Details

Chlordiazepoxide is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. Chlordiazepoxide affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety. Chlordiazepoxide is used to treat anxiety disorders or alcohol withdrawal. Before taking chlordiazepoxide, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have glaucoma asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems porphyria kidney or liver disease a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behaviour or a history of drug or alcohol addiction. Chlordiazepoxide may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Chlordiazepoxide should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Chlordiazepoxide can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use chlordiazepoxide without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Chlordiazepoxide should be used for only a short time. Do not take this medication for longer than 4 months without your doctor's advice.

Typical Uses

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 which act on the brain and nerves (central nervous system) to produce a calming effect. It works by enhancing the effects of a certain natural chemical in the body. When used for an extended period, chlordiazepoxide may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well. Do not stop using chlordiazepoxide suddenly, or you could have seizures or unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using chlordiazepoxide.

Side Effects

Some of the side effects of chlordiazepoxide include confusion depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck hyperactivity, agitation, hostility hallucinations or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Chlordiazepoxide may also lead to drowsiness, tiredness swelling skin rash nausea, vomiting, constipation or irregular menstrual periods.

Drug Interactions

• Chlordiazepoxide+propoxyphene- Using propoxyphene together with chlordiazepoxide may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impairment in thinking, judgment, and motor coordination. You should take propoxyphene exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take larger doses or use the drug more frequently than prescribed. Misuse of propoxyphene can lead to serious side effects including death, and the risk may be greater if you have a history of emotional disturbances, suicidal thoughts, or alcohol and drug abuse.

• Chlordiazepoxide+buprenorphine- Using buprenorphine together with other medications that cause central nervous system depression such as chlordiazepoxide can lead to serious side effects such as respiratory distress, coma, or even death. You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications.

• Chlordiazepoxide+clozapine- Talk to your doctor before using clozapine together with chlordiazepoxide. Combining these medications can increase the effects of both medications. Depending on the doses you are using and the routes by which they are taken (orally or by injection), you may experience side effects such as extreme drowsiness, confusion, shallow breathing, low blood pressure, weak pulse, and incoordination.

• Chlordiazepoxide+olanzapine- Ask your doctor before using chlordiazepoxide together with olanzapine. This can cause low blood pressure, shallow breathing, weak pul

Mechanism of action

Chlordiazepoxide belongs to a group of medicines known as benzodiazepines. It works by enhancing the action of a signalling chemical called gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This results in a calming effect on the nerves and helps to reduce nervous tension (anxiety) and muscle spasm.

Pregnancy Category : D