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Uses

What is chlordiazepoxide used for?

Chlordiazepoxide is commonly used to treat the following conditions.

Chlordiazepoxide may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does chlordiazepoxide work (mechanism of action)?

Chlordiazepoxide produces a calming effect on the brain and nerves, which helps to reduce anxiety symptoms, reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and promote relaxation for surgery.

How is chlordiazepoxide supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Librium

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 5 mg oral capsules
  • 10 mg oral capsules
  • 25 mg oral capsules

How should I store chlordiazepoxide?

Chlordiazepoxide should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of chlordiazepoxide?

The most common side effects of chlordiazepoxide are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Drowsiness
  • Trouble with balance or coordination
  • Confusion

There may be other side effects of chlordiazepoxide that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of chlordiazepoxide?

While less common, the most serious side effects of chlordiazepoxide are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Chlordiazepoxide may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking chlordiazepoxide and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Suicidal Thoughts and Actions. Chlordiazepoxide may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
  • Suicide attempt
  • New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior

Risk of Misuse and Addiction. Misusing chlordiazepoxide can lead to serious side effects like coma or death. Misuse means taking a medicine in a way other than how it was prescribed. Take chlordiazepoxide exactly as prescribed. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel that chlordiazepoxide is not working. Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following serious symptoms.

  • Sudden confusion or feeling disoriented
  • Feeling paranoid
  • Suicidal thoughts or actions
  • Seizures
  • Trouble breathing

Dependence and Withdrawal Reactions. Chlordiazepoxide can cause physical dependence, which means your body relies on the medicine to function properly. If you stop chlordiazepoxide suddenly, it could lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may be life-threatening. Do not stop taking chlordiazepoxide without talking with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will tell you how to stop chlordiazepoxide to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions. Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following serious symptoms.

  • Unusual movements, responses, or expressions
  • Seizures
  • Sudden and severe mental or nervous system changes
  • Seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear, also called hallucinations
  • An extreme increase in activity or talking
  • Losing touch with reality

Some people may experience the following symptoms of a withdrawal reaction that can last for several weeks to more than 12 months.

  • Anxiety
  • Trouble remembering, learning, or concentrating
  • Depression
  • Problems sleeping
  • Feeling like insects are crawling under the skin
  • Weakness
  • Shaking
  • Muscle twitching
  • Burning or prickling feeling in the hands, arms, legs, or feet
  • Ringing in the ears

Risk With Opioid Medicines. Taking chlordiazepoxide with an opioid medicine, such as codeine, morphine, and oxycodone, may lead to severe drowsiness, breathing problems, coma, and death. Get emergency help right away if you experience the following symptoms.

  • Slow or shallow breathing
  • Breathing stops (which may lead to the heart stopping)
  • Excessive sleepiness or trouble staying awake 

Decreased Alertness or Coordination. Chlordiazepoxide can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how chlordiazepoxide affects you.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use chlordiazepoxide?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take chlordiazepoxide.

  • Chlordiazepoxide
  • Librium
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific chlordiazepoxide products they stock.

What should I know about chlordiazepoxide before using it?

Do not take chlordiazepoxide unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share chlordiazepoxide with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep chlordiazepoxide out of the reach of children. Chlordiazepoxide is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store chlordiazepoxide in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.

People who are 65 years and older can be at greater risk for some side effects of chlordiazepoxide, including drowsiness, trouble with balance or coordination, and confusion from chlordiazepoxide. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Chlordiazepoxide can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how chlordiazepoxide affects you.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using chlordiazepoxide?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if chlordiazepoxide is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Mental Health Problems. Tell your healthcare provider about your recent and current mental health problems, especially if you have had depression, thoughts of suicide or dying, or have ever attempted suicide.

Substance Use Disorder. Chlordiazepoxide is a controlled substance and may be misused or lead to dependence. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of a drug or alcohol disorder. 

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Chlordiazepoxide may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using chlordiazepoxide, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how chlordiazepoxide could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Taking chlordiazepoxide during the later stages of pregnancy can cause withdrawal and the following symptoms in newborns.

  • Breathing problems
  • Sluggish
  • Low muscle tone
  • Jittery
  • Fussiness or irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Shaking
  • Excessive crying
  • Feeding problems

Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take chlordiazepoxide while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications. This registry collects information about the safety of psychiatric medicines during pregnancy. You can register by calling 866-961-2388 or online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/pregnancyregistry/.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if chlordiazepoxide passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should stop breastfeeding or stop chlordiazepoxide.

Interactions

Does chlordiazepoxide interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between chlordiazepoxide and foods or drinks.

Do not drink alcohol while taking chlordiazepoxide. The risk of serious problems such as severe dizziness, sleepiness, and trouble breathing may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking chlordiazepoxide.

Does chlordiazepoxide interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. 

In particular, make sure to discuss if you are using any of the following before taking chlordiazepoxide.

  • An opioid, such as oxycodone, morphine, codeine, or fentanyl, which is a medicine used for certain types of pain
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety
  • Flumazenil (Romazicon), which is a medicine used to manage benzodiazepine overdose

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with chlordiazepoxide. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much chlordiazepoxide?

If you or someone else has used too much chlordiazepoxide, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of chlordiazepoxide?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.