Is Librium A Controlled Substance?

Librium is the brand name for chlordiazepoxide and is considered a long-acting benzodiazepine and a schedule IV controlled substance.

It’s typically used to treat anxiety disorders and alcohol withdrawal symptoms, but can be used as a sedative before surgery as well. No matter what it’s used for, the drug is only meant to be used as a form of short-term treatment.

The medication works by slowing down activity in the central nervous system. It does this by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This produces a calming or sedative effect.

Librium As A Controlled Substance

Librium is classified as a schedule IV controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This means it has a lower potential for abuse than some other drugs, but it can still be habit-forming and lead to dependence and addiction.

Xanax (alprazolam), Klonopin (clonazepam), and Valium (diazepam) are also in this schedule group.

Librium Drug Classification

Librium is part of the benzodiazepine drug class and is not considered a narcotic.

As a benzodiazepine, or benzo, it binds to the GABA receptor in the central nervous system (CNS). This increases the effects of GABA on the brain and produces a calming effect that helps ease the symptoms of anxiety and alcohol withdrawal.

Because of the calming effects Librium has on the body, it’s also considered a central nervous system depressant.

Side Effects Of Librium

Librium can also lead to quite a few side effects that can range in intensity from mild to severe.

The most common side effects of Librium include:

• fatigue
• sedation
• drowsiness
• depression
• dizziness
• loss of muscle control
• slurred speech
• weakness
• confusion
• nervousness
• constipation

Drug Interactions

There are also certain medications and drugs that shouldn’t be used alongside Librium. When they are taken together, it can create a negative reaction that can lead to serious, life-threatening side effects.

Some of the drugs that shouldn’t be taken with Librium include:

• antacids
• anticonvulsants
• antihistamines
• allergy and cough medicines
• barbiturates
• certain antidepressants
• digoxin
• disulfiram
• opioid painkillers
• alcohol
• marijuana
• muscle relaxants
• tranquilizers
• sedatives

Librium Overdose

While Librium may not have a high potential for abuse, that doesn’t mean Librium abuse never occurs. And the more someone abuses Librium, the more at risk they are for an overdose.

The signs and symptoms of a Librium overdose can include:

• extreme drowsiness
• bluish fingernails or lips
• blurred vision
• respiratory depression
• stomach pain
• nausea
• poor reflexes
• difficulty urinating
• irregular heartbeat
• low blood pressure
• memory loss
• seizures

If a loved one is showing any of these signs, call 911 immediately to seek treatment from a healthcare provider.

Librium Withdrawal Symptoms

If you abuse Librium over a long period of time or take it in higher doses, your body will likely build up a physical dependence on the drug. This means that your body will no longer know how to function properly without Librium.

If you do build up a dependency and then try to quit taking Librium, withdrawal symptoms like intense drug cravings and anxiety are likely to occur.

Librium Addiction Treatment

If you or someone you love is dealing with a Librium addiction, there are lots of treatment options to help with the recovery process.

Treatment usually starts with a detox program where medical professionals help ease withdrawal symptoms via tapering. With tapering, you take smaller and smaller doses of Librium over time until you can stop completely and not feel most of the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

After that, inpatient and outpatient treatment is usually the next step. During inpatient or outpatient care, you participate in therapy and support groups, receive medical care for any physical or mental health issues, and learn more about your addiction.

If you or a loved one is struggling with benzodiazepine abuse or another type of drug abuse, you don’t have to deal with it alone. To learn about our outpatient treatment options, please contact our helpline today.