Chlordiazepoxide

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About chlordiazepoxide

This belongs to the group of medicines known as benzodiazepines.

Chlordiazepoxide is taken for a short periods of time to relieve anxiety (worry). It can also be used to help relieve muscle spasm and the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Chlordiazepoxide works by affecting the part of the brain that controls emotion and also by relaxing muscles.

Chlordiazepoxide is available in tablet and capsule form.

It is also sometimes known as: Librium; Tropium. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking chlordiazepoxide

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease)
• if you suffer from liver, kidney or respiratory (breathing) problems
• if you suffer from phobias or obsessional behaviour
• if you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder)
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to take chlordiazepoxide

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Chlordiazepoxide is usually taken for short periods of time, this may be for a few days or up to four weeks. Taking chlordiazepoxide for longer periods of time may lead to you feeling dependent on it. However chlordiazepoxide is occasionally given for longer periods of time, if so, check with your doctor before you stop taking it as it should be stopped gradually. If it is stopped suddenly you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tremor and sleeplessness.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty. Signs of overdose include persistent slurred speech, confusion, severe drowsiness and excessive weakness.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
• This medicine can cause people to feel drowsy, dizzy, light-headed, clumsy, unsteady or less alert than normal. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking chlordiazepoxide. Alcohol will increase feelings of drowsiness.

Can chlordiazepoxide cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, these usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Drowsiness, dizziness, muscle weakness, headache, diarrhoea, constipation, tummy pain, problems with eyesight, shakiness, loss of sex drive, difficulty passing water, skin rashes.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store chlordiazepoxide

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Do not keep any out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2006   Updated: 04/05/2006   

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