About chlordiazepoxide
Benzodiazepine anxiolytic
Used for
- Short-term treatment of severe anxiety
- Relief of alcohol withdrawal symptoms
- Pre-procedure sedation
Usual adult dose
Anxiety: usually 5–25 mg three or four times daily. Alcohol withdrawal: often 50–100 mg initially, then repeated as needed under medical supervision.
Common side effects
- Drowsiness and dizziness
- Poor coordination or confusion
- Memory problems
- Dependence and withdrawal symptoms
Important warnings
- Can cause dependence; prolonged use increases withdrawal risk.
- Combining with opioids, alcohol, or sedatives can dangerously slow breathing.
- May impair driving and alertness.
- Use cautiously in older adults and people with breathing or liver problems.
Pregnancy
May harm the fetus, especially with use near delivery; use only when clearly necessary under medical supervision.
Breastfeeding
Can pass into breast milk and cause infant drowsiness or poor feeding; generally avoided during breastfeeding.
Interactions
- Opioids and other sedatives increase severe drowsiness and breathing suppression.
- Alcohol increases sedation and impairment.
- Some medicines that inhibit liver enzymes may increase chlordiazepoxide effects.
- Smoking may reduce its effects.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.