Both valium and librium are benzodiazepines that are used to treat the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and anxiety, but they differ in certain ways. While diazepam is accessible in tablet and liquid form, chlordiazepoxide is only available as a capsule. While chlordiazepoxide does not treat seizures or muscle spasms, diazepam does. In contrast to diazepam, which can begin acting in 15 to 30 minutes, chlordiazepoxide takes up to 4 hours to start working. Although diazepam is known for its faster onset and shorter duration of action, both drugs have the potential to cause addiction and dependency.