Limbitrol Uses

Limbitrol uses are primarily concerned with treating depression that is associated with anxiety. The medication can help reduce anxiety, relax muscles, and cause sleepiness, among other things. Since all antidepressants can increase the risk of suicide in children and adolescents, Limbitrol is not approved for this age group. While many drugs can be used "off-label," there are currently no universally accepted off-label Limbitrol uses.

 

Limbitrol Uses: An Overview

Limbitrol® (chlordiazepoxide and amitriptyline) is a prescription medication that is used to treat depression associated with anxiety. It is a combination of two medications: chlordiazepoxide (Librium®), an anxiety medication, and amitriptyline (Elavil®), an antidepressant.
 
Many people think of anxiety and depression as being opposites. However, it is common for people to have both depression and anxiety at the same time.
 
Depression is more than just "feeling sad." Common symptoms of depression include:
 
  • Changes in sleep (sleeping too much or not enough)
  • Eating too much or too little (and weight gain or weight loss)
  • Having little interest in things that you used to enjoy
  • Physical pain
  • Feeling hopeless or worthless
  • Suicidal thoughts.
     
Most people with depression also have anxiety symptoms, which can include:
 
  • Feeling shaky, jittery, or nervous
  • Feeling tense, fearful, or apprehensive
  • Avoiding certain places or activities because of fear
  • A pounding or racing heart or trouble catching your breath
  • Unexplained sweating or trembling
  • Fear of losing control, going crazy, or dying.
     
Limbitrol is approved for treating moderate to severe depression that is associated with moderate to severe anxiety. By combining an antidepressant and an anxiety medication, the two usually work more effectively and more quickly, compared to either medication individually.
 
Some symptoms usually improve more quickly than others. These symptoms (which often begin to improve in the first week) include:
 
  • Insomnia
  • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
  • Agitation
  • Anxiety
  • Suicidal thinking
  • Loss of appetite.
     
(Limbitrol Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;