Librium: Everything You Need to Know

Librium works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter in the brain, decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It has muscle-relaxing, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), anticonvulsant, sedative and hypnotic (sleep-inducing) properties.

Librium (chlordiazepoxide) is federally classified as a Schedule IV drug under the Controlled Substances Act because it has the potential for abuse and dependence. According to the National Library of Medicine, chlordiazepoxide is considered one of the safest and most effective benzodiazepines and is approved for patients as young as six years old. Librium was first introduced in 1960, two years after chlordiazepoxide was patented.

Like other benzodiazepines, Librium can be effective for treating anxiety, but comes with risks so patients should closely follow their provider’s instructions regarding dosage and the duration of treatment. Understanding the potential risks and knowing how to manage them is essential to anyone using Librium.

Librium is used to relieve anxiety, as a sedative before surgery and can also be used to control side effects from alcohol withdrawal such as agitation.

Librium is known to provide relief from nervousness and tension so can be used to calm patients and relieve anxiety before surgical procedures. The effects can also manage tremors and agitation related to acute alcohol withdrawal.

Acute Alcohol Withdrawal: It helps manage symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal, such as agitation, tremors, and acute delirium tremens.

While the medication can be effective for certain uses, its potential for dependency means it should only be used under strict medical supervision. Professional expertise is essential for determining dosage and duration of use to help minimize the risk of negative reactions.

The chemical name of Chlordiazepoxide is 7-chloro-4-hydroxy-N-methyl-5-phenyl-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-imine. The empirical formula is C16H14ClN3O

Medication dosage varies based on different factors such as age, physical health and the level of anxiety. Typical doses start at 5mg to 10mg taken three to four times a day for mild anxiety up to 100mg over three to four doses for severe anxiety.

For alcohol withdrawal, the initial dose ranges from 50 to 100mg followed by repeated doses as needed until the agitation is under control. A daily dose can reach up to 300mg and is tapered down as symptoms lessen. For preoperative anxiety, a common does is 5mg to 10mg three or four times on the day before surgery and then 5mg to 10mg about two to four hours before surgery.

As with any medication, the dosage can be adjusted by a medical practitioner based on the patient’s response.

Librium is known to be one of the most tolerable and safe benzodiazepines, but there is still a risk of side effects. You should notify your doctor immediately if you experience an adverse reaction when taking Librium.

Common Side Effects

· Drowsiness

· Dry mouth

· Dizziness

· Diarrhea

· Tiredness

· Upset stomach

· Weakness

· Changes in appetite

Less Common Side Effects

· Blurred vision

· Constipation

· Difficulty urinating

· Restlessness

· Excitement

· Frequent urination

· Skin rash

· Irregular heartbeat

· Yellowing of skin or eyes

· Fever

· Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Notify a medical professional immediately if you are experiencing a serious reaction to Librium.

· Taking higher doses than prescribed.

· Using Librium without a prescription

· Taking Librium more frequently than prescribed

· Doctor shopping to obtain more prescriptions

· Altering the drug (crushing, snorting, etc.) for faster onset of effect

· Withdrawal from social activities or things you once enjoyed

· Combining medication with other substances

· Being secretive or deceitful about use

· Neglecting responsibilities

Misuse of Librium can be dangerous and early identification of dependence is critical to seeking help and improving the chances of recovery. Some signs of Librium addiction include:

· Difficulty concentrating

· Mood swings

· Slow reaction times

· Impaired judgement

· Sleep disturbances

· Anxiety

· Irritability

· Tremors

· Sweating

· Increased tolerance to the drug

· Withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug

High doses of Librium, especially when combined with substances like alcohol, can lead to overdose. Chronic use can lead to health problems including liver disease, neurological damage, and mental health disorders. If you or someone you know is showing signs of Librium abuse, advice from a trained counselor can help with a plan to recovery.

Addiction refers to physical and psychological dependence on a drug. Like other benzodiazepines, Librium is a central nervous system depressant that provides a sedative effect, leading to the potential for abuse. Addiction can develop after prolonged use or when using Librium in ways that are not intended or prescribed.

Chronic use of Librium may lead to tolerance, where the body requires higher doses and more frequent doses to achieve the same feeling. Higher doses lead to a euphoric feeling, thus making the dependence even stronger. Long-term use of Librium can result in health problems such as liver damage, memory loss and neurological damage.

Once the body depends on Librium to function normally, stopping use of it abruptly can lead to serious withdrawal symptoms like seizures, anxiety and tremors. Experiencing these negative symptoms can make it harder to stop using Librium, especially if you are trying alone.

Treatment for Librium addiction is tailored to the specific needs of the patient but generally follows a structured approach after an assessment can be made to determine what that approach should be. All parts of treatment are designed for a safe withdrawal from Librium, addressing the psychological and emotional aspects of addiction and supporting a long-term recovery plan.

Librium Detox

Detox is the initial phase in treating Librium addiction. The goal is to safely manage any acute physical symptoms of withdrawal under medical supervision. Withdrawal from any drug poses risks, some potentially life-threatening, so detox often involves gradually tapering down a dosage or using lower doses of a less potent benzodiazepine to help ease the process.

As will all benzodiazepines, it is critical that detox is performed by trained professionals and not attempted alone.

Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment

The treatment process is one that requires patience, understanding and consideration of available options. What works for some people does not work for others so your choice should be based on a continued assessment of your needs and consideration of all options. Both inpatient and outpatient programs can help in different ways depending on the level of addiction, a person’s physical health and the amount of support they have at home. Recovery specialists are here to help create a plan specifically for you.

· Inpatient care: With this plan, a person lives at a treatment facility while undergoing intensive therapy. This controlled environment is highly structured and provides ongoing therapeutic support and medical care. Inpatient care is helpful for those who require medical supervision.

· Outpatient care: Following this plan allows a person to live at home and maintain some of their regular activities like work or school while attending treatment sessions several times a week. This is helpful to those who do not need continual medical supervision and who have a dedicated support system at home.

If you or a loved one is struggling with Librium use, help is available. Please reach out to one of our compassionate admissions team members to learn about treatment options.

This website offers educational information and self-help tools for your personal use. However, everyone’s health needs are unique. To make the best and safest decisions for yourself, please consult with a doctor or licensed professional.