Compare Paxil vs. Valium
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Improves mood and anxiety.
Paxil (paroxetine) is effective for treating depression and anxiety, but causes more unwanted side-effects than other medicines that work like it.
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3.4/ 5 average rating with 694 reviewsforPaxil
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
- Available in a cheaper, generic form.
- Is convenient and can take once a day.
- 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
- More likely to decrease your sexual appetite and delay or prevent ejaculation than other antidepressants.
- Like most antidepressants, Paxil (paroxetine) has a high risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior when used in children and adolescents.
- May not be appropriate for you if you are elderly or suffer from dementia.
- 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
- Extended release pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$21.95
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$5.17
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Reviews
694 reviews so far
52%
saidit'sworth it
39%
saiditworked well
24%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Paxil (paroxetine)?
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
29possible side effects
- Abnormal ejaculation28%
- Nausea25%
- Weakness22%
- Drowsiness22%
- Difficulty sleeping21%
- Decreased sexual appetite12%
- Dizziness11%
- Sweating9%
- Dry mouth9%
- Diarrhea9%
- Tremor9%
- Female genital disorder9%
- Decreased appetite8%
- Nervousness8%
- Constipation5%
- Anxiety5%
- Yawning5%
- Painful period5%
- Impotence5%
- Indigestion4%
- Gas4%
- Muscle pain4%
- Impaired concentration4%
- Throat inflammation4%
- Abnormal vision4%
- Trauma3%
- Agitation3%
- Vomiting2%
- Muscle twitching2%
The Valium (diazepam) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- High levels of serotonin (Serotonin Syndrome)
- Using other medications that affect serotonin levels
- Withdrawal
- Stopping Paxil (paroxetine) suddenly
- Increased bleeding risk
- Taking other blood-thinning drugs
- Sexual dysfunction
- 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