Compare baclofen vs. Valium
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Relaxes your muscles.
Lioresal (baclofen) is a first choice treatment for muscle spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries, but it's not recommended for other types of muscle spasms.
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3.5/ 5 average rating with 33 reviewsforbaclofen
Helps you relax.
Valium (diazepam) is effective for occasional or short-term use for anxiety and muscle spasm. Compared to similar drugs, Valium (diazepam) acts very quickly but can have interactions with other medicines.
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3.8/ 5 average rating with 976 reviewsforValium
Upsides
- A better option for seniors compared to other muscle relaxants since it has fewer side effects than other similar medicines.
- Lioresal (baclofen) is available as a generic and is a relatively inexpensive medication.
- Valium (diazepam) effectively relieves anxiety and muscle spasms.
- Valium (diazepam) has less severe withdrawal symptoms compared to other similar drugs.
- Works very quickly.
- Available in generic.
Downsides
- Except for specific muscle spasms caused by brain injury or multiple sclerosis, Lioresal (baclofen) is not a recommended medicine.
- If you've been taking Lioresal (baclofen) regularly for a long time, you'll need to get off of it slowly.
- Lioresal (baclofen) can make you sleepy.
- If you've had a stroke, Lioresal (baclofen) may not work as well, and you're more likely to experience side effects.
- Use of Valium (diazepam) can cause memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.
- Valium (diazepam) can be habit-forming, so it's not typically used for long-term treatment.
- Most people find that their body will get used to Valium (diazepam) levels and they may need higher doses over time to achieve the same effect.
- People with severe liver problems should not take Valium (diazepam). Several drugs can also interfere with how Valium (diazepam) works.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
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$12.39
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$5.04
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Reviews
33 reviews so far
61%
saidit'sworth it
55%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Lioresal (baclofen)?
Leave a review976 reviews so far
70%
saidit'sworth it
53%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Valium (diazepam)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Valium (diazepam) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Stopping Lioresal (baclofen) too quickly
- Driving impairment
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Age 65 or greater
- Seizures
- Higher dose
- Using other medicines that can cause seizures
- History of seizures
- Alcoholism
- Eating disorders
- Brain infections
- Decreased breathing from use with opioids
- Taking Valium (diazepam) with opioids, drugs or alcohol
- Using Valium (diazepam) for a longer duration and at high doses
- Dependence and withdrawal
- History of substance abuse
- Taking with alcohol or drugs
- Taking long-term
- Taking a higher dose
- Stopping Valium (diazepam) suddenly
- Driving impairment
- Alcohol use with Valium (diazepam)
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Drug interactions
- Current liver problems
- Taking Tagamet, ketoconazole, Prozac, Prilosec