Chlordiazepoxide

People with anxiety or alcohol withdrawal may benefit from chlordiazepoxide (Librium). This prescription medication works by enhancing the calming effects of a certain brain chemical, which causes muscles to relax, reduces anxiety, and causes sleepiness. Chlordiazepoxide is available in the form of a capsule and is usually taken by mouth two to four times a day. The dosage your healthcare provider prescribes will be based on several factors, such as your age and other medical conditions you have.

 

What Is Chlordiazepoxide?

Chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride (Librium®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat the following conditions:
 
(Click What Is Chlordiazepoxide Used For? for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Chlordiazepoxide?

Chlordiazepoxide is currently made by Valeant Pharmaceuticals. Several different manufacturers make generic versions of chlordiazepoxide.
 

How Does Chlordiazepoxide Work?

Chlordiazepoxide is part of a group of medicines known as benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines have several different effects on the body, including:
 
  • Stopping seizures
  • Reducing anxiety
  • Causing sleepiness
  • Relaxing muscles
  • Impairing short-term memory.
     
All benzodiazepines can have each of these effects to some degree, depending on the specific medication and the dosage. They work in the brain by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a brain chemical that is naturally calming. GABA can slow down or stop certain nerve signals in the brain. This is why chlordiazepoxide and other benzodiazepines are known as mild tranquilizers, sedatives, or central nervous system depressants (CNS depressants).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;