax. A large proportion of these similarities lie in the effects that they provide, along with the high risks of both addiction and overdose if each is misused.
Firstly, a similarity between Valium and Xanax are the side effects that they influence. Short-term side effects include irritability, drowsiness, nausea, changes in appetite and light-headedness. If misused for the long-term, side effects can include depression, hallucinations, respiratory issues, addiction risks and overdose.
Secondly, the withdrawal from both Valium and Xanax can be challenging, especially if high, un-prescribed doses are consumed. With this in mind, professional support is required when withdrawing from either medication.
Thirdly, benzodiazepine is a highly addictive drug. As both medications fall within this drug family, developing a tolerance, in turn, an addiction to Valium and Xanax are likely if they are misused or used beyond directed timeframes. It is vital that the consumption of either Valium or Xanax are controlled by medical professionals to experience their optimal yet safe forms.
Lastly, both Valium and Xanax are powerful drugs. Down to their effects, controlling consumption levels can be very challenging. Many individuals will also believe that their side effects are part and parcel of treating anxiety, trusting that both medications are supportive. However, through excessive, uncontrolled consumption, high risks of overdose are present when overly abusing Valium and Xanax.
Is there a difference between Valium and Xanax?
Above we’ve outlined the key similarities between both medications. Yet, to answer a common question that we get asked of ‘is there a difference between Valium and Xanax?’, there actually are some primary differences.
Down to these differences, it is very important that prescriptions are acquired from medical professionals. Without understanding the difference between Valium and Xanax, you may unknowingly misuse either drug, resulting in the above chronic side effects.
The key difference between both medications is the type of anxiety that they are prescribed for. Valium is commonly prescribed to treat anxiety symptoms, however, does focus on supporting seizures and alcohol withdrawal processes. Whereas Xanax is renowned for treating anxiety-driven disorders, with a large focus on panic disorders.
A further difference between Valium and Xanax is their safety risks for children. Valium is available for children; however, consumption will be closely monitored as it is a powerful drug. However, Xanax isn’t currently recommended for children, down to its potent classification.
One of the most recognisable differences from the effects of each medication is the timescale that they take to control anxiety-related symptoms. Valium is identified to offer quick responses, while Xanax can take a longer period to reduce symptoms. Valium is also classified as a long-lived medication, where traces can be found in the internal system for longer.
Sourcing professional support
Although there are many similarities between both medications, there are also vast differences, requiring a medical prescription. If you have however misused either Valium or Xanax, it is important that you consult your doctor, along with considering rehabilitation efforts.
If misused, both Valium and Xanax can carry significant impacts, both pointing towards addiction. If long-term consumption does take place, reliance will likely develop. In this instance, you will require rehabilitation to withdraw from both medications.
For the best results, safe consumption of Valium and Xanax will be recommended. Here you can ensure that you’re consuming the correct drug, moving beyond the risks of misuse, the key difference between Valium and Xanax and their detrimental impacts.
