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Compare Valium vs. Norflex

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

Key takeaways

Diazepam (Valium) and orphenadrine are both used to treat muscle-related issues, but they have some key differences. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that treats anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms, and seizures. It works by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the brain. Orphenadrine, on the other hand, is a muscle relaxant used specifically for relieving muscle pain and discomfort. Its exact mechanism is unclear, but it blocks nerve signals between the spinal cord and muscles. Diazepam is a controlled substance with a risk of misuse and dependence, while orphenadrine is not a controlled medication but can still be misused. Diazepam is available in both tablet and liquid forms and is taken multiple times a day. Orphenadrine is taken as a tablet twice a day or as an injectable under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Common side effects of diazepam include sleepiness, dizziness, and muscle weakness, while orphenadrine can cause dry mouth, headache, and drowsiness.

  • Diazepam (Valium)
    Orphenadrine
  • Diazepam (Valium)
    Orphenadrine

  • Summary of Valium vs. Norflex

    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.

    Summary for Muscle relaxant
    Prescription only

    Orphenadrine citrate is a muscle relaxer that's used to relieve muscle pain and discomfort. It's often used together with other pain-relieving methods, such as resting and physical therapy. Orphenadrine is available as a tablet that's taken by mouth as well as an injection that's administered by a healthcare provider for certain situations. Side effects can include dry mouth, headache, and drowsiness. Orphenadrine is a generic medication; its brand-name version, Norflex, is no longer available.

  • Indications of Valium vs. Norflex

    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
    Indications for
    •Relief of muscle discomfort from short-term muscle conditions

  • Pros and Cons of Valium vs. Norflex

    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
    Pros and Const for Muscle relaxant
    Pros
    •Taken only twice a day
    •Can start to work within 1 hour
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not a first choice option for short- or long-term pain relief
    •Not recommended for older adults because of higher risk for side effects
    •Can't use if you have glaucoma, certain stomach or gut problems, urination or swallowing problems, or nerve problems that affect the muscles

  • Common Side Effects of Valium vs. Norflex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Muscle weakness
    •Problems with balance or coordination
    •Memory problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry mouth
    •Sleepiness
    •Headache
    •Dizziness

  • Warnings of Valium vs. Norflex

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Difficulty concentrating
    •Use with caution in people with heart problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Valium vs. Norflex

    Learn more about Diazepam
    Learn more about Orphenadrine

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