Chlordiazepoxide

Description

Chlordiazepoxide is used to treat anxiety like unexpected extreme fear and tension due to stress. It is recommended to start with a small dosage and increase gradually. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine suddenly as it may cause withdrawal symptoms like seizures, aggressive behavior, blurred vision.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Chlordiazepoxide

  • Change in mood
  • Unsteadiness
  • Dizziness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
  • Restlessness
  • Decreased interest in sexual intercourse
  • Menstrual changes
  • Skin rash

Uses of Chlordiazepoxide

What is it prescribed for?

  • Anxiety
  • Alcohol withdrawal
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Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • Onset of action
    The effect of this medicine can be observed in 2 to 3 days.
  • Duration of effect
    The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 3 to 6 days.
  • Safe with alcohol?
    Consumption of alcohol is not recommended while receiving Chlordiazepoxide. Any symptoms of dizziness, difficulty in concentration should be reported to the doctor. Do not perform activities that require mental alertness like driving vehicle and operating machinery.
  • Is it habit forming?
    Habit forming tendency has been reported.
  • Usage in pregnancy?
    This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women.
  • Usage while breast-feeding?
    This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding women.

Allergy

Not recommended in patients with known allergy to Chlordiazepoxide.
Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women.

Breast-feeding

This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding women.
General warnings

Drug dependence

Chlordiazepoxide have the tendency to cause dependency and abuse particularly after prolonged use or excessive dosages. Individuals with a history of alcohol or substance abuse should be treated carefully when they are on Chlordiazepoxide. The withdrawal of this medicine should be tapered off gradually.

Suicidal thoughts

Use of benzodiazepines in depression conditions may increase the risk of suicide. Therefore this medicine should be used with caution and prescription size should be limited in patients with depression or suicidal tendencies.

Withdrawal symptoms

Chlordiazepoxide should not be stopped immediately without informing the doctor due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms like convulsions, behavioral disorder, tremor, and anxiety. Gradual dose reduction should be made based on the outcomes in the patient.

Elderly population

Use with caution in individuals who are 60 years and above due to the increased risk of sedation and muscle weakness.

Impaired kidney function

Chlordiazepoxide should be used with caution in the patients with the kidney injury. Lowest possible doses should be initiated and increase the dose based on the patient's response. The dose should be reduced to 50% of the recommended dose if CrCl is less than 10 ml/min.

Missed Dose

The missed dose can be taken as soon as you remember. However, the missed dose should be skipped if it is almost time for the next dose.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol

Description

Use of benzodiazepines with alcohol will increase the central nervous system depression and impairs the cognitive function.

Instructions

Consumption of alcohol is not recommended while receiving Chlordiazepoxide. Any symptoms of dizziness, difficulty in concentration should be reported to the doctor. Do not perform activities that require mental alertness like driving vehicle and operating machinery.
Interaction with Medicine

Cetirizine

Opoids

Antihypertensives

Disease interactions

Seizure disorders

Abrupt cessation of Chlordiazepoxide may cause withdrawal effects and can precipitate seizures. The dose should be reduced gradually. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting the doctor.

Depression

Chlordiazepoxide should be used with caution in the patients with the history of depression or a family history of depression. The prescription size should be limited. Any symptoms of mood changes should be reported to the doctor immediately.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Chlordiazepoxide as advised by the doctor. Do not take larger amounts that prescribed. Any symptoms like dizziness and difficulty in concentration should be reported to the doctor. Do not perform activities that require mental alertness like driving vehicle and operating machinery.
Miscelleneous

Can be taken with or without food, as advised by your doctor

To be taken as instructed by doctor

Causes sleepiness

How it works
It works by stabilizing the brain cells and thus reduces the excitability of the brain cells.
Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Approved

Approved

Classification

Category

Benzodiazepines

Schedule

Schedule H

[Internet]. 2017 [cited 1 June 2017]. Available from:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/10537

DailyMed - Chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride capsule [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 1 June 2017]. Available from:

https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=68c7d8a7-08b3-4a1a-acbd-09bbe67b8d4a

Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 1 June 2017]. Available from:

https://www.tga.gov.au/prescribing-medicines-pregnancy-database#searchname

[Internet]. Toxnet.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 1 June 2017]. Available from:

https://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search2/f?./temp/~JgdpGE:1

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Information on this page was last updated on 5 Jan 2018

Disclaimer

We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.