Chlordiazepoxide
Chlordiazepoxide is a medication used to relieve anxiety and to control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal. Chlordiazepoxide belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. This type of medication works by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Chlordiazepoxide comes as a tablet and a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken one to four times daily with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand
Benefits of Chlordiazepoxide
Chlordiazepoxide is used to treat anxiety and acute alcohol withdrawal. It is also used to relieve fear and anxiety before surgery.
This medication belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines that work on the brain and nerves (central nervous system) to produce a calming effect. It works by increasing the effects of certain natural chemicals in the body (GABA).
Chlordiazepoxide Side Effects
Chlordiazepoxide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms get worse or do not go away:
- Sleepy.
- Dizzy.
- Fatigue.
- Weakness.
- Dry mouth.
- Diarrhea.
- Stomach ache. If you have a stomach ache and need a medication recommendation.
- Changes in appetite.
- Excessive anxiety or excitement.
- Constipation.
- Difficulty urinating.
- Frequent urination.
- Blurred vision.
- Changes in sex drive or ability.
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical help:
- Walking unsteadily.
- Fine tremors or inability to sit still.
- Fever.
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Severe skin rash.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes.
- Irregular heartbeat
Chlordiazepoxide Dosage
Chlordiazepoxide is available in several doses, namely 5 mg, 10 mg, 25 mg, and 100 mg.
- For mild to moderate anxiety, the dose is 5 or 10 mg, taken 3-4 times a day.
- For severe anxiety conditions, the dose is 20 or 25 mg 3 – 4 times a day.
However, the dosage should be adjusted to individual needs. Long-term management efficacy in patients with anxiety generally requires more than 4 months, depending on the condition.
How to Use Chlordiazepoxide
The way to use this medicine for adults is 5 mg – 25 mg three or four times a day. Older adults 5 mg two to four times a day. Children 6 years and older 5 milligrams (mg) two to four times a day. The doctor increases the dose if needed.
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
It is important to keep all medications out of sight and reach of children. Many containers (such as weekly pill dispensers and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) can easily be opened by young children.
Unneeded medications must be disposed of in a special way to ensure that pets, children, and others cannot consume them.
You should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of this medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local waste/recycling department to learn about proper disposal of your medications.
Cautions for Using Chlordiazepoxide
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk to your doctor if this medication stops working well.
Although it helps many people, this medication can sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol).
Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Chlordiazepoxide Interactions
Drug interactions may change how medications work or increase the risk for serious side effects. Some products that may interact with this drug include:
- Antacids.
- Certain antidepressants (such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone), cimetidine, clozapine, digoxin, disulfiram, kava, sodium oxybate.
The risk of serious side effects (such as slow/shallow breathing, and severe drowsiness/dizziness) may be increased if this medication is taken with other products that can also cause drowsiness or breathing problems.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products, such as:
- Opioid pain relievers or cough suppressants (such as codeine, and hydrocodone).
- Alcohol.
- Marijuana (cannabis)
- Other medications for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem)
- Muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, and cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, and diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all A medications (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
Chlordiazepoxide can also affect the results of certain laboratory tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctor know that you are taking this medication.
Chlordiazepoxide Contraindications
This drug may trigger contraindications in patients with hypersensitivity to chlordiazepoxide, other benzodiazepines or their components, and patients who have angle-closure glaucoma.
A significant drug interaction occurs with the use of other CNS depressants or opioids. Respiratory depression, increased sedation, coma, and death may occur when these drugs are taken together.
If opioids and chlordiazepoxide must be used together, use the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible duration. This will help reduce the likelihood of respiratory depression.
Doctors should use this medication with caution in people with lung disease. Patients with major depressive disorder may be at increased risk of suicide.