Precautions and Warnings With Chlordiazepoxide and Amitriptyline (Cont.)

Specific Precautions and Warnings With Chlordiazepoxide and Amitriptyline

Warnings and precautions to be aware of prior to taking chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline include the following:
 
 
    • Anxiety
    • Hostility
    • Agitation
    • Panic
    • Restlessness
    • Hallucinations
    • Extreme hyperactivity
    • Suicidal thinking or behavior.
 
  • Before prescribing chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline for depression associated with anxiety, your healthcare provider should make sure that you do not have bipolar disorder instead. Sometimes, the symptoms of both conditions are similar, and chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline can cause problems in people with bipolar disorder.
     
  • Chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline is a controlled substance, which means that it has the potential to be abused. There are special rules and regulations for prescribing and dispensing it. Chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline is generally not recommended for people with a history of alcohol or drug abuse (see Limbitrol Addiction).
     
  • The medication can cause severe drowsiness and difficulty breathing, which may be life threatening. This risk is increased when chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline is combined with alcohol, narcotics, or other medications or substances that cause drowsiness and sedation (see Drug Interactions With Chlordiazepoxide and Amitriptyline). You should not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how the drug will affect you.
     
  • Elderly people are more sensitive to the effects of chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline, and may need to be started with a low dosage. The medication may increase the risk of falling, which is especially dangerous in elderly people (who often have weak or brittle bones).
     
  • Special care should be used when taking chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline if you have a history of heart problems, bladder problems, seizures, or glaucoma. The medication can make these conditions worse.
     
  • Chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline may cause a dry mouth. Sucking on hard candy, chewing gum, or melting bits of ice in your mouth can provide relief.
     
  • Do not treat yourself for the common cold, a cough, or allergies without first talking to your healthcare provider. Some of these medicines can increase the risk of developing side effects of chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline.
     
  • Let your healthcare provider know if you have liver or kidney disease, as your body may not handle the drug as well as it should.
     
  • Chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline may not be safe for use during pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of using the drug while pregnant (see Limbitrol and Pregnancy).
     
  • Chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline passes through breast milk. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding or plan to start, discuss this with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug (see Limbitrol and Breastfeeding).
     
(Precautions and Warnings With Chlordiazepoxide and Amitriptyline Continued: Page 3)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;