Chlordiazepoxide
About
Chlordiazepoxide belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepine anxiolytics indicated for the management of anxiety disorders. Additionally, Chlordiazepoxide is used for the short-term relief of muscle spasms, symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, anxiety-causing insomnia or distress, and anxiety occurring with mental health problems.
Chlordiazepoxide contains ‘Chlordiazepoxide’, which works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger called GABA. This helps suppress the excessive and abnormal activity of the nerve cells in the brain. Thereby, Chlordiazepoxide helps in treating anxiety.
You are advised to take Chlordiazepoxide for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as drowsiness, light-headedness, dizziness, sedation, slurred speech, lack of coordination, ataxia (unsteadiness and clumsiness), difficulty in controlling movements, and dependence. You are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Avoid taking Chlordiazepoxide if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, as it may harm the fetus. Chlordiazepoxide may pass into breastmilk, so avoid taking Chlordiazepoxide if you are breastfeeding. Avoiding or handling machinery as Chlordiazepoxide may cause drowsiness, impaired concentration, blurred vision, and impaired muscular function. Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Chlordiazepoxide as it may cause increased drowsiness. Chlordiazepoxide should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness were not established.
Uses of Chlordiazepoxide
Medicinal Benefits
Chlordiazepoxide belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepine anxiolytics. Chlordiazepoxide is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders. Additionally, Chlordiazepoxide is used for the short-term relief of muscle spasms, symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, anxiety-causing insomnia or distress, and anxiety occurring with mental health problems. Chlordiazepoxide works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger called GABA. This helps suppress the excessive and abnormal activity of the nerve cells in the brain. Thereby, Chlordiazepoxide helps in treating anxiety.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Chlordiazepoxide
- Drowsiness
- Light-headedness
- Dizziness
- Sedation
- Slurred speech
- Lack of coordination
- Ataxia (unsteadiness and clumsiness)
- Difficulty in controlling movements
- Dependence
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Chlordiazepoxide if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you have reduced blood flow to the lungs, breathing problems, obsessional stress, hallucinations, delusions, sleep apnoea (stopping breathing while asleep), severe liver disorder, myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness), spinal or cerebral ataxia. Inform your doctor if you have long-term lung, kidney or liver disorder, schizophrenia, mania, history of drug abuse or alcoholism. Chlordiazepoxide may be habit-forming, so inform your doctor if you have a history of drug addiction or abuse. Keep your doctor informed about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription, non-prescription medicines and herbal supplements. Please do not stop taking Chlordiazepoxide on your own as it might cause withdrawal symptoms. Avoid taking Chlordiazepoxide if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy as it may cause harm the fetus. Chlordiazepoxide may pass into breastmilk, so avoid taking Chlordiazepoxide if you are breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Chlordiazepoxide may interact with pain killers (carisoprodol, hydrocodone, methadone, codeine, morphine), sedative-hypnotic (zolpidem), benzodiazepine (alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam), anti-hypertensive (metoprolol), anti-depressants (amitriptyline, citalopram, escitalopram, duloxetine), anti-histamine (hydroxyzine), anti-epileptic (phenytoin, phenobarbitone), anti-TB (rifampicin), antacid (cimetidine, omeprazole, disulfiram), muscle relaxant (baclofen), cardiac glycosides (digoxin), vasodilators (hydralazine, minoxidil), blood thinner (warfarin), and diuretic medication (furosemide).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Chlordiazepoxide as it may cause increased drowsiness.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have acute alcoholic intoxication, closed-angle glaucoma, drug dependence, respiratory depression, seizures/fits, prolonged hypotension (low blood pressure), depression, obesity, porphyria, liver or kidney disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Chlordiazepoxide as it may cause increased drowsiness.
Pregnancy
unsafeChlordiazepoxide belongs to pregnancy category D. Avoid taking Chlordiazepoxide if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy as Chlordiazepoxide may cause damage to the foetus.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDo not take Chlordiazepoxide if you are breastfeeding as Chlordiazepoxide may pass into breastmilk.
Driving
unsafeAvoid driving as Chlordiazepoxide may cause drowsiness, impaired concentration, blurred vision, and impaired muscular function.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Chlordiazepoxide if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Chlordiazepoxide if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeChlordiazepoxide should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Attend therapy sessions regularly.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Try to stay active and exercise regularly.
- Take ample rest. Get enough sleep.
- Meditate regularly as it helps in easing anxiety.
- Avoid smoking, caffeine, and alcohol consumption.
- Foods and drinks like salmon, chamomile, turmeric, dark chocolate, green tea, and yoghurt may help with anxiety.
Special Advise
Please do not stop taking Chlordiazepoxide on your own as it might cause withdrawal symptoms.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Anxiety: It is a mental health disorder characterized by feelings of anxiety, worry or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one’s daily activities. Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress, in which the feeling of fear may be intense and debilitating. It is the most common form of emotional disorder and can affect anyone at any age. Anxiety may cause a panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The exact cause of anxiety is unknown, but it might be due to genetic or environmental factors. Symptoms of anxiety include rapid breathing, increased heart rate, restlessness, trouble concentrating, and difficulty falling asleep.
FAQs
Chlordiazepoxide works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger called GABA. This helps suppress the excessive and abnormal activity of the nerve cells in the brain. Thereby, Chlordiazepoxide helps in treating anxiety.
Do not stop taking Chlordiazepoxide on your own as it might cause withdrawal symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, anxiety, tension, nervousness, restlessness, sweating, irritability, and confusion. Consult your doctor if you experience any difficulty while taking Chlordiazepoxide, and the doctor may reduce the dose gradually.
Chlordiazepoxide may cause dependence in patients taking Chlordiazepoxide at higher doses for longer durations, with a history of drug abuse or alcoholism. Therefore, take Chlordiazepoxide only as prescribed.
Chlordiazepoxide may cause partial memory loss. To lower this risk, you are recommended to have an uninterrupted sleep of at least 7-8hours.
Do not take Chlordiazepoxide of longer durations as it is a habit-forming drug. Chlordiazepoxide is generally prescribed only for 2-4week treatment. Take Chlordiazepoxide only as prescribed and do not stop taking Chlordiazepoxide suddenly.
Chlordiazepoxide is used to provide short-term relief from the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal is the body's changes when a person abruptly stops consuming alcohol after heavy and prolonged alcohol use.
