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Chlordiazepoxide
Brand Name: Librium, Libritabs
Overview
Librium is one brand name for chlordiazepoxide, an antianxiety drug. It is a
sedative, a hypnotic, an anxiolytic, and a muscle relaxant.
Why
is this drug prescribed?
Librium is used to treat:
- Mild anxiety and tension
- Acute alcohol withdrawal
- Pre and post-surgery anxiety
- Tension due to muscle spasms
- Insomnia
- Other disorders which cause anxiety, including psychosis
- Acute anxiety or panic
Warnings
and Precautions
Librium is not recommended for children under six.
Librium has a high risk of psychological and physical dependence, even when
taken for only two weeks. Librium should not be taken on a regular basis for more
than four weeks. When Librium is discontinued, dosage should be gradually lowered
to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
Librium may impair the ability to drive or operate machinery.
For Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Studies show that Librium during the first
trimester can cause birth defects – both pregnant women and women likely to
become pregnant are advised not to take Librium. Breastfeeding while taking
Librium is not recommended.
Contraindications
Librium should Not be used for people with the following medical conditions:
- An allergy or negative reaction Librium or other benzodiazepines
- Myasthenia gravis (muscle degeneration and fatigue)
- Shock
- Coma
Precautions
Librium may be used with caution in people with the following conditions:
- A history of drug dependence
- A history of stroke
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Serious depression
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Blood disease
- Elderly – dosage may need to be reduced
- Previous suicide attempt or suicidal tendencies
Adverse
Reactions
Librium may cause the following reactions:
- Clumsiness
- Sleepiness or sedation
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Change in libido
- Menstrual irregularities
- Jaundice
Interactions
with Drugs and Other Substances
Drugs or substances that may interact with Librium include:
- Sedatives
- Other benzodiezapines
- Alchohol
- sleeping pills
All of these medications in combination with Librium may cause serious or even fatal sedation.
Sources
http://www.psyweb.com/Drughtm/librium.html
http://www2.health-center.com/pharmacy/antianxiety/librium.htm
http://www.mentalhealth.com/
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