What is the most important information I should know about chlordiazepoxide?

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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Chlordiazepoxide may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

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Avoid alcohol while taking chlordiazepoxide. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by chlordiazepoxide.

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Chlordiazepoxide is habit forming. Physical and/ or psychologial dependence on the medication are possible. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if chlordiazepoxide is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.

What is chlordiazepoxide?

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Chlordiazepoxide is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Chlordiazepoxide affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety or symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

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Chlordiazepoxide is used to relieve anxiety, nervousness, and tension associated with anxiety disorders. Chlordiazepoxide is also used to reduce symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal.

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Chlordiazepoxide may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking chlordiazepoxide?

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Do not take chlordiazepoxide if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Chlordiazepoxide may worsen this condition.

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Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you

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have kidney disease;

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have liver disease;

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have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another respiratory disease; or

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are depressed or have suicidal thoughts.

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You may not be able to take chlordiazepoxide, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

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Chlordiazepoxide is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that chlordiazepoxide is known to be harmful an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

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It is not known whether chlordiazepoxide passes into breast milk. Do not take chlordiazepoxide without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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If you are over 65 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from chlordiazepoxide. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take chlordiazepoxide?

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Take chlordiazepoxide exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

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Take each dose with a full glass of water.

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Do not take more than is prescribed for you.

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Chlordiazepoxide is habit forming. Physical and/ or psychologial dependence on the medication are possible. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if chlordiazepoxide is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.

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Store chlordiazepoxide at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication. A double dose could be dangerous.

What happens if I overdose?

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Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

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Symptoms of a chlordiazepoxide overdose include sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, a slow heart beat, difficulty breathing, difficulty walking and talking, an appearance of being drunk, and unconsciousness.

What should I avoid while taking chlordiazepoxide?

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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Chlordiazepoxide may cause drowsiness and dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

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Avoid alcohol while taking chlordiazepoxide. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by chlordiazepoxide.

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Chlordiazepoxide may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of chlordiazepoxide?

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If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking chlordiazepoxide and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives);

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sores in the mouth or throat;

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yellowing of the skin or eyes;

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a rash;

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hallucinations or severe confusion; or

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changes in vision.

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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take chlordiazepoxide and talk to your doctor if you experience

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drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness;

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depression;

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nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;

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difficulty urinating;

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vivid dreams;

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headache;

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dry mouth;

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decreased sex drive; or

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changes in behavior.

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Chlordiazepoxide is habit forming. Physical and/ or psychologial dependence on the medication are possible. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if chlordiazepoxide is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.

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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect chlordiazepoxide?

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Chlordiazepoxide may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

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Antacids may decrease the effects of chlordiazepoxide. Separate doses of an antacid and chlordiazepoxide by several hours whenever possible.

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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with chlordiazepoxide. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

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Your pharmacist has additional information about chlordiazepoxide written for health professionals that you may read.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.