Librium

What is it?

An anxiolytic preparation which is a long-acting benzodiazepine, available as capsules in 2 strengths. Yellow/green capsules contain 5mg of chlordiazepoxide and black/green capsules contain 10mg of chlordiazepoxide, all marked with strength and LIB.

Medical Uses

Treatment of severe anxiety over the short-term, with or without insomnia, symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal.

Dosage

Adults, anxiety, up to 30mg per day at first in divided doses with a daily maximum of 100mg. For insomnia, 10 to 30mg at bedtime. For alcohol withdrawal, 25 to 100mg repeated in 2 to 4 hours if necessary. Elderly, 5mg per day to begin with.

Special Care

Chronic lung insufficiency, chronic liver or kidney disease, depression, glaucoma (acute, narrow angle), bereavement. Drug can affect dexterity and judgement. Long-term use is to be avoided and drug should be withdrawn gradually.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breast- feeding, labour, elderly persons, acute lung insufficiency, depression of respiration (except in cases of acute muscle spasms), sleep apnoea, severe liver insufficiency, myasthenia gravis (a severe autoimmune disorder). Also, when treating anxiety, obsessional states or chronic psychosis.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Alcohol and otherCNS depressants, anticonvulsants.

Known Side Effects

Vertigo, gastro-intestinal upsets, confusion, ataxia, drowsiness, light-headedness, hypotension, disturbance of vision, skin rashes. Also, urine retention, changes in libido. Dependence a potential problem.