What is Chlordiazepoxide: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Chlordiazepoxide overview

BRAND NAMES:

Generic Names:

  • Chlordiazepoxide Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats anxiety, symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, and tremor. This medicine is a benzodiazepine.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antianxiety

Forms:

  • Tablet, Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Chlordiazepoxide used for?

Chlordiazepoxide is a medication used to treat anxiety and symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal. Chlordiazepoxide belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines. Chlordiazepoxide is a generic medication also sold under the brand name Librium. Chlordiazepoxide was first synthesized in the mid-1950s. In the treatment of anxiety and alcohol withdrawal, chlordiazepoxide use is common.

What form(s) does Chlordiazepoxide come in

  • Tablet

  • Capsule

What are common Chlordiazepoxide doses?

  • Capsule 5MG

  • Capsule 10MG

  • Capsule 25MG

Common Chlordiazepoxide prescriptions

  • chlordiazePOXIDE HCl
    10mg capsule

  • chlordiazePOXIDE HCl
    25mg capsule

  • chlordiazePOXIDE HCl
    5mg capsule

How to take Chlordiazepoxide

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.

  • May be taken with or without food.

  • Drink plenty of liquids.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.

  • May be taken with or without food.

  • Drink plenty of liquids.

What to do if you miss a dose of Chlordiazepoxide

  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

  • Take as soon as possible if you are less than 1 hour late with your dose.

  • If it is almost time for your next regular dose, wait until then to take your medicine and skip the missed dose.

Chlordiazepoxide contraindications

  • You should not use chlordiazepoxide if you have had an allergic reaction to any other benzodiazepine medicines, such as Valium®, Xanax®, and Halcion®.

Chlordiazepoxide warnings

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have porphyria or liver or kidney disease before you take this medicine.

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. You should not use more than the prescribed amount or for longer periods than your doctor has ordered.

  • This medicine can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Be careful if driving or using machinery.

  • If you have taken this medicine for a long time or in large doses, do not stop taking it suddenly. You may need to take smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping.

  • The side effects of this medicine may be stronger in older adults and children.

Chlordiazepoxide interactions

  • Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine.

  • You should not use this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy such as sedatives, sleeping pills, antihistamines, some antidepressants, and narcotic pain-killers.

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. You should not use more than the prescribed amount or for longer periods than your doctor has ordered.

  • This medicine can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Be careful if driving or using machinery.

  • If you have taken this medicine for a long time or in large doses, do not stop taking it suddenly. You may need to take smaller and smaller doses before completely stopping.

  • The side effects of this medicine may be stronger in older adults and children.

Chlordiazepoxide side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Depressed mood or severe confusion

  • Extreme unsteadiness (trouble standing)

  • Severe drowsiness and weakness

  • Slow heartbeat

  • Sudden mood changes

  • Trouble breathing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Drowsiness, dizziness, clumsiness

  • Trouble concentrating

  • Dry mouth, upset stomach

  • Diarrhea or constipation

  • Feeling "hungover" the next morning after bedtime use

  • Blurred vision, headache

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