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Prozac vs. Valium

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

Key takeaways

Prozac (fluoxetine) and Valium (diazepam) are both prescription medications, but they belong to different drug classes and treat different conditions. Prozac is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) used mainly for mental health conditions like depression, OCD, and panic disorder. It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Valium, on the other hand, is a benzodiazepine that treats anxiety, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, muscle spasms, and seizures by raising levels of GABA, a chemical that slows brain activity. Prozac is typically taken once daily, while Valium is usually taken 2 to 4 times daily. Prozac is not a controlled substance, but Valium is a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence. Common side effects of Prozac include headaches and difficulty sleeping, whereas Valium often causes sleepiness and dizziness. Additionally, Prozac can take up to 2 months to show full effects, while Valium works within 30 minutes.

Fluoxetine

(Prozac)

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Diazepam

(Valium)

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Summary for Prozac

Prescription only

Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's used to treat several mental health conditions, including depression and panic disorder. The immediate-release pill and liquid are taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. The delayed-release capsule is taken weekly, but it's approved only for depression. Some common side effects of fluoxetine (Prozac) include headaches, difficulty sleeping, and tiredness. Don't suddenly stop this medication if you've been taking it for a while; doing so can lead to symptoms of withdrawal.

Indications for Prozac

Pros and Cons for Prozac

Pros

  • Good choice for treating depression, OCD, and panic disorder
  • Less likely to make you sleepy compared to some other antidepressants, such as paroxetine (Paxil)
  • Taken by mouth, typically once daily (IR capsules and liquid) or once weekly (DR capsules, for depression only)
  • Can be taken with or without food

Cons

  • Can take up to 2 months for you to feel the full effects of the medication
  • Can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and/or behavior in those age 24 or younger
  • Can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels
  • Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it

Common Side Effects for Prozac

  • Difficulty falling asleep (up to 33%)
  • Nausea (up to 29%)
  • Headache (21%)
  • Weakness (up to 21%)
  • Diarrhea (up to 18%)
  • Low appetite (up to 17%)
  • Drowsiness (up to 17%)
  • Anxiety (up to 15%)
  • Nervousness (up to 14%)
  • Tremor (up to 13%)
  • Dry mouth (up to 12%)
  • Throat pain (up to 11%)
  • Yawning (up to 11%)
  • Low sex drive (up to 11%)

Warnings for Prozac

  • Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior
  • Anxiety and trouble sleeping
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
  • Risk of bleeding
  • Glaucoma
  • Low blood sodium levels
  • Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)

Summary for Valium

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 for Valium

Pros and Cons for Valium

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 for Valium

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

Warnings for Valium

  • 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 Prozac vs. Valium

Price Card Drug Icon
Fluoxetine30 tablets / 20mg
$9.93$78.85
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Price Card Drug Icon
Diazepam30 tablets / 5mg
$10.43$22.04
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