Compare Valium vs. Klonopin
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
Controls seizures and helps you relax.
Klonopin (Clonazepam) is okay for occasional or short-term use (up to 4 weeks) for anxiety, and to treat seizures. Less severe withdrawal symptoms compared to similar drugs.
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3.8/ 5 average rating with 767 reviewsforKlonopin
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.
- Effective at relieving short-term anxiety and sleeplessness.
- Can be used together with antidepressants to manage anxiety disorders. Especially helpful for anxiety symptoms while you wait for an antidepressant to kick in (it can take several weeks).
- Can be used alone or with other medicines to treat seizures.
- Less severe withdrawal symptoms compared to other benzodiazepines.
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 memory problems, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.
- Can be habit-forming, so it's not typically used for long-term treatment, or for people who've had problems with drug or alcohol abuse.
- Most people find that it gets less effective over time.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Pill
- Dissolving tablet
Price
Lowest price
$9.33
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$8.68
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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 review767 reviews so far
70%
saidit'sworth it
52%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Klonopin (Clonazepam)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
The Valium (diazepam) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
19possible side effects
- Somnolence37%
- Dizziness8%
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infection8%
- Depression7%
- Fatigue7%
- Coordination Abnormal6%
- Ataxia5%
- Memory Disturbance4%
- Sinusitis4%
- Influenza4%
- Nervousness3%
- Dysmenorrhea3%
- Dysarthria2%
- Intellectual Ability Reduced2%
- Rhinitis2%
- Coughing2%
- Pharyngitis2%
- Constipation2%
- Allergic Reaction2%
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
- Tolerance and dependence
- Taking more than the prescribed dose
- Taking longer than 4 weeks
- History of drug abuse
- Withdrawal
- Long-term use
- Pregnancy
- Driving impairment
- Alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Memory problems