Librium and Alcohol

It is generally recommended that you avoid alcohol while taking Librium. When alcohol and Librium are combined, they can increase your risk for serious reactions and side effects, such as unusual behavior, memory problems, and drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol while taking Librium, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider. He or she can suggest ways to help you stop drinking.

 

Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Librium?

Librium® (chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. Librium and alcohol are both central nervous system depressants (CNS depressants), which means they slow down brain activity. Drinking alcohol while taking Librium may increase your risk for serious reactions and side effects. In general, drinking alcohol while on Librium is not recommended. Additionally, it is usually recommended that many people with a mental illness avoid alcohol.
 

Librium and Alcohol Side Effects

Drinking alcohol while taking Librium may increase your risk of certain Librium side effects, such as:
 
  • Unusual behavior
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Memory problems
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Problems with coordination.
     
It may also slow down both heart and breathing rates, which can cause you to pass out, have difficulty breathing, or may even lead to death. You may also be more sensitive to the effects of alcohol if you are taking Librium. You may not be able to safely drink as much alcohol as you are used to drinking in the past.
 
Of course, if you are taking Librium to treat alcohol withdrawal, you should not drink alcohol. Librium is also approved to treat anxiety. Generally, it is best for people with mental illnesses (such as anxiety) to avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can make mental illnesses worse and is often a form of "self-medication."
 
(Librium and Alcohol Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;