Chlordiazepoxide
Generic Name:
Chlordiazepoxide
Brand Names:
Librium
Chlordiazepoxide is also present in the combination medications Limbitrol and Limbitrol DS.
Chlordiazepoxide was previously available in A-Poxide, Chlordiazachel, Librelease, Libritabs, Lygen and the combination medication Mentrium. However, these medications have been discontinued.
Chlordiazepoxide Description:
Chlordiazepoxide belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. The medication is used to treat anxiety and to alleviate symptoms in alcoholic patients going through withdrawal. While the exact mechanisms of chlordiazepoxide are unknown, the medication acts on the central nervous system and produces anti-anxiety and sedative effects.
Chlordiazepoxide Side Effects:
Common side effects of chlordiazepoxide include:
- Drowsiness
- Reduced coordination
- Confusion
Elderly patients may be more susceptible to chlordiazepoxide side effects than others.
For more information, see our chlordiazepoxide side effects page.
Chlordiazepoxide Uses:
Chlordiazepoxide is used in the treatment of severe anxiety. The medication is also used to ease withdrawal symptoms in alcoholics attempting to curb addiction.
Chlordiazepoxide is not intended to treat stress and anxiety associated with everyday life.
Chlordiazepoxide is intended for short-term treatment. The safety or efficacy of chlordiazepoxide use for more than four months has not been established.
Chlordiazepoxide Interactions:
Chlordiazepoxide may interact with the following medications:
- Antihistamines
- Cimetidine
- Digoxin
- Disulfiram
- Fluoxetine
- Isoniazid
- Levodopa
- Antidepressants
- Seizure medications
- Medications for Parkinson's disease
- Analgesics
- Asthma medications
- Decongestants or allergy medications
- Metoprolol
- Muscle relaxants
- Oral contraceptives
- Probenecid
- Propoxyphene
- Propranolol
- Rifampin
- Sedatives or tranquilizers
- Theophylline
- Valproic acid
- Other central nervous system depressants
- Warfarin and other anticoagulants
Chlordiazepoxide may interact with other medications or substances that are not listed above. In order to avoid potentially dangerous interactions, patients should talk with their doctor about the use of all other medications, vitamins or supplements before beginning treatment with chlordiazepoxide.
Chlordiazepoxide Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Chlordiazepoxide dosages may vary among patients. Your doctor will establish the size and frequency of your dosage according to your individual needs. Chlordiazepoxide should be used exactly as prescribed, as the medication can cause dependence if abused.
Chlordiazepoxide is administered in the form of an oral capsule or tablet. Patients using chlordiazepoxide for the relief of mild to moderate anxiety generally take 5 or 10 mg of the medication three or four times a day. Patients using chlordiazepoxide for the relief of severe anxiety usually take 20 or 25 mg of the medication three or four times a day.
Elderly patients or patients with debilitating diseases generally take 5 mg of the medication two to four times a day.
Patients using chlordiazepoxide to alleviate alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically take an initial dose of 50 to 100 mg, followed by repeated doses until symptoms are under control.
Missing a Dose of Chlordiazepoxide
If you are following a regular chlordiazepoxide dosage schedule and forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosage schedule. Do not consume a double dose of chlordiazepoxide to compensate for a missed dose.
Chlordiazepoxide Overdose
Symptoms of a chlordiazepoxide overdose may include:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Diminished reflexes
- Coma
Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they have taken too much chlordiazepoxide.
Chlordiazepoxide FDA Approval:
February 24, 1960
Chlordiazepoxide Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Chlordiazepoxide does not carry any black box warnings.
Other Warnings
Chlordiazepoxide is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance because of its potential for abuse, dependence and dangerous side effects. Patients should take chlordiazepoxide exactly as prescribed and should not use more of the medication than instructed by their doctor. Misuse or illegal distribution of chlordiazepoxide can result in adverse events and criminal prosecution.
Recalls
In 2008, Actavis recalled certain lots of combination medications containing chlordiazepoxide because the products did not meet potency specifications. The actions constituted a Class II recall, and the medications did not pose a significant risk to consumers.
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