The 5 differences between diazepam and trankimazin

These are the main differences between diazepam and trankimazin and their effects.

Anxiety and depression are two global health problems that require, at the governmental level, an urgent approach. We are not speculating, because the figures speak for themselves: depression is a challenge for public health, affecting more than 350 million people worldwide, with a lifetime prevalence of up to 15%. This means that approximately 15 out of every 100 people will suffer a depressive episode at some point.

Anxiety is not far behind: more than 265 million people suffer from it, as indicated by the World Health Organization (WHO). It can be sporadic or chronic in nature, but in both cases it can cause measurable physiological and psychological problems for the patient.

Based on these data, we are not surprised to learn that, in about 17 years, benzodiazepine use has increased by 67% in the United States. This translates to about 13.5 million Americans using these drugs or, alternatively, 3.6 kilograms of lorazepam per 100,000 adult population. Because of the use (and abuse) of these drugs, it is of interest to elucidate the differences between diazepam and lorazepam. the differences between diazepam and trankimazintwo of the most commonly used drugs for the above-mentioned problems.

What are the differences between diazepam and trankimazin?

First of all, we must equate both terms to start at a point of equidistance. Both diazepam and trankimazin are benzodiazepines.These are psychotropic drugs (acting on the central nervous system) with sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, Anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant effects.

However, it is necessary to make an initial distinction: diazepam is the name of the drug, while trankimazin is the commercial name for another drug: alprazolam. Diazepam, on the other hand, is commercially known as valium.

Thus, we will compare diazepam with alprazolam, although the latter is known as trankimazin, xanax, tafil or niravam in pharmacies. As mentioned above, diazepam is known in society as valium. Having clarified these points, we turn to the drug package inserts and medical associations to show you the differences between them.

1. Differences in bioavailability

Bioavailability is defined as the rate at which the administered dose of a drug reaches its therapeutic target.. Normally, intravenous drugs reach a bioavailability value of 100% (maximum efficacy), while tablets have a value of 70%, since the drug must first be absorbed in the intestine.

Alprazolam (trankimazin) has a bioavailability of 80-90%. On the other hand, diazepam (valium) ranges in values of 93-100% in its oral mode of administration. This means that, on a theoretical level, diazepam is slightly more effective and faster in generating the desired effects. Of course, this does not mean that in all cases one should choose one over the other: as we will see in later lines, each of these drugs has its raison d'être.

2. Different uses

Both drugs belong to the benzodiazepine group, so their functioning is relatively similar. The rationale of both compounds is to potentiate or facilitate the inhibitory action of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), thus causing a depression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.thus causing a depression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, roughly explained. Although the premise is very similar, their effects are not exactly the same.

Diazepam stands out from the rest because of its muscle relaxant effects.It is therefore used in the treatment of reflex muscle spasms due to local trauma, such as wounds and inflammations. It can also be indicated in clinical conditions such as torticollis and can even be used intravenously as a sedative prior to surgery (biopsies, fractures or endoscopies). Diazepam correctly performs the tasks of the other benzodiazepines, but it excels on these fronts.

On the other hand, alprazolam (trankimazin) has a slightly more "mainstream" use, effectively addressing simple anxiety disorders.It is used in the following conditions: tension, panic disorder, fears, apprehension, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, autonomic hyperactivity and irritability. Its use is also contemplated in other clinical conditions, such as the relief of symptoms in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

3. Diversity in dosage

Diazepam and alprazolam (trankimazin) differ significantly in the way they are taken. You should keep in mind that alprazolam has a shorter bioavailability and half-life than other benzodiazepines, so it must be administered several times a day in many cases to achieve a prolonged action throughout the day. The package insert supports this idea with the following data:

• In treatments for generalized anxiety, it is recommended to start with a dose of 0.25 mg to 0.5 mg, 3 times daily.
• The usual range is 0.5 mg- 4 mg distributed in 3-4 different intakes per day.
• For anxiety disorders, the intake of 1 mg at bedtime every 3-4 days should not be exceeded.

The case of diazepam is a little different, since its consumption is more contemplated in disorders of intensity and other incapacitating and prolonged pathologies. For severe anxiety symptoms, withdrawal syndrome, as a muscle relaxant and in anticonvulsant therapy, it can be prescribed up to 10 mg per day (with a minimum of 2 mg), distributed in 3 or 4 intakes per day. As you can see the drug dose is much higher than in the case of alprazolam (trankimazin)..

In any case, you should bear in mind the following fact: 1 mg of alprazolam is equivalent to 5-10 mg of diazepam.

4. Differences in sensations on the part of the patient

Psychiatric sources argue that, for anxiety disorders that are not incapacitating, it is better to turn to alprazolam (trankimazin). As we have seen so far, this has a shorter half-life, its effect is less and it produces less fatigue and atypical sensations in patients.

On the other hand, diazepam has a half-life of 20-30 hours and some of its active compounds show activity for up to 100 hours.. Therefore, many patients experience tiredness, slight confusion and fatigue for up to 2 full days after consumption. This is a drug that is contemplated in situations that require a more "aggressive" approach and, therefore, its side effects are more intense.

5. Rebound effect and other side effects

Because it lasts less time in the body, alprazolam (trankimazin) may have a more pronounced rebound effect or insomnia. Hours after administration, the patient may perceive anxiety patterns that theoretically should not be there.. In these cases, it is necessary to contact the psychiatrist urgently, as it is a clear sign that the patient is generating some kind of drug dependence earlier than expected.

To avoid this undesirable effect, one can resort to the delayed-release trankimazin variant (Alprazolam retard) or switch to a benzodiazepine with a longer half-life. As you can see, one of the biggest problems with trankimazin is that its half-life may be too short for the patient's needs, so sometimes it is necessary to switch to another one.

Summary

We cannot end this space without making a number of final considerations. As indicated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH), approximately 136 Americans die every day from opioid intoxication, an event that is greatly favored by the simultaneous use of benzodiazepines. According to medical studies the chances of death after an overdose are 10 times higher in those who use benzos and opioids at the same time, compared to those who only use the second drug in isolation..

Benzodiazepines are causing significant addiction problems in both young people and adults on a social and medical level, as it is easy to develop emotional dependence on them and they can be obtained without much difficulty (although a prescription is needed). The rebound effect and dependence on these drugs are well known in the medical field.

For this reason, the package inserts of the drugs mentioned above are clear: continuous administration of these drugs for more than 12 weeks is not recommended in almost any case, unless the medical professional considers it indispensable. If the treatment has to be prolonged for longer than the stipulated time, this will be done in a limited way and with frequent monitoring of the patient's general state of health.

Bibliographic references:

• Ait-Daoud, N., Hamby, A. S., Sharma, S., & Blevins, D. (2018). A review of alprazolam use, misuse, and withdrawal. Journal of addiction medicine, 12(1), 4.
• Ashton, H. (2005). The diagnosis and management of benzodiazepine dependence. Current opinion in Psychiatry, 18(3), 249-255.
• Benzodiazepines and opioids, NIH. Retrieved March 3 from https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/opioids/benzodiazepines-opioids.
• Olfson, M., King, M., & Schoenbaum, M. (2015). Benzodiazepine use in the United States. JAMA psychiatry, 72(2), 136-142.
• Package insert alprazolam cinfa, retrieved March 3 from https://cima.aemps.es/cima/dochtml/p/62791/Prospecto_62791.html.
• Package insert diazepam normon, retrieved March 3 from https://cima.aemps.es/cima/dochtml/p/51208/P_51208.html.