Xanax and Valium are the trade names for alprazolam and diazepam, respectively. Both drugs are also known as benzodiazepines because they are used in the treatment of certain conditions like anxiety disorders, insomnia. Valium can also be used to treat health conditions like seizures, spasms. The mechanism behind both medications is that their GABA-A receptors battle and ensure the release of chloride ions into the neurons and restrain them. The major difference between Xanax and Valium is that the effects of these drugs are different in the body.
For instance, when you use Xanax, it causes an increase in the concentration of dopamine in the striatum, but Valium won't show this effect. Aside from the fact that both are used to treat different anxiety disorders and insomnia, Valium can still be used to treat diseases like tetanus, paraplegia, vertigo, etc. Valium can also be used in the treatment of benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms, while Xanax cannot be used.