Clorazepate (By Mouth)

Clorazepate (klor-AZ-e-pate)

Treats anxiety, trouble sleeping, symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, and certain types of epilepsy. Belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines.

Brand Name(s):

Tranxene T-Tab, Gen-Xene, Tranxene, Tranxene-SD
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to clorazepate or any other benzodiazepine medicine such as Valium®, Librium®, or Halcion®.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• You may take the medicine on an empty stomach or with food.

If a dose is missed:

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for your next regular dose, wait until then to take the 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 the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.

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 glaucoma, liver disease, kidney disease, or lung disease before taking this medicine.
• This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Older adults and children may be more sensitive to side effects than other patients.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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

• Difficulty breathing
• Severe muscle weakness or difficulty standing
• Hallucinations
• Slurred speech or severe drowsiness

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

• Constipation or diarrhea
• Headache
• Difficulty concentrating or memory loss
• "Hangover" effects after bedtime use
• Drowsiness, dizziness, clumsiness
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Irritability or agitation

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