The 5 Differences Between Diazepam And Trankimazin
Anxiety and depression are two global health problems that require an urgent approach at the government level. We are not speculating, since the figures speak for themselves: depression is a challenge for public health, since it affects more than 350 million inhabitants around the world and its prevalence throughout the life of the individual reaches up to fifteen%. This means that approximately 15 out of every 100 people will suffer a depressive episode at some point.
Anxiety is not short: more than 265 million people suffer from it, as indicated by the World Health Organization (WHO). This can be sporadic in nature or become chronic, but, in both cases, it can cause measurable physiological and psychological problems in the patient.
Based on these data, we are not surprised to learn that, in about 17 years, benzodiazepine consumption has increased by 67% in the United States. This translates into about 13.5 million Americans taking these drugs or, alternatively, 3.6 kilograms of lorazepam per 100,000 adult inhabitants. Due to the use (and abuse) of these drugs, we find it of interest to elucidate the differences between diazepam and trankimazin two of the most used medications for the aforementioned 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 that is, psychotropic drugs (that act on the central nervous system) with sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant and muscle relaxing effects.
In any case, it is necessary to make an initial distinction: diazepam is the name of the drug, while trankimazin is the name by which another medication is known commercially: alprazolam. Diazepam, for its part, is known commercially as valium.
Thus, we emphasize that we are going to compare diazepam with alprazolam, although the latter is known as trankimazin, xanax, tafil or niravam in pharmacies. As we have already said, diazepam is known in society as valium. Once these points have been clarified, we go to the drug leaflets 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 effectiveness), while tablets reach a value of 70%, since the medication must first be absorbed at the intestinal level.
Alprazolam (trankimazin) has a bioavailability of 80-90%. On the other hand, diazepam (valium) ranges between 93-100% in its oral administration mode. This means that, on a theoretical level, diazepam is a little more effective and faster in generating the desired effects. Of course, this does not mean that in all cases one should be chosen over the other: as we will see in later lines, each of these medications has its reason for being.
2. Different uses
Both medications belong to the group of benzodiazepines, so their functioning is relatively similar. The basis of both compounds is to enhance or facilitate the inhibitory action of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), thus causing a depression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, roughly explained. Although the premise is very similar, its effects are not exactly the same.
Diazepam stands out above the rest for its effects as a muscle relaxant, so it is used in the treatment of reflex muscle spasms due to local trauma, such as wounds and inflammation. It can also be indicated in clinical conditions such as torticollis and even serves intravenously as a sedative prior to interventions (biopsies, fractures or endoscopies). Diazepam does the job of the rest of the benzodiazepines correctly, but it excels on these fronts.
On the other hand, alprazolam (trankimazin) has a slightly more “mainstream” use, effectively addressing simple anxiety disorders: 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).
Diazepam and alprazolam (trankimazin) differ significantly in the way they are consumed. You must 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 ensure that the action lasts throughout the day. The prospectus supports this idea with the following data:
The case of diazepam is a little different, since its consumption is more contemplated in intense disorders and other disabling and prolonged pathologies. For severe symptoms of anxiety, withdrawal syndrome, as a muscle relaxant and in anticonvulsant therapy, up to 10 mg per day can be prescribed (with a minimum of 2 mg), divided into 3 or 4 doses per day. As you can observe, The drug dose contemplated is much higher than in the case of alprazolam (trankimazin)
In any case, you must take into account the following information: 1 mg of alprazolam is comparable 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 disabling, it is better to turn to alprazolam (trankimazin). As we have seen so far, this has a shorter half-life, its effect is smaller 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. It is a drug that is considered in situations that require a more “aggressive” approach and, therefore, its side effects are more intense.
5. Rebound effect and other side effects
Since it lasts less time in the body, alprazolam (trankimazin) may present a more pronounced rebound effect or insomnia. Hours after administration, the patient may perceive anxiety symptoms that should not theoretically 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 type of dependence on the drug sooner than expected.
To avoid this undesirable effect, you can use the delayed-release variant of trankimazin (Alprazolam retard) or change 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 change it to another one.
Summary
We cannot end this space without making a series of final considerations. As indicated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH), approximately more than 136 Americans die every day after poisoning from opioid consumption, an event that is greatly favored by the simultaneous use of benzodiazepines. According to medical studies, The odds 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 alone
Benzodiazepines are causing significant addiction problems in both young people and adults on a social and medical level, since it is easy to develop emotional dependence on them and they can be obtained without much difficulty (even if a prescription is required). The rebound effect and dependence of these drugs are more than known in the medical field.
Therefore, the package inserts of the aforementioned drugs are clear: their continued administration for more than 12 weeks is not recommended in almost any case, unless the medical professional considers it essential. If treatment must be prolonged for longer than stipulated, this will be done on a limited basis and with frequent monitoring of the patient’s general health status.
