Diazepam vs. Ambien: What’s the difference?

Diazepam vs. Ambien: What’s the difference?

• Valium (diazepam) and Ambien (zolpidem) are used to treat insomnia.
• Diazepam is primarily used to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, seizures, for relief of muscle spasms in some neurological diseases, and for sedation during surgery.
• Brand names for diazepam include Valium, Diastat Acudial, Diastat, and Diazepam Intensol.
• Diazepam and Ambien belong to different drug classes. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine and Ambien is a sedative/hypnotic.
• Side effects of diazepam and Ambien that are similar include drowsiness, diarrhea, rash, euphoria, loss of balance, confusion, lack of sleep (insomnia), and double vision or visual changes.
• Side effects of diazepam that are different from Ambien include fatigue, excitability, muscle spasm, rage, and speech problems.
• Side effects of Ambien that are different from diazepam include headache, weakness, dizziness, “drugged” feeling, depression, and dry mouth.
• Withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, sweating, anxiety, fatigue, and seizures (in severe cases) may occur if you suddenly stop taking diazepam. Ambien can cause withdrawal symptoms (muscle cramps, sweats, shaking, and seizures) when the drug is abruptly discontinued.

What is diazepam? What is Ambien?

Diazepam is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, to relieve muscle spasms in certain neurological diseases, and as sedation during surgery. Other benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), and flurazepam (Dalmane). Benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effects of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. It is believed that excessive activity in the brain may lead to anxiety or other psychiatric disorders.

Ambien (zolpidem) is a sedative/hypnotic used for treating insomnia. Conventional tablets are used for short-term treatment of insomnia associated with difficulty falling asleep. Long acting tablets are used for treating insomnia associated with difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Ambien improves initiation of sleep and keeps patients asleep longer. Ambien shares some characteristics of benzodiazepines, which cause sedation, muscle relaxation, act as anti-convulsants (anti-seizure medications), and reduce anxiety. Ambien has selectivity in that it has little of the muscle relaxant and anti-seizure effects and more of the sedative effect. The oral spray form of zolpidem, Zolpimist, has more rapid absorption than the tablet form because it is absorbed through the lining of the mouth.