Page Contents
What is the best generic valium
Generic Valium is a potent benzodiazepine class drug that helps manage anxiety symptoms, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and muscle spasms. While effective, it can be costly and not always covered by the health insurance plan.
The generic version of Valium, known as Diazepam, can be affordable for people seeking medicine with similar qualities. Though diazepam costs less than Valium, it has the same active ingredients, which means it has identical to the brand-name drug in every aspect.
Medication Formula
In compliance with the FDA’s guidelines stating that the generic version of the drug should have the same active ingredients and dosage strength as the brand-name one, both diazepam and Valium are available in tablet form in 2mg, 5mg, and 10mg strengths with diazepam as their active ingredient.
Though the FDA requires the generic version to have the same active ingredients, no such guidelines are present for inactive ingredients. Meaning, you can find different filler ingredients in tablets from other manufacturers. This inconsistency between generic and brand-name versions can mean that while you may react well to Valium, the generic version’s inactive components make you experience undesirable effects.
Similarly, you can take generic from one manufacturer but not from another. The inactive ingredients in the brand-name Valium manufactured by Roche consists of the following:
- anhydrous lactose
- corn starch
- pregelatinized starch
- calcium stearate
It also contains the following dyes:
- 5mg tablets have FD&C Yellow number 6 and D&C Yellow number 10
- 10mg tablets contain FD&C Blue number 1
There is ample chance that every time you get your medicine to refill, the generic diazepam manufacturer can change. Therefore the inactive ingredients in your medication can also vary from fill to fill. With this in mind, ask the doctor or pharmacist about the drug’s components every time you get your prescription refill to avoid encountering an allergic reaction.
Efficacy
Both Valium and its generic form diazepam contain the same active ingredient making their effects similar. Both drug’s manufacturing labels showcase equal effectiveness. Diazepam (manufactured by TEVA) and Valium both claim to have an absorption rate of 90% and peak concentration that ranges from one hour to one and a half-hour after you consume it.
While the claim of both generic and brand-name variants of this drug are similar, one study found that Valium’s peak concentration and absorption is better than one type of generic diazepam.
If you have doubts regarding these medications’ efficacy, make sure to ask those questions to a healthcare professional before consuming these drugs. Doctors are the ones who can resolve your concerns and suggest the best variant for your problem.
Side Effects And Safety
When you look for the risk and side effects of Valium and generic diazepam, you will find that both the medicines have similar adverse effects and risk factors.
Common side effects of these drugs include:
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Muscle weakness
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
Both these medications can also cause some severe health complications, including coma and death if you take them with opioid medicines such as:
- codeine
- hydrocodone
- fentanyl
- methadone
- morphine
- oxycodone
Consuming alcohol and using street drugs can also worsen these drugs’ severe side effects. Immediately seek emergency medical attention if you face any of the following symptoms after taking these drugs:
- Unresponsiveness
- Difficulty breathing
- Extreme sleepiness
- Unusual dizziness
- Lightheadedness
Also, keep in mind that both Valium and its generic version belongs to benzodiazepines calls of medicines, which can become addictive over prolonged use. So, only consume these medicine in quantity prescribed by your doctor and for the recommended duration. Your doctor should know about your history of substance or alcohol abuse if any.
Another thing to consider while using either Valium or diazepam is their effect on a person’s mental health. These medicines can induce suicidal thoughts, so immediately call your doctor, a family member, or support helplines if you encounter any such feelings.
Cost
Generic diazepam cost significantly less than the brand-name valium. You can get 100 2mg tablets of Valium for around $325. However, the same number of generic diazepam tablets will only cost you about $10.
Also, try checking with your insurance provider about the cost of each drug, as most providers cover generic diazepam; many don’t cover brand-name medications.
Appearance And Form
Both generic diazepam and brand-name Valium are available in various forms, including tablets, solutions, and concentrate (in liquid form). The pills are usually round and come in multiple colors, depending on the manufacturer and dosage. 2mg, 5mg, and 10mg tablets all have different colors.
Things To Remember
Before you decide to buy either brand-name Valium or generic diazepam, try consulting a doctor about the efficacy and the inactive components of these medicines. Knowing about the drug ingredients can save you from a lot of trouble if you have specific allergies.
Often people take the generic version and don’t feel the same effects. If this happens with you, try talking to a medical professional, as they can help you figure out which version of this medicine will be right for you.