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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)

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Intrathecal baclofen

(Lioresal)

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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

Summary for Lioresal

Prescription only

Intrathecal 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 for Lioresal

  • Severe spasticity in people who are either having too many side effects from oral baclofen or who aren't getting enough symptom relief from it

Pros and Cons for Lioresal

Pros

  • 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 old

Cons

  • The intrathecal pump must be placed by a surgeon while under anesthesia
  • Pump must be replaced after the battery runs out (5 to 7 years)
  • Refills must be given by a qualified healthcare professional
  • Some people might need the dose raised after long-term use because of tolerance.

Common Side Effects for Lioresal

  • 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 for Lioresal

  • Withdrawal when stopping intrathecal baclofen (Lioresal) suddenly
  • Intrathecal baclofen overdose
  • Worsening of other health conditions
  • Extreme sleepiness or dizziness
  • Ovarian cysts

Prices with our coupons for Valium vs. Lioresal

Price Card Drug Icon
Diazepam30 tablets / 5mg
$12.15$19.04
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Price Card Drug Icon
Baclofen60 tablets / 10mg
$11.16$154.48
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