Compare Soma vs. Valium
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Relaxes your muscles.
Soma (carisoprodol) is used for muscle spasms and muscle pain but it's not considered a first-choice treatment and not meant for long-term therapy.
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3.5/ 5 average rating with 220 reviewsforSoma
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
- Patients treated with Soma (carisoprodol) experienced improvement in function.
- Available in generic.
- Available in two different strengths.
- 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
- Not first choice for treating muscle spasms or muscle pain, because it can cause dependence.
- Can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
- Not meant for long-term therapy, because it hasn't been shown to be effective after taking it for a short period.
- Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly.
- 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
Lowest price
$10.68
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$5.60
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Reviews
220 reviews so far
61%
saidit'sworth it
39%
saiditworked well
9%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Soma (carisoprodol)?
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
- Sleepiness and dizziness
- Taking other medications that also cause sleepiness
- Recreational drug use
- Excessive alcohol use
- Elderly
- Abuse, dependence and withdrawal
- Prior history of drug abuse
- Taking Soma (carisoprodol) for a long time
- Seizures
- Prior history of overdoses of drugs of abuse, recreational drugs, or alcohol
- 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