Valium vs xanax
Anxiety is a reality that many people around the world now have to deal with, and can be attributed to many things. It can be brought on by environmental or health factors, heredity, chemistry in the brain, and/or drug abuse, although it is often set off by every day stress. Of course, in this day and age, we all have stress, but when you find that you can no longer control it, or that it has affected your ability to function normally in your everyday life, then you may be suffering from generalized anxiety disorder,'and may need help. In this case, pay your health practitioner a visit as soon as possible.
GAD is an anxiety disorder/problem that affects about 4% of the world's population. It is normally diagnosed when: a person is anxious or worries excessively for 6 months or more; when a person can no longer control the debilitating anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy is very helpful in treating this disorder, and is now commonly preferred as treatment. Medication will sometimes also be prescribed, and can be taken either alone or while undergoing psychotherapy. Two medications that are commonly prescribed are Valium and Xanax; both are effective. Let's take a look at these in more detail.
Valium, also known as diazepam,'works by restoring the balance of chemicals in the brain that bring on anxiety. This drug falls in to the benzodiazepines'category of drugs, and is often prescribed for the effective treatment of anxiety-related disorders, withdrawal symptoms related to alcohol, muscle contractions, and even seizures. Though the drug works well, one may experience side-effects while on this drug. Side-effects include drowsiness, fatigue, memory loss, restlessness, distorted vision, etc. More serious effects include seizures, tremors, breathing problems, depression, or the inability to control one's bladder. These are rare though. This medication is taken orally.
Xanax, sometimes referred to as alprazolam,'like valium, also falls into the benzo'group of drugs and is used to treat panic and anxiety disorders; it is especially useful when it comes to depression-related anxiety. Xanax is a powerful, fast-acting drug and is known to have a euphoric-like effect when taken, thereby making it very addictive. It is also taken orally. Side-effects of this drug include insomnia, stomach problems, dizziness, and irritability, amongst others. Serious side-effects include yellow jaundice, hallucinations, convulsions, chest pain and palpitations, trouble urinating and depression. Always consult your doctor before you start this drug, and take it exactly as directed. Be sure to mention any other medications you might be taking when discussing with your GP. Do not take this drug if you're pregnant; it could harm the baby.
Though both drugs are effective in treating anxiety, when we look at Valium vs. Xanax, Xanax seems to be the more effective of the two. While both are tranquilizing sedatives, most people agree that Xanax is more potent and tends to provide instant results. Valium is known as a drug that offers gradual relief. Some say that Valium is better when there is an element of pain involved. Also, based on the feedback of various users, the use of Xanax tends to amplify the effects of alcohol significantly, whereas Valium doesn't -- it isn't recommended that you drink though while on these drugs. Overall, the general consensus is that Xanax works better for severe anxiety as it works fast, while Valium offers a slower, more drawn-out mellow'feeling. Your doctor will let you know which one is best for your specific condition.
