Compare Valium vs. Buspar
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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
Helps you relax.
Buspar (buspirone) relieves anxiety with less drowsiness and abuse potential than other anti-anxiety medicines, but it takes time to work and effects might wear off over time.
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3.4/ 5 average rating with 67 reviewsforBuspar
Upsides
- 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.
- Doesn't cause as much physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms as other medications used for anxiety.
- Available as a generic, which is cheaper.
- Tablets can be split for easy dose changes.
- Doesn't cause as much drowsiness as other medications for anxiety.
Downsides
- 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.
- Not for quick relief of anxiety symptoms since Buspar (buspirone) can take as long as 4 weeks to fully work.
- Not as effective for short-term anxiety conditions or panic disorders.
- Some people find that Buspar (buspirone) loses effectiveness over long periods of time.
- Must take Buspar (buspirone) twice daily for full effect.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$7.80
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$4.00
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Reviews
976 reviews so far
70%
saidit'sworth it
53%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Valium (diazepam)?
Leave a review67 reviews so far
46%
saidit'sworth it
45%
saiditworked well
22%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Buspar (buspirone)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Valium (diazepam) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
19possible side effects
- Dizziness12%
- Drowsiness10%
- Nausea8%
- Headache6%
- Nervousness5%
- Fatigue4%
- Trouble sleeping3%
- Lightheadedness3%
- Dry mouth3%
- Worse concentration2%
- Excitement2%
- Anger/hostility2%
- Confusion2%
- Depression2%
- Blurred vision2%
- Upset stomach2%
- Diarrhea2%
- Numbness2%
- Weakness2%
Risks and risk factors
- 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
- Higher blood pressure
- Taking Buspar (buspirone) with MAOIs
- Taking Buspar (buspirone) within 14 days after stopping a MAOIs
- Serotonin syndrome
- Taking other medicines that affect serotonin levels
- Withdrawal symptoms from other anti-anxiety medicines
- Stopping benzodiazepines suddenly