Xanax or valium?

Question

I have severe anxiety and have had it for years. I've always taken Xanax, only as needed which amounted to about only a total of 2mg needed per month. I want to ask my doctor if I can try Valium instead of Xanax for occasional use.

I have three questions.

1. If you have safely used Xanax, can it be expected that you will not have an adverse reaction to valium then?

2. What is the major difference in the two drugs. I know valium lasts longer, but what other noticable affects will there be?

3. Is valium less addictive and better for longer term, use then Xanax?

Thanks

Answer 1

First of all do a Google search on each one of the medications so you know about both of them. Valium and Xanax are very different. Just because you've tolerated one of them doesn't mean you'll tolerate the other one. You should definitely talk with your doctor about all this.

Answer 2

Xanax is best for anxiety but also the most addictive, so I would try Ativan which is very good for anxiety and less addictive than Xanax, both drugs should only be used as required. If you need to take something all the time then take Valium or Klonopin but they can lose their effect after a while.

Answer 3

Valium has a longer half life and less affinity for the receptor the drug attaches to.

Alprazolam (Xanax) has a short half life and much stronger affinity for receptors.

You can assume you will be fine with other drugs of the same family but there is no guarantee although I have never seen a problem.

Addiction liability of the two differs due to the factors above - i.e. half life and receptor affinity. There are many drugs in the same family all with varying degrees of these factors. Generally short half life and strong affinity = greater problems with dependence as opposed to long half life with weak affinity.

The problem is that Xanax does a better job at controlling anxiety and panic disorder. If it is a daily thing you can explore using low dose SSRI's particularly in combination with Buspirone. If its a once in awhile thing - few times a month then stick with the Benzo's like Xanax or Valium.

You might look at one in between the two like Lorazepam (ativan).

On the alternative ffront I would recommend the amino acid Taurine - find 1,000 mg capsules (Jarrow or TwinLabs) and take two or even three twice daily or every 4 hours as needed. They are safe to take with the above meds as well and may allow you to safely reduce your dose of them as well. Amino acids are proteins so they are not absorbed well when taken with protein foods/meals as they compete for absorption pathways.

Niravam is a newer (and MUCH more expensive) form of Xanax that instantly dissolves on the tongue. No greater onset of action but convenient if you have panic attacks and have no water. But it is OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive.

Answer 4

I have safely used Xanax as needed, Valium had little effect on my system. Everyone, is different and react differently to medications. Both drugs carry the risk of dependency and you need to be monitored by your physician. Symptoms vary, it seems you are using the drugs responsibly. The amount you take does not seem out of line unless you start to need more to obtain relief than you or your doctor are concerned about.

Answer 5

Valiume had more of a relaxing effect. It also tends to relax the muscles more, and sometimes is uses as a muscle relaxant. Its usualy used for anxiety. Xanex, too is used for anxiety, but you dont get that relaxing effect. Both are benzos, and are both addictive. I find that Valiume works best, and has a longer life span. Now there is xanex xl which is longer lasting. It really depends on the person. i would talk to my doctor about my options.
Good luck
Alabama

Answer 6

they are all benzodiazapenes. They have different half lifes and also work a little differently. I was on Ativan for anxiety and i took it when i needed it but they are addictive so you gotta watch. You probably know this already. I know zanax is the fastest and quickest out of your system out of all 4 drugs: Zanax, ativan, valium and clonipin. Clonopin being the longest!! But they basically are all the same and do the same thing. If you use them right they are awesome drugs for anxiety and sleep problems. That i know!!

Answer 7

valium never did anything for me... ativan did not either... if the xanax is working for you, why would you want to change?

Answer 8

well i took xanax and they drug effects was short lived and created up and downs, you just need something that maintains a therapeutic level without the ups and downs.

Answer 9

u only use 2 mg per month? why not use it more often.. get reevaluated by your doctor maybe... i have heard bad things about both