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Compare Atarax vs. Valium

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

Key takeaways

Hydroxyzine (Vistaril) and diazepam (Valium) are both medications used to treat anxiety. Hydroxyzine is an antihistamine that can also treat allergy-related symptoms. It's typically only used for short-term anxiety treatment and isn't usually a first-choice option. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that also treats muscle spasms, seizures, and alcohol withdrawal. It's an effective anxiety treatment, but it's also a controlled substance due to its risk of dependence and misuse. Both medications can cause drowsiness and should not be mixed with alcohol.

  • Hydroxyzine hcl (Atarax)
    Diazepam (Valium)
  • Hydroxyzine hcl (Atarax)
    Diazepam (Valium)

  • Summary of Atarax vs. Valium

    Summary for Antihistamine
    Prescription only

    Hydroxyzine hydrochloride (Atarax) is a prescription antihistamine for adults and children. It's used to treat anxiety and to ease itching from allergies. It's also used as a sleep aid (sedative) before and after general anesthesia. Hydroxyzine HCl (Atarax) comes as tablet and oral solution that are taken by mouth up to 4 times per day. Common side effects include sleepiness and dry mouth.

    Summary for Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Diazepam (Valium) is a benzodiazepine. It's used to treat symptoms of anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. It can also treat certain types of muscle spasms and seizures. Diazepam (Valium) comes as a tablet and liquid solution. It's taken by mouth, typically 2 to 4 times daily. Some common side effects of diazepam (Valium) include sleepiness, dizziness, and weakness. Additionally, this medication carries a risk for misuse and dependence, so it's classified as a controlled substance.

  • Indications of Atarax vs. Valium

    Indications for
    •Anxiety
    •Itching from allergic skin conditions (e.g., hives, eczema, etc.)
    •Sleep aid (sedative) while receiving general anesthesia for surgery
    Indications for
    •Anxiety disorders and short-term anxiety symptoms
    •Alcohol withdrawal symptoms
    •Muscle spasms or spasticity from certain conditions, such as cerebral palsy and stiff-person syndrome (SPS)
    •Add-on to other medications for seizures

  • Pros and Cons of Atarax vs. Valium

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Starts to work within 30 minutes
    •Available as a tablet and a liquid that are taken by mouth
    •Can use in children
    Cons
    •Available by prescription only
    •Might need to take up to 4 times per day
    •Can rarely cause sexual side effects
    Pros and Const for Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Available as tablets and liquid
    •Works within 30 minutes
    Cons
    •Might need to take multiple times a day
    •Short-term use only because risk for dependence
    •Generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Atarax vs. Valium

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dry mouth
    •Headache
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Muscle weakness
    •Problems with balance or coordination
    •Memory problems

  • Warnings of Atarax vs. Valium

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
    •Higher risk of side effects in people over 65
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Extreme sleepiness and difficulty breathing
    •Misuse and dependence
    •Withdrawal
    •Harm to babies during pregnancy and after delivery
    •Interactions with other medications
    •Use with caution in people with depression

  • Prices with our coupons for Atarax vs. Valium

    Learn more about Hydroxyzine hcl
    Learn more about Diazepam

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