Librax (Chlordiazepoxide-Clidinium) Risks, Warnings, and Complications

CONCOMITANT USE WITH OPIOIDS: Librax contains chlordiazepoxide, a benzodiazepine. Taking this medication with narcotic pain medications called opioids can result in extreme drowsiness, slowed or stopped breathing, coma, and even death due to the combined effects of these drugs on the central nervous system. 

You should only take Librax with opioids if other treatment options are inadequate. Always do so under the close supervision of your healthcare provider. When health professionals prescribe opioid medication and Librax together, they use the lowest effective doses for the shortest duration possible and follow patients closely. 

If you are taking opioids and Librax together, people in your household should know about the risks of this combination and how to get emergency medical help if you have severe sleepiness or slow or shallow breathing.

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER: Librax contains chlordiazepoxide which is a benzodiazepine. Chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride treatment is associated with a risk of misuse, abuse, addiction, withdrawal, and overdose. 

Misuse is when you take a prescription medicine for reasons other than prescribed by a healthcare provider, for example, taking Librax to relieve anxiety. Abuse is when you use a medication for non-medical reasons, such as getting “high.” Abusing and misusing Librax can have undesirable effects. This can produce physical dependence on the drug and other adverse reactions and harmful consequences such as tremors, confusion, aggression, depression (sadness and decreased interest in previously enjoyed activities), paranoia, delusions, respiratory depression, suicidal thoughts, seizures, coma, and death. 

Repeated drug use can lead to addiction. Abuse, misuse, and addiction can happen when you take Librax as recommended, but are more likely to occur if you take higher doses or combine Librax with other medications, alcohol, and illegal drugs.

ACUTE WITHDRAWAL SIGNS: A rapid dosage reduction or suddenly stopping Librax after taking it at high doses or for a long time can lead to withdrawal symptoms. These can include a fast heartbeat, confusion, paranoia, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, seizures, difficulty breathing, and inability to move. Acute withdrawal can be fatal in severe cases. 

Do not undertake a significant dose reduction or stop Librax without talking to your health professionals. They will guide you on proper dosage adjustment, i.e., how to slowly lower the dose. 

DIFFICULTY FOCUSING AND CONCENTRATING: Librax can make it harder to focus, concentrate, think, and react. Alcohol can make these effects worse. Also, taking Librax with other medications that have the same effect, such as antidepressants or antipsychotics, can worsen these symptoms. 

Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you know how this medicine affects you. Older adults are at a higher risk of these side effects. 

RISK DURING PREGNANCY: Librax is linked to an increased risk of birth defects in an unborn baby, especially if you take it during early pregnancy (first trimester). Before starting this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.