Key takeaways
Zolpidem (Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar) and diazepam (Valium) are both medications that can help with sleep and anxiety, but they work in different ways and are also used for different conditions. Zolpidem is mainly used to treat insomnia (trouble sleeping or falling asleep) and helps you fall asleep quickly by slowing down brain activity. It comes in various forms, including tablets and sublingual tablets, and is usually taken at bedtime. Diazepam, on the other hand, is used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms, and seizures. It can be taken multiple times a day and comes as a tablet or liquid solution. Both medications carry a risk of misuse and dependence, but zolpidem is specifically known for causing unusual sleep behaviors like sleepwalking and sleep driving. Diazepam can make you very sleepy and dizzy, and it’s not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. While zolpidem is generally used for short-term treatment of sleep issues, diazepam is used for a broader range of conditions but also for short-term use due to its risk of dependence.
