Librium

Librium is a drug that is approved to treat anxiety and alcohol withdrawal. The drug works by enhancing the effects of a certain brain chemical, which causes a naturally calming effect. Librium comes in the form of a capsule and is usually taken two to four times a day. As with all medications, side effects are possible with Librium, including coordination problems, drowsiness, and confusion.

 

What Is Librium?

Librium® (chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride) is a prescription medication that is used to treat the following conditions:
 
(Click Librium Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

Librium is currently made by Valeant Pharmaceuticals. Several different manufacturers make generic versions of it.
 

How Does Librium Work?

Librium is part of a group of medicines known as benzodiazepines.
 Benzodiazepines have several different effects on the body, including:
 
  • Stopping seizures
  • Reducing anxiety
  • Causing sleepiness
  • Relaxing muscles
  • Impairing short-term memory.
     
All benzodiazepines can have each of these effects to some degree, depending on the specific medication and the dosage. They work in the brain by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a brain chemical that is naturally calming. GABA can slow down or stop certain nerve signals in the brain. This is why Librium and other benzodiazepines are known as mild tranquilizers, sedatives, or central nervous system depressants (CNS depressants).
 

When and How to Take It

Some general considerations for when and how to take Librium include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in capsule form. It is taken by mouth, usually two to four times daily.
     
  • Librium can be taken with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • You dosage should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Librium may cause serious problems if you take it in higher dosages or for a longer period of time than your healthcare provider recommends (see Librium Addiction).
     

Dosing Information

The dose of Librium your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Librium Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Librium

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Librium. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Coordination problems
  • Confusion.
     
(Click Librium Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

Librium can potentially interact with several other medicines (see Librium Drug Interactions).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Librium if you have:
 
  • Depression
  • Kidney disease, including kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Liver disease, including liver failure or cirrhosis
  • A history of drug or alcohol abuse (see Librium and Alcohol)
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Librium Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Librium?

People who take too much Librium may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Slow reflexes
  • Confusion
  • Coma.
     
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Librium Overdose for more information.)
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Librium as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Available Strengths

Librium capsules are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Librium 5 mg
  • Librium 10 mg
  • Librium 25 mg.
     

Is There a Generic Version of Librium?

Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of Librium are licensed for sale (see Generic Librium).
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;