Chlordiazepoxide (By Mouth)

Chlordiazepoxide (klor-dye-az-e-POX-ide)

Treats anxiety, symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, and tremor. Belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines.

Brand Name(s):

Librium
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use chlordiazepoxide if you have had an allergic reaction to any other benzodiazepine medicines, such as Valium®, Xanax®, and Halcion®.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
• May be taken with or without food.
• Drink plenty of liquids.

If a dose is missed:

• Take as soon as possible if you are less than 1 hour late with your dose.
• If it is almost time for your next regular dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from excess heat, moisture, and light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.
• You should not use this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy such as sedatives, sleeping pills, antihistamines, some antidepressants, and narcotic pain-killers.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have porphyria or liver or kidney disease before you take this medicine.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. You should not use more than the prescribed amount or for longer periods than your doctor has ordered.
• This medicine can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Be careful if driving or using machinery.
• If you have taken this medicine for a long time or in large doses, do not stop taking it suddenly. You may need to take smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping.
• The side effects of this medicine may be stronger in older adults and children.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Depressed mood or severe confusion
• Extreme unsteadiness (trouble standing)
• Severe drowsiness and weakness
• Slow heartbeat
• Sudden mood changes
• Trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision, headache
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Drowsiness, dizziness, clumsiness
• Dry mouth, upset stomach
• Feeling "hungover" the next morning after bedtime use
• Trouble concentrating

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.