Valium vs. Unisom for Anxiety and Allergic Rhinitis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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)

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Doxylamine

(Unisom SleepTabs)

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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

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

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 Unisom

Over-the-counter

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 for Unisom

Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)

Pros and Cons for Unisom

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