Valium and Restoril are both Benzodiazepine medicines used to treat psychological disorders like anxiety and insomnia, but they have differences in their pharmacology, dosages, dosing, side effects, and uses. Valium acts longer and is commonly used for anxiety disorders, muscle spasms, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms due to its longer half-life (approximately 20-100 hours).
While, Restoril drug, with a shorter half-life (approx 8-22 hours), is primarily prescribed for insomnia, which is a sleeping disorder. Due to their potential for dependence and addiction, both drugs are typically prescribed for short-term use only. Notably, patients should use these medications strictly as prescribed and under the medical supervision of a physician.
Here in this blog, we will differentiate both drugs based on some key factors that will surely help you to choose the best option for you.
Valium
Valium is a branded drug for its generic variant Diazepam. It is generally prescribed for the management of anxiety, seizures, and muscle spasms. Also, Valium is widely used for treating symptoms associated with acute alcohol withdrawal. Valium is an FDA-approved medicine and is a prescription-only drug.
Restoril
Restoril is a branded medicine for the generic variant temazepam. It works by enhancing the effects of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Restoril temazepam is typically used for short-term relief of insomnia, meaning it is generally prescribed for a few weeks or less to help people with sleep difficulties. Long-term use of benzodiazepines like temazepam can lead to physical or psychological dependence and withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly, so patients need to use them exactly as prescribed by their doctor.
Mechanism of Action of Restoril and Valium Drugs
Both of these drugs have similar mechanisms of action as they belong to the same drug class. Unlike other medicines, Benzodiazepines do not activate GABA neurotransmitters directly. Instead, they increase and modify the effects of GABA brain chemicals.
Valium contains generic diazepam, while Restoril contains generic temazepam, which are very effective Benzodiazepine formulations. Restoril and Valium act by increasing the efficiency of GABA brain chemicals to decrease the excitability of neurons in the Central Nervous System (CNS). These drugs mainly affect chloride channels to boost the effects of GABA. This entire process exerts calming effects on the brain.
Uses
Valium
- Anxiety Disorders: Valium is widely prescribed for the treatment of various anxiety disorders like Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. It works by enhancing the effects of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity, thereby reducing feelings of anxiety and promoting relaxation.
- Acute Alcohol Withdrawal: During alcohol withdrawal, Valium is often used to manage symptoms like agitation, tremors, seizures, etc. Its sedative effects help calm the central nervous system and prevent severe withdrawal symptoms, making the detoxification process safer and more comfortable.
- Adjunct Therapy: Valium may be used sometimes adjunctively in the treatment of certain psychiatric conditions, like depression to relieve severe anxiety symptoms that are unresponsive to other treatments.
Restoril
- Insomnia: Restoril is primarily prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia (generally 7 to 10 days), especially when it is characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. It works by enhancing the effects of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity, thereby promoting relaxation and inducing sleep.
- Anxiety Associated with Insomnia: In medical cases where anxiety contributes to insomnia disorders, Restoril may be prescribed to help relieve both the anxiety symptoms to improve sleep quality. Its anxiolytic effects can help calm the brain and facilitate falling asleep.
- Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS): Restoril may also be prescribed off-label to ease symptoms of restless leg syndrome (RLS) due to its ability to induce relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Dosages and Dosing
Valium
- Available Form: Oral tablets and oral solution
- Available Dosages:
Oral tablets: 2mg, 5mg, and 10mg
Oral solution: 1mg/1ml and 5mg/ml
Dosing
For anxiety:
- Adults: 2 to 10 milligrams (mg) 2 to 4 times a day.
- Older adults: Starts with 2 to 2.5 mg dose, 1 or 2 times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed.
- Children 6 months of age and older: Initial starting dose is 1 to 2.5 mg 3 or 4 times per day.
For alcohol withdrawal:
- Adults: Start with 10 mg, 3 or 4 times for the first 24 hours, then adjust the dosage to 5 mg 3 to 4 times per day as needed.
- Older adults: 2 to 2.5 mg 1 or 2 times a day.
Restoril
- Available Form: Oral capsule
- Available Dosages: 7.5mg, 15mg, 22.5mg, and 30mg
Dosing
For insomnia (or trouble sleeping):
- Adults: The usual dose is 15 mg at bedtime. Some patients may need 7.5 mg or 30 mg. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
- Older adults: The starting recommended dose is 7.5 mg which can be taken at bedtime.
Side Effects
Valium
- Agitation
- Blistering or peeling of the skin
- Blurred vision
- Chills
- Confusion
- Dark urine
- Cough
- Unconsciousness
- Trouble breathing
- Excitement
- Irregular breathing
- Irritability
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Restlessness
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Double vision
- Dry mouth
- Inability to have or keep an erection
- Increased interest in sexual intercourse
- Indigestion
Restoril
- Chest tightness
- Labored breathing
- Swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
- Lack of appetite
- Problems with memory
- Memory loss
- Weight loss
- Nightmares
- Fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat
- Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
- Shakiness and unsteady walk
- Seizures
- Uncontrolled eye movements
- Unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
- Unusual excitement
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Irritability
- Vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Stomach cramps
- Sweating
Precautions
- Concomitant use of Valium and Restoril drugs may result in fatal consequences like profound sedation, respiratory depression, death, and coma.
- One should limit the dosages and durations to the minimum required.
- To reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue these drugs or to reduce the dosage.
- Alcohol and tobacco products are not advised to be consumed while on Valium or Restoril.
- Always share the patient’s medical history, along with concurrently used drugs, during medical consultation.
