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Phenobarbital vs. Diazepam

Phenobarbital treats seizures and is used as a sedative medication. It's a part of the barbiturate drug class. The most common side effect is sleepiness. It's a schedule IV controlled substance due to the risk of dependence. This means if you suddenly stop the medication, you could get withdrawal symptoms like weakness, muscle twitching, or even confusion and disorientation. There are no brand names available anymore, so only generic versions exist.

• Seizures
• Sedation

• Sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Poor balance or coordination

• Dependence and withdrawal
• Drowsiness
• Extreme excitement
• Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
• Harm to newborn babies

Diazepam Intensol is a benzodiazepine. It's used to help with anxiety disorders and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. It's also used along with other medications to treat certain types of muscle spasms or pain and seizures. Diazepam Intensol is a liquid that's taken by mouth 2 to 4 times daily. Diazepam Intensol is for short-term use only because it's a controlled substance and carries a risk of dependence. Some common side effects of Diazepam Intensol include making you sleepy, dizzy, and weak.

• 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

• Sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Muscle weakness
• Problems with balance or coordination
• Memory problems

• 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