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Compare Librium vs. Valium

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

Key takeaways

Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and diazepam (Valium) are both benzodiazepines used to treat anxiety and alcohol withdrawal symptoms, but they have some differences. Chlordiazepoxide is available only as a capsule, while diazepam comes in both tablet and liquid forms. Diazepam can also treat muscle spasms and seizures, which chlordiazepoxide does not. Chlordiazepoxide takes longer to start working, up to 4 hours, compared to diazepam, which can start working in 15 to 30 minutes. Both medications carry a risk of addiction and dependence, but diazepam is noted for its quicker onset and shorter duration of action. Additionally, diazepam is available for use in children as young as 6 months, whereas chlordiazepoxide is only for children 6 years and older. Both medications should be used short-term and under close supervision due to their potential for serious side effects and withdrawal symptoms.

  • Chlordiazepoxide
    Diazepam (Valium)
  • Chlordiazepoxide
    Diazepam (Valium)

  • Summary of Librium vs. Valium

    Summary for Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Chlordiazepoxide is used for the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. It can also prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms, like seizures. This medication has a risk of addiction, so it's classified as a schedule IV controlled substance. Your dose will depend on the reason why you're using it, your age, and your other health conditions. Some possible side effects of chlordiazepoxide include drowsiness, trouble with balance and movement, and confusion. Chlordiazepoxide comes as a capsule, and is available as a brand name and a lower-cost generic.

    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 Librium vs. Valium

    Indications for
    •Alcohol withdrawal
    •Preoperative anxiety and anxiety disorders
    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 Librium vs. Valium

    Pros and Const for Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •A first-choice treatment option for alcohol withdrawal
    •Can be used in children age 6 and older
    •Dose can be adjusted by your provider based on your response
    Cons
    •Controlled medication due to the risk of addiction, misuse, and dependence
    •Risk of more side effects in older adults
    •Can cause withdrawal if suddenly stopped
    •Should only be used short-term
    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 Librium vs. Valium

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Confusion
    •Loss of coordination (clumsiness)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Muscle weakness
    •Problems with balance or coordination
    •Memory problems

  • Warnings of Librium vs. Valium

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risks while also taking opioids
    •Potential for addiction, misuse, dependence, and withdrawal
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Harm to babies
    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 Librium vs. Valium

    Learn more about Chlordiazepoxide
    Learn more about Diazepam

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