Posted by ed_uk on March 31, 2006, at 15:48:05
In reply to Re: Is Valium more potent than Xanax? » Sobriquet Style, posted by zazenduck on March 31, 2006, at 11:49:53
American psychiatrists are unlikely to be familiar with Valium as they prescribe it so rarely. Their opinions of Valium are therefore valueless, as they have virtually no experience with it. There is no reason to believe that Valium causes more side effects than Klonopin. Valium is easier to taper than most benzos, which accounts for its popularity in many countries. Tapering benzos can be very difficult. Xanax is extremely difficult to taper, making it much more problematic than Valium in many ways.
There is no reason to believe that Valium is more likely to be abused than Xanax. Both drugs have a rapid onset of action.
As an aside, Valium has a short duration of action after a single isolated dose, it only lasts a few hours. It is only long-acting after regular daily use for several days or more. In the long term, Valium can usually be given as a single daily dose in the evening, making it much more convenient than Xanax.
Advantages of Valium......
1. Easier to taper than other benzos
2. Rapid onset of action after a single dose - this is important if it is used to treat an acute panic attack
3. Short-acting after an isolated dose. Contrary to popular belief, Valium is not long acting after a single dose.
4. Long-acting when taken daily, less frequent dosing is convenient. Unlike Xanax, withdrawal symptoms rarely occur between doses.
5. Very inexpensive
6. Available in many different forms eg. 2mg tabs, 5mg tabs, 10mg tabs, oral syrup, IV injection, suppositories etc. Suppositories may be used if nausea/vomiting prevents oral use.
7. Broad-spectrum efficacy in anxiety disorders. Valium is NOT ineffective in panic disorder. The only reason it may appear to be ineffective is because doctors tend to prescribe doses which are too low.
Ed
poster:ed_uk
thread:627071
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060329/msgs/627162.html