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Overview

Chlordiazepoxide

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Chlordiazepoxide

Chlordiazepoxide is a benzodiazepine and used for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety; withdrawal symptoms of acute alcoholism; and preoperative apprehension and anxiety. It is a sedative and a hypnotic medication. This medication functions by slowing down the movement of chemicals in the brain.

On using this drug you may experience side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, angioedema, increased appetite, hallucinations, psychotic disorder, emotional disturbances, etc.

Before using this drug inform your doctor if you have or are:

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Taking any prescription or non-prescription drugs.
  • Any allergies to any medicines, foods or substances.
  • A history of glaucoma.
  • Liver/ lung/ muscle/ drug abuse problems or you smoke.

The dosage for this drug should be determined by your doctor based on the patient specifications. The usual dosage for anxiety disorders and sedation is about 5-10 mg, taken thrice or four times a day. For alcohol withdrawal dosage is 50-100 mg, taken orally per day.

Take exactly as directed (do not increase dose or frequency); may cause physical and/or psychological dependence. Do not use excessive alcohol or other prescription or OTC medications (especially pain medications, sedatives, antihistamines, or hypnotics) without consulting prescriber.Maintain adequate hydration (2-3 L/day of fluids unless instructed to restrict fluid intake).

You may experience drowsiness, lightheadedness, impaired coordination, dizziness, or blurred vision (use caution when driving or engaging in tasks requiring alertness until response to drug is known); or dry mouth (small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, chewing gum, or sucking lozenges may help); constipation (increased exercise, fluids, or dietary fruit and fiber may help); or altered sexual drive or ability (reversible).

Report persistent CNS effects (eg, euphoria, confusion, increased sedation, depression); chest pain, palpitations, or rapid heartbeat; muscle cramping, weakness, tremors, rigidity, or altered gait; or worsening of condition.

Treatment for benzodiazepine overdose is supportive; rarely is mechanical ventilation required; flumazenil has been shown to selectively block the binding of benzodiazepines to CNS receptors, resulting in a reversal of benzodiazepine-induced CNS depression. Respiratory depression may not be reversed.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Chlordiazepoxide

    • Anxiety Disorder

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Chlordiazepoxide ?

    • Hypersensitivity

    • Narrow Angle Glaucoma

    • Pregnancy

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Chlordiazepoxide ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Chlordiazepoxide

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      Consult your doctor before consuming alcohol.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      In case of pregnancy, you must consult the doctor.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      Breastfeeding women are advised to take proper care before using this drug.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      Caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      Caution should be exercised with impaired Renal function.

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      This drug will remain active for about 48 hours to 1 week, depending on the dose taken.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The effect of this medicine will be initiated within 2 hours after its ingestion.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Are there any missed dose instructions?

      Missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. It is recommended to skip your missed dose, if it is the time for your next scheduled dose.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Consult your doctor in case of overdose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Chlordiazepoxide

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Chlordiazepoxide as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medicine is a kind of sedative, which is commonly used to treat anxiety, withdrawal symptoms and insomnia. The mechanism of action for the drug is not very well known, but the EEG arousal in blocked.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Chlordiazepoxide ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Lab Test

        This medicine alters the level of HDL, and triglycerides (S) in the patient taking it.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Increased toxicity: Cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, clozapine, CNS depressants, diltiazem, disulfiram, digoxin, erythromycin, ethanol, fluconazole, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, grapefruit juice, isoniazid, itraconazole, ketoconazole, labetalol, levodopa, loxapine, metoprolol, metronidazole, miconazole, nefazodone, omeprazole, phenytoin, rifabutin, rifampin, troleandomycin, valproic acid, verapamil may increase the serum level and/or toxicity of alprazolam; monitor for altered benzodiazepine response.
      • Interaction with Disease

        • Active metabolites with extended half-lives may lead to delayed accumulation and adverse effects. Use with caution in elderly or debilitated patients, pediatric patients, patients with hepatic disease (including alcoholics) or renal impairment. Use with caution in patients with respiratory disease or impaired gag reflex. Use with caution in patients with porphyria.
        • Causes CNS depression (dose-related) resulting in sedation, dizziness, confusion, or ataxia which may impair physical and mental capabilities. Patients must be cautioned about performing tasks which require mental alertness (ie, operating machinery or driving). Use with caution in patients receiving other CNS depressants or psychoactive agents (lithium, phenothiazines). Effects with other sedative drugs or ethanol may be potentiated. Benzodiazepines have been associated with falls and traumatic injury and should be used with extreme caution in patients who are at risk of these events (especially the elderly).
        • Use caution in patients with depression, particularly if suicidal risk may be present. Use with caution in patients with a history of drug dependence. Benzodiazepines have been associated with dependence and acute withdrawal symptoms on discontinuation or reduction in dose. Acute withdrawal, including seizures, may be precipitated in patients after administration of flumazenil to patients receiving long-term benzodiazepine therapy.
        • Benzodiazepines have been associated with anterograde amnesia. Paradoxical reactions, including hyperactive or aggressive behavior have been reported with benzodiazepines, particularly in adolescent/pediatric or psychiatric patients. Does not have analgesic, antidepressant, or antipsychotic properties.

      FAQs about Chlordiazepoxide

      • Ques : What is Chlordiazepoxide?

        Ans : It is a benzodiazepine and treats anxiety disorders.

      • Ques : How long do I need to use Chlordiazepoxide before I see improvement in my condition?

        Ans : In most of the cases, the average time taken by this medication to reach its peak effect is around 1 day to 1 week. Please consult your doctor for the time period you need to use this medication.

      • Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Chlordiazepoxide?

        Ans : This medication is generally used once or twice a day. It is advised to consult your doctor before the usage, as the frequency also depends on the patient's condition.

      • Ques : Should I use Chlordiazepoxide empty stomach, before food or after food?

        Ans : This medication is advised to be consumed orally. If you take it on an empty stomach, it might upset the stomach. Please consult the doctor before using it.

      • Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Chlordiazepoxide?

        Ans : It should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and direct light. Keep it away from the reach of children and pets.

      • Ques : How long does Chlordiazepoxide take to work?

        Ans : Usually, Chlordiazepoxide starts working soon after taking it. However, it may take some days to kill all the harmful bacteria and make you feel better.

      • Ques : Does Chlordiazepoxide get you high?

        Ans : Chlordiazepoxide does have the risk of causing dependence on long term use due to the calming effects, which may be described by some as ‘getting high.

      • Ques : Does Chlordiazepoxide make you sleepy?

        Ans : Yes, Chlordiazepoxide may make you sleepy.

      • Ques : Does Chlordiazepoxide cause weight gain/constipation?

        Ans : Chlordiazepoxide is not known to cause weight gain/ constipation.

      References

      • Chlordiazepoxide-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 14 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/chlordiazepoxide

      • Chlordiazepoxide-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 14 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00475

      • CHLORDIAZEPOXIDE tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 14 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=CHLORDIAZEPOXIDE

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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