- Chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
Description
Treats anxiety, symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, and tremor. Belongs to a class of drugs
called benzodiazepines. Libritabs®, Librium®, Sereen®
Brand Name(s)
Sereen®
Librium®
Libritabs®
When you should not use this medicine
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 and store this medicine
Tablets or Capsules:
- Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how
often.
- May be taken with or without food.
- Drink plenty of liquids.
- Store at room temperature, away from excess heat, moisture,
and light.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.
If you miss a dose:
- 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 use this medicine
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
- 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.
Side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have 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 have problems with 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
