Compare Valium vs. Flexeril

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Valium (diazepam)

Prescription only

Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)

Prescription only
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
Relaxes your muscles.

Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is widely used to treat muscle spasms and is available as a generic, but it shouldn't be used long-term.

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3.5/ 5 average rating with 1064 reviewsforFlexeril
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.
  • Can relieve pain associated with muscle spasms.
  • Available as a generic medication.
  • Can be used by pregnant women, but talk to your doctor about it first.
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.
  • Can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
  • Not meant for long-term therapy.
  • Not recommended in elderly patients, people with glaucoma, or in people with heart conditions (like rhythm problems, heart failure, or recent heart attack).
  • Can make you have dry mouth.
  • Not effective for muscle spasms caused by brain or spinal injuries.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$6.49
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Lowest price
$213.06
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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 review
1064 reviews so far
66%
saidit'sworth it
37%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)?

Leave a review
Side effects
The Valium (diazepam) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
4possible side effects
  • Dry mouth
    6%
  • Dizziness
    3%
  • Fatigue
    3%
  • Nausea
    3%
See more detailed side effects
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
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)
    • Taking other medications for your mood
  • Dizziness and sleepiness
    • Alcohol or drug use
    • Age over 65 years
  • Heart attack or stroke
    • Recent heart attack
    • Heart rhythm problems
    • Heart failure
  • Dehydration
    • Older than 65 years
    • Dehydration
  • Overactive Thyroid
    • Overactive thyroid
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Valium (diazepam)
Learn more about Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)