Compare Valium vs. Lioresal
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Diazepam (Valium) and Gablofen (baclofen) are both used to treat muscle-related conditions, but they have some key differences. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that treats anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms, and seizures. It's taken orally as a tablet or liquid solution, typically multiple times a day. Gablofen, on the other hand, is a muscle relaxant used for severe spasticity that can't be managed with oral baclofen. It's administered through an intrathecal pump directly into the space around the spinal cord. Diazepam can cause sleepiness, dizziness, and muscle weakness. It carries a risk of misuse and dependence, making it a controlled substance. Gablofen's common side effects include muscle weakness, sleepiness, and dizziness, but it is not a controlled substance. Additionally, Gablofen requires surgical implantation of a pump and regular refills by a healthcare professional, whereas diazepam does not.
- Diazepam (Valium)Intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal)
- Diazepam (Valium)Intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal)
Summary of Valium vs. Lioresal
Summary for BenzodiazepinePrescription onlyDiazepam (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.
Summary for Muscle relaxantPrescription onlyIntrathecal baclofen (Lioresal) is a muscle relaxant. It's given to adults and children ages 4 years and older to treat severe spasticity caused by certain conditions, like spinal cord injuries, that can't be treated with oral baclofen. Intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal) is typically given as a continuous infusion through an implantable pump. But before you can undergo the procedure to receive the pump, your healthcare team will inject test doses of intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal) to see if it works for you. Some side effects of this medication include nausea, sleepiness, and dizziness.
Indications of Valium vs. Lioresal
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 seizuresIndications for•Severe spasticity in people who are either having too many side effects from oral baclofen or who aren't getting enough symptom relief from itPros and Cons of Valium vs. Lioresal
Pros and Const for BenzodiazepineProsCons•Might need to take multiple times a day•Short-term use only because risk for dependencePros and Const for Muscle relaxantPros•A possible option for those who can't take oral baclofen•Less side effects compared to oral baclofen•Infused through a pump, so don't need to remember to take medication by mouth daily•Might be an option for children as young as 4 years oldConsCommon Side Effects of Valium vs. Lioresal
Common Side Effects forCommon Side Effects for•Muscle weakness (up to 35%)•Sleepiness (up to 21%)•Headache (up to 11%)•Nausea and vomiting (up to 11%)•Convulsions (up to 10%)•Dizziness (8%)•"Pins and needles" feeling in arms and legs (up to 7%)•Stiff muscles (up to 6%)•Constipation (up to 5%)Warnings of Valium vs. Lioresal
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 depressionCommon Side Effects for•Withdrawal when stopping intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal) suddenly•Intrathecal baclofen overdose•Worsening of other health conditions•Extreme sleepiness or dizziness•Ovarian cystsPrices with our coupons for Valium vs. Lioresal
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