Anxiety disorders, symptoms of stress and certain drugs that affect the balance of chemicals in the brain, are called valium and xanax. Both provide relief and help manage brain conditions. They are medications that belong to the benzodiazepine drugs. That increases the effects of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which halts brain signals that would otherwise excite the brain and lead to anxiety. Both are similar medications because they are used to treat the symptoms of anxiety disorders. But in some cases, they are medications used differently, such as xanax is used for panic attacks, and valium reduces the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Both have multiple differences and Side effects of using these medications.