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Compare Flexeril vs. Valium

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

Key takeaways

Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) and diazepam (Valium) are both used to treat muscle spasms, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses and side effects. Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant that works in the brain to relieve muscle pain and discomfort, and it is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms. It is not a controlled substance but can cause drowsiness and dizziness, especially when combined with alcohol. Diazepam, on the other hand, is a benzodiazepine that raises levels of GABA in the brain to help with anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms, and seizures. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence. Diazepam can also cause sleepiness, dizziness, and muscle weakness, and it carries risks of severe sedation and withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly. While both medications can make you sleepy, diazepam has a higher risk of dependence and is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

  • Cyclobenzaprine
    Diazepam (Valium)
  • Cyclobenzaprine
    Diazepam (Valium)

  • Summary of Flexeril vs. Valium

    Summary for Muscle relaxant
    Prescription only

    Cyclobenzaprine is a muscle relaxant used in addition to rest and physical therapy to treat muscle pain and discomfort. It's available as an immediate-release (IR) tablet and an extended-release (ER) capsule. Unlike other muscle relaxants, it's not considered a controlled substance. Cyclobenzaprine can make you sleepy as a side effect so it's best to avoid alcohol to prevent serious harm from combining the two together.

    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 Flexeril vs. Valium

    Indications for
    •Muscle discomfort caused by acute (not long-term) conditions
    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 Flexeril vs. Valium

    Pros and Const for Muscle relaxant
    Pros
    •Works well to relieve muscle spasms
    •Available as an IR tablet and ER capsule
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Can use if you have kidney problems
    Cons
    •Can make you feel dizzy and sleepy
    •Only meant for short-term use (up to 2 to 3 weeks)
    •Doesn't work for muscle spasms caused by brain or spinal injuries
    •Might not be a good option if you're 65 years or older or have liver problems because of higher risk of 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 Flexeril vs. Valium

    Common Side Effects for

    Immediate-release tablets:

    •Drowsiness (up to 39%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 32%)
    •Dizziness (up to 11%)
    •Feeling tired (up to 6%)
    •Headache (up to 5%)

    Extended-release capsules:

    •Dry mouth (6-14%)
    •Dizziness (3-6%)
    •Indigestion (up to 4%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Feeling tired (3%)
    •Constipation (1-3%)
    •Drowsiness (1-2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Muscle weakness
    •Problems with balance or coordination
    •Memory problems

  • Warnings of Flexeril vs. Valium

    Common Side Effects for
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Dry mouth, dry eyes, and trouble urinating
    •Caution use in people with liver problems
    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 Flexeril vs. Valium

    Learn more about Cyclobenzaprine
    Learn more about Diazepam

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