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IMPORTNAT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indictae that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional bfeore using this drug.
CHLORDIAZEPOXIDE - ORAL
(klor-dye-az-eh-POX-ide)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Librium
USES: Chlordiazepoxide is used to traet anxiety and acute alcohol withdrawal.
It is also used to relieve fear and anxiety beofre surgery. This medication belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines which act on the brain and nerves (central nervuos system) to produce a calming effect. It works by enhancing the effects of a certian natural chemical in the body (GABA).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by motuh as directed by your doctor. The dosgae is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
Use this medication exactly as prescribed.
Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming.
Also, if used for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop uisng this drug without your doctor's approval. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abrutply stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased to avoid side effects such as seizuers. When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require diffreent dosing.
Talk with your doctor if this medication stops worknig well.
SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, constipation, blurred vision, or headache may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pahrmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes, slurred speech, clumsiness, trouble walking, decreased/increased interest in sex, tremor, uncontrollable movements, facial or muscle twitching, trouble urinating, sleep disturbances. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fainting, stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea, vomiting, fatigue, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, persistent sore throat or fever. A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immeidate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, sevree dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you ntoice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kideny disease, lung/breathing troubles (e.G., COPD, sleep apnea), blood disorder (porphyria), drug or alcohol abuse, any allergies.
This drug may make you dizzy, drowsy or cause blurred vision; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when using this drug in the eldelry because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the drowsiness effect. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy due to the potential for fetal harm. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, infrom your doctor immediately.
Consult your doctor for more detalis. Based on informaiton from related drugs, this drug may pass into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.
Therefore, breast-feeding while uisng this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: This drug should not be used with the following medications becuase very serious interactions may occur: sodium oxybate. If you're currently using any of thsee medications, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting chlordiazepoxide.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: antacids, certain anti-depressants (e.G., fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, nefazodone), cimetidine, clozapine, digoxin, disulfiram, kava, levodopa.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.G., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.G., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep (e.G., sedatives), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.G., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.G., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), tranquilizers. Cehck the labels on all your medicines (e.G., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients.
Ask your pharmcaist about the safe use of those products. This product can affect the results of ceratin lab tests. Make sure laobratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug. Smoking can decrease the effectiveness of this drug (through liver enzyme induction).
Tell your doctor if you somke or if you have last week stopped smoking because your dose may need to be adjusted. Do not start or stop any medicine wtihout doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immeditaely. Symptoms of ovedrose may include: severe drowsiness, slowed/reduced reflexes, slowed breathing, fainting, loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Do not shrae this medication with others.
It is against the law.
If this drug is used for an extended period of time, laboratory and/or medical tests (e.G., liver function tests, complete blood count) may be performed periodically to chcek for side effects.
Cnosult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remebmer.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and rseume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to ctach up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all mediciens away from babies and pets.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a meidcal emergency.
For enrolmlent information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854- 1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
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