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Compare Valium vs. Unisom

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

Key takeaways

Valium (diazepam) and Unisom SleepTabs (doxylamine) are both used to help with different conditions and have some key differences. Valium is a prescription benzodiazepine that treats anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, muscle spasms, and seizures. It works by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps calm your nervous system. On the other hand, Unisom SleepTabs is an over-the-counter antihistamine used to help you fall asleep. It works by blocking histamine, a chemical in your body that can keep you awake. Valium can be habit-forming and is a controlled substance, while Unisom SleepTabs are not. Valium is taken multiple times a day, whereas Unisom SleepTabs are taken once before bedtime. Both can cause sleepiness, but Valium also has risks of dependence and withdrawal. Unisom SleepTabs can cause next-day drowsiness and are not recommended for older adults or people with certain medical conditions.

  • Diazepam (Valium)
    Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs)
  • Diazepam (Valium)
    Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs)

  • Summary of Valium vs. Unisom

    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 Antihistamine

    Doxylamine succinate (Unisom SleepTabs) is an over-the-counter antihistamine that can be taken by adults and children ages 12 years and older who are having trouble falling asleep. It's a sleep aid that works by blocking certain chemicals (histamine) in your body. Doxylamine (Unisom SleepTabs) is taken by mouth once a day, about 30 minutes before bedtime. The most common side effect of this medication is next-day sleepiness.

  • Indications of Valium vs. Unisom

    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
    •Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)

  • Pros and Cons of Valium vs. Unisom

    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 Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Works well to help you fall asleep
    •Available over the counter and as a lower-cost generic
    •Starts to work quickly (within 1 hour)
    •Can be used in children as young as 12 years old
    Cons
    •Should only use when you have a full night to sleep
    •Can make you sleepy throughout the next day
    •Not the best choice for people over 65 years old or people with glaucoma, breathing problems, or urinary problems

  • Common Side Effects of Valium vs. Unisom

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    •Muscle weakness
    •Problems with balance or coordination
    •Memory problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Difficulty concentrating
    •Dizziness

  • Warnings of Valium vs. Unisom

    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
    •Extreme sleepiness
    •Worsening of medical conditions
    •Accidental overdose

  • Prices with our coupons for Valium vs. Unisom

    Learn more about Diazepam
    Learn more about Doxylamine

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