Is Librium A Benzodiazepine?

Librium is a brand name medication containing chlordiazepoxide, a long-acting benzodiazepine drug generally similar to other well-known benzodiazepine medications like:

• diazepam (Valium)
• alprazolam (Xanax)
• triazolam (Halcion)
• lorazepam (Ativan)
• clonazepam (Klonopin)

Patented in 1958 after being discovered by chance, chlordiazepoxide was the first benzodiazepine drug ever synthesized. It was approved for medical use by the FDA in 1960.

Benzodiazepine Effects

Benzodiazepine drugs, or benzos, appear to interact with the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter, increasing its effect on the central nervous system as a whole.

This results in CNS depression, a slowing of activity across the body and mind as a whole.

More specifically, benzodiazepines act as:

• sedatives, calming the body and mind
• hypnotics, promoting sleep
• anxiolytics, relieving feelings of stress or anxiousness
• muscle relaxants, decreasing muscle tone and spasticity

Benzodiazepine Uses

Benzo medications are frequently used to treat anxiety disorders and panic disorders. They are also sometimes used to treat seizures or convulsions, insomnia, general anesthesia, and agitation due to drug or alcohol withdrawal.

While many benzos can be used interchangeably, significant differences in their potencies, onsets of action, and half-lives mean that certain benzos tend to be used to treat specific medical conditions.

Librium has a moderate half-life but a long duration of effect due to its active metabolite. Because of this, it is most often used to treat anxiety symptoms, insomnia, and acute alcohol withdrawal.

Librium is also sometimes used to treat irritable bowel syndrome.

Librium Drug Schedule

Chlordiazepoxide, like other benzodiazepines, is classified as a schedule IV controlled substance by the FDA and DEA.

This means that it is considered to have a low but still significant potential for abuse as well as physical dependence or addiction.

As a controlled substance, possessing, using, or distributing Librium outside the medical system or without a proper prescription is considered a felony.

Librium Side-Effects & Warnings

Librium is associated with a number of common side effects, including:

• changes in appetite
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• incoordination
• diarrhea
• tiredness
• weakness
• upset stomach

These effects are generally mild and not a cause for alarm.
However, you should let your healthcare provider know if you experience any of the following potentially-severe side effects/adverse reactions:

• confusion
• constipation
• restlessness or excitement
• difficulty urinating
• frequent urination
• blurred vision
• changes in sex drive or ability
• skin rash
• yellow eyes or skin

Librium Overdose

Librium is sometimes abused by individuals to get high, as the drug can trigger a state of pleasurable, relaxed intoxication similar to alcohol intoxication.

However, taking too much Librium may cause a dangerous drug overdose, especially when Librium is mixed with other CNS depressant drugs including alcohol, opioids, muscle relaxants, barbiturates, and others.

Symptoms of a Librium overdose may include:

• severe drowsiness
• mental confusion
• low blood pressure
• gasping, shallow breathing, or slow breathing
• dizziness
• impaired reflexes and coordination
• muscle weakness
• losing consciousness

In some cases, the effects of Librium (and other CNS depressant drugs) can interfere with a person’s breathing, causing a life-threatening condition known as respiratory depression.

If you suspect a drug overdose has occurred, immediately contact your local emergency services, put the victim in the recovery position, and offer first aid or CPR as appropriate until help arrives.

Librium Precautions

The FDA and pharmaceutical experts have published the following precautions for Librium use:

• Librium should only be used short-term (2-4 weeks) as long-term use presents a very high risk for the development of physical dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms
• Librium may cause allergic reactions due to the risk of potential drug interactions, let your doctor know what other prescription drugs, supplements, and herbal products you are taking
• Librium may harm unborn children if used during pregnancy, and should be avoided by women who are breastfeeding
• Librium should be used with caution by those 65 years old or older, as older adults tend to metabolize the drug more slowly, increasing its effects and the risk of accidental injury
• Librium should be prescribed with caution to those with a history of substance abuse or drug addiction

Librium Addiction, Dependence, & Withdrawal

Misusing Librium in high doses over a long period of time increases the risk that a person will develop Librium dependence or become addicted to the medication.

If a dependence does develop, your healthcare provider will likely recommend tapering, a type of detox where your dosage is reduced gradually in order to reduce the severity and danger of your withdrawal symptoms.

During or after tapering is finished, Librium addiction can be treated through inpatient or outpatient substance abuse treatment programs, which feature personalized treatment options that may include:

• individual or group counseling
• behavioral therapy
• peer support
• aftercare services

If you or a loved one struggle with prescription drug abuse, please contact Northeast Addictions Treatment Center today.