Compare Zanaflex vs. Valium
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Relaxes your muscles.
Zanaflex (tizanidine) isn't a first-choice treatment for muscle spasticity. Try other options before using this.
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4.3/ 5 average rating with 26 reviewsforZanaflex
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
- Relieves muscle spasticity.
- Available as a generic.
- Available in a tablet or capsule form. It also comes in a capsule that can be opened and sprinkled in applesauce for people that can't swallow pills.
- 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
- This isn't a first-choice muscle relaxing medication. Other drugs work better and have fewer side effects.
- Takes over an hour to kick in and only lasts 3 to 6 hours.
- Zanaflex (tizanidine) can lower blood pressure, so be careful if you are already on a blood pressure medication.
- Need to be consistent every day in taking this with or without food.
- Elderly individuals have more side effects when taking Zanaflex (tizanidine).
- 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
$14.09
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$5.88
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Reviews
26 reviews so far
81%
saidit'sworth it
73%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Zanaflex (tizanidine)?
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
17possible side effects
- Dry mouth49%
- Sleepiness48%
- Weakness41%
- Dizziness16%
- Urinary tract infection10%
- General infection6%
- Liver test abnormality6%
- Constipation4%
- Vomiting3%
- Speech disorder3%
- Blurred vision3%
- Urinary frequency3%
- Flu syndrome3%
- Involuntary muscle movement3%
- Nervousness3%
- Sore throat3%
- Hay fever3%
The Valium (diazepam) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
- Liver damage
- Taking maximum doses of Zanaflex (tizanidine)
- Dizziness and low blood pressure
- Age 65 years or older
- Currently on blood pressure control medications
- Sleepiness and driving impairment
- Taking other medications that also cause sleepiness
- Recreational drug use
- Excessive alcohol use
- Elderly
- Withdrawal side effects
- Stopping Zanaflex (tizanidine) suddenly
- 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