Librium (Chlordiazepoxide) 10mg Capsules

What is Librium (Chlordiazepoxide)

Chlordiazepoxide is known as an anxiolytic and also a hypnotic drug (sleeping tablet).These medications are prescribed to treat anxiety, insomnia and a variety of other conditions. It is also used as a treatment in alcohol dependence, to relieve symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

What are the benefits of taking Librium (chlordiazepoxide)?

Chlordiazepoxide may be helpful in relieving anxiety, relaxing muscles and tension and in helping people who have difficulty getting to sleep

Are there any precautions with chlordiazepoxide?

Chlordiazepoxide is suitable for most people.

As with all medicines, however, there are precautions. Your prescriber will usually check that it is safe to prescribe chlordiazepoxide, but let your prescriber know if any of the following apply to you, as extra care may be needed:

1. a) If you have myasthenia gravis, sleep apnoea syndrome, severe lung disease, respiratory failure, kidney or liver trouble.
2. b) If you are taking any other medication, such as cimetidine, sedative antihistamines, antibiotics such as rifampicin, medication for Parkinson’s disease, medication for schizophrenia, medication for anxiety or insomnia, antidepressants, anticonvulsants or strong pain killers. Also, tell your prescriber if you buy any medicine ‘over the counter’ from a pharmacy or supermarket. Please also tell your prescriber if you take any alternative or complementary medicine such as Chinese herbal medicines.
3. c) If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or wish to become pregnant.
4. d) If you have lactose intolerance as the tablets contain lactose.

What is the usual dose of chlordiazepoxide?

For anxiety the usual dose is 10mg three times daily. This may be increased up to 100mg in divided doses. For insomnia the dose maybe between 5-15mg a day.

For alcohol withdrawal between 10-50mg four times a day up to a maximum of 250mg daily may be used depending on the severity of dependence.

Doses may be lower in older people.

How should chlordiazepoxide be taken?

Chlordiazepoxide can be taken four times during the day for anxiety or add alcohol withdrawal, for insomnia, once a day, at night. However, you and your prescriber may decide that it is better for you to take the medicine in another way.