What Is Librium?

Stress can often bring anxiety to the point where one is less able to cope with challenges that come with life. As an attempted antidote to this and other problems, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. synthesized chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride, developing and introducing it as Librium in 1960 for the control of emotional, psychosomatic and muscular disorders.

Function

• Librium belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, which are used to relieve nervousness and tension, relax muscles and encourage sleep. There is a part of our brain that controls emotion. Anxiety and nervousness can occur when this portion of our brain is too active. Benzodiazepines depress this activity by facilitating the action of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA then attaches itself to brain cells and blocks transmission of electrical impulses. As a result, the communication between the overactive cells is reduced and anxiety, ideally, is alleviated.

Uses

• Though primarily prescribed to treat anxiety, Librium is also administered to alleviate the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride has been combined in a preparation with the antidepressant amitriptyline to treat depression associated with anxiety. It has also been combined with clidinium bromide for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders such as indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome, which can be made worse by anxiety.

Dosage

• Librium is available by tablets or injection. The usual dosage for Librium ranges from 5mg to 50mg, one to four times a day. The tablet should be taken with food or milk. In some cases, such as alcohol withdrawal or preoperative sedation, the dosage is greater than 50mg. The onset of effect is almost immediate in some cases but generally occurs within one to three hours. The duration of the effect lasts from 12 to 24 hours.

Side Effects

• Regular use of this drug over several weeks can result in a reduction of its effect as the body adapts. As a result, Librium can be addictive if taken over a long period, and it might also lose effectiveness over time. For those reasons, treatment is regularly reviewed. Librium might also be habit forming when larger than average doses are taken over time. Common side effects are dizziness, unsteadiness and daytime drowsiness. Other possible side effects include forgetfulness, confusion, headache, blurred vision, edema, minor menstrual irregularities, nausea, constipation, increased or decreased libido, rash and hallucinations. If any of those side-effects appear, immediately stop taking the medication and call your doctor.

Cautions

• Do not use Librium if you are allergic to chlordiazepoxide and other benzodiazepines such as oxazepam (Serax), lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium), clorazepate (Tranxene) and alprazolam (Xanax). Let your doctor know whether you have impaired kidney or liver function, glaucoma, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder or other breathing problems, porphyria, had problems with alcohol and drug abuse, or had a history of depression or suicidal thoughts.