Librium Vs Valium

Librium and Valium medication drugs are used to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It can also used to treat anxiety disorders. However, they differ in the other conditions they help to treat. In choosing which one of these medications is best for you, a healthcare provider will consider your age, symptoms, and medical history.

Withdrawal symptoms, especially of alcohol are quite challenging, and for some people, they are a daily occurrence. Ongoing symptoms affect an individual’s ability to function at home, school or work. Treating it usually involves therapies and antidepressant medications. Two commonly prescribed drugs are Librium and Valium. These medicines are somewhat similar, but not exactly alike.

Comparison Between Librium & Valium

1. Librium

Librium is a brand-name drug used short-term to reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms and treat anxiety disorders. It belongs to a class of drugs known as Benzodiazepines. 

It is also available in generic variant called chlordiazepoxide which is the active ingredient present in this medicine. The Librium brand name has been discontinued in the US. However, it’s generic variant is available and has been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US.

2. Valium

Valium is a branded medication used to treat anxiety disorders and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Just like Librium it belongs to a class of drugs called Benzodiazepines.

It is also available in generic variant known as diazepam which is the active ingredient present in this drug. It is a prescription-only medicine and must only be used after consultation from a healthcare provider. This drug has been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US.

Uses of Valium & Librium

1. Valium

Valium is generally prescribed to manage symptoms of numerous anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. It is also used to relieve muscle spasms that are caused by conditions like cerebral palsy, paraplegia, etc. 

Valium is given to patients during alcohol withdrawal to control their symptoms such as agitation, tremors, and hallucinations. It helps alleviate the discomfort and can prevent seizures in severe cases.

Valium is also used for treatment of certain types of seizures, especially in cases of status epileptics. It helps in terminating seizures by calming the excessive electrical activities in the brain.

2. Librium

Similar to Valium, Librium is prescribed to manage symptoms of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

Librium is often used to alleviate symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, including agitation, tremors, and hallucinations. In some cases, Librium is used off-label to treat insomnia. Its sedative effects can help improve sleep quality and duration, although it’s not typically a first-line treatment for insomnia.

Doses & Dosages

1. Librium

Librium is available in oral tablet form and has different dosage strengths. These are as follows:

• 5 mg
• 10 mg
• 25 mg

It is crucial for patients to follow their healthcare expert’s instructions regarding the dosage strength to ensure safe and effective treatment. Adjusting the dosage may be necessary based on an individual’s response to the medication and other medical conditions.

1. Valium

Valium is available in oral tablet and oral solution forms and has different dosage strengths. They are as follows:

Oral tablet

• 2 mg
• 5 mg
• 10 mg

Oral solution

• 5 ml
• 10 ml

These different forms of Valium provide freedom to healthcare professionals to provide the best treatment to the patients needs and circumstances. It’s necessary for patients to follow their healthcare provider’s instructions carefully to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Color

1. Valium

In the US, Valium tablets are commonly available in the below-mentioned colors:

• 2 mg: White
• 5 mg: Yellow
• 10 mg: Blue

It’s crucial to know that even though these colors are common, they may vary depending on the manufacturer and the country you live in. Also, the appearance of medication may change over time. Therefore, it’s always best to confirm with a doctor and read the packaging or label carefully.

1. Librium

In the United States, common colors for Librium tablets include:

• 5 mg: Pale yellow
• 10 mg: Pale blue
• 25 mg: Pale green

The appearance of medication can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific formulation. Hence, it is necessary to ensure that you have the correct medication and dosage strength prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Side Effects

Both these medication drugs belong to the same class of drugs and therefore, share the same side effects. They are as follows:

Common side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Dry Mouth
• Constipation
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Blurred Vision
• Changes in Appetite
• Confusion
• Memory Impairment

Severe side effects include:

• Severe allergic reactions
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts
• Unusual behavior
• Liver problems
• Amnesia
• Respiratory depression

Precautions

Here are some precautions that you can follow when taking these medications

• These are prescription-only medications, therefore consult a licensed medical healthcare expert before consuming them. Also, tell your medical healthcare professional if you are allergic to the drug or have any other allergies. Librium and Valium might contain non-essential ingredients, which may cause allergic reactions or other adverse effects. 
• These drugs cause vision changes and make one feel dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make one feel more dizzy. Hence, it is advised to limit alcoholic beverages and to consult a doctor if under the influence of marijuana. Before going through any surgery or operation, tell your healthcare provider about all the products you use including prescription drugs, herbal products and non-prescription drugs to avoid risks.
• During pregnancy, Valium and Librium must only be used when really needed. It might cause harm to the unborn baby. Ask a healthcare expert before consuming the drug during pregnancy.
• These medicines pass into breast milk and might have adverse effects on an infant, such as drowsiness, unusual sleepiness, trouble breathing, unusual restlessness or could be life-threatening for the baby. Consult a doctor before breastfeeding.