Librium
Generic Name:
Chlordiazepoxide
Brand Names:
A-Poxide, Chlordiazachel, Librelease, Libritabs and Lygen are other chlordiazepoxide medications. However, these medications have been discontinued in the United States.
Librium Description:
Librium 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 Librium are unknown, the medication acts on the central nervous system and produces anti-anxiety and sedative effects.
Librium Side Effects:
Potential side effects of Librium include:
- Drowsiness
- Reduced muscle coordination
- Confusion
- Skin reactions
- Swelling
- Small menstrual abnormalities
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Restlessness
- Involuntary body movements
- Speech irregularities
- Change in libido
For more information, see our Librium side effects page.
Librium Uses:
Librium is used in the treatment of severe anxiety. The medication is also used to ease withdrawal symptoms in alcoholics attempting to curb addiction. Additionally, the medication is used to ease anxiety before surgical operations.
Librium is not intended to treat stress and anxiety associated with everyday life.
Librium is intended for short-term treatment. The safety or efficacy of the use of Librium for more than four months has not been established.
Librium Interactions:
Librium may interact with the following medications and substances:
- 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
Librium may interact with other medications or substances that are not listed above. In order to avoid potentially hazardous interactions, patients should talk with their doctor about the use of any other medications, vitamins or supplements before beginning treatment with Librium.
Librium Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Librium is administered in the form of an oral capsule and is available in 5, 10 and 25 mg strengths. Librium dosages are individualized for each patient. Your doctor will establish the size and frequency of your dosage according to your individual needs. Patients should follow the dosage guidelines established by their doctor.
Patients using Librium to relieve mild or moderate anxiety generally take 5 or 10 mg of the medication three to four times a day. Patients using Librium to relieve severe anxiety usually take 20 or 25 mg of the medication three to four times a day.
Pediatric, elderly or debilitated patients typically take 5 mg of the medication 2 to 4 times a day.
Patients using Librium to ease anxiety before surgery generally take 5 to 10 mg three to four times a day during the days preceding surgery.
Patients using Librium to relieve alcohol withdrawal symptoms generally take an initial 50 to 100 mg dose of the medication. Subsequent doses may be given until the agitation associated with withdrawal is under control.
Librium is intended for short-term use.
Missing a Dose of Librium
If you are following a regular dosage schedule and forget to take a dose of Librium, 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 the medication to compensate for a missed dose.
Librium Overdose
Symptoms of a Librium overdose may include:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Diminished reflexes
- Coma
Patients should seek immediate medical attention if they believe they have taken too much of this medication.
Librium FDA Approval:
February 24, 1960
Librium Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Librium does not carry any black box warnings and has not been associated with any significant recalls.
Other Warnings
Librium is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance because of its potential for abuse, dependence and dangerous side effects. Patients should take Librium exactly as prescribed and should not use more of the medication than instructed by their doctor. Misuse or illegal distribution of Librium capsules can result in adverse events and criminal prosecution.
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September 2, 2010, 12:51 pm
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August 31, 2010, 2:01 pm
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August 30, 2010, 1:16 pm
