Chlordiazepoxide

Chlordiazepoxide belongs to a class of medicines known as benzodiazepine anxiolytics. It is used to treat severe anxiety. It alters brain activity and calms it thereby providing relief.

Chlordiazepoxide may be taken with or without food. However, it is advised to take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor as it has a high potential of habit-forming.

If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. This medication mustn't be stopped suddenly without talking to the doctor as it may cause nausea and anxiety.

The most common side effects of this medicine include lightheadedness, drowsiness, sedation, dizziness, fatigue, balance disorder, unsteadiness, and uncoordinated body movements. It may cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. If you have been taking this medicine for a long time then regular monitoring of blood and liver functions may be required.

• Severe anxiety
• Alcohol withdrawal

Severe anxiety
Chlordiazepoxide gives short-term relief from the symptoms of excessive anxiety and worry. It can also reduce feelings of restlessness, tiredness, difficulty concentrating and feeling irritable. It will therefore help you go about your daily activities more easily and be more productive. Keep taking this medicine even if you feel well. Stopping it suddenly can cause serious problems. So, do not stop taking it without discussing with your doctor.

Alcohol withdrawal
Chlordiazepoxide helps relieve unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. It takes roughly 30 minutes for a patient to feel the effects of Chlordiazepoxide. It lowers symptoms of anxiety and muscle spasms caused by alcohol withdrawal. When used along with social support and counseling, it helps people recover from alcohol addiction and to avoid having the urge to drink alcohol again.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Cdprex

• Lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• Sedation
• Dizziness
• Uncoordinated body movements
• Fatigue
• Unsteadiness
• Balance disorder (loss of balance)

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Chlordiazepoxide may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
Avoid Chlordiazepoxide with caffeine and chocolate as well as food containing caffeine and chocolate such as tea leaves, cocoa beans.

Chlordiazepoxide is a benzodiazepine. It works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger (GABA) which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

• The addiction / habit-forming potential of this medicine is very high. Take it only as per the dose and duration advised by your doctor

• It may cause dizziness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Avoid consuming alcohol as it may increase dizziness and drowsiness.

• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.

• Do not stop taking medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as that may lead to nausea, anxiety, agitation, flu-like symptoms, sweating, tremor, and confusion.

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Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 245-46.

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