You might not remember the first time you took librium, but you will almost certainly recall your last librium trip. If you have been taking librium regularly for a while, this feeling may have been around for a long time – possibly even years. If that is the case, librium addiction recovery will be a daunting prospect indeed. The good news is that librium addiction recovery can be accomplished relatively easily once the sufferer finds the right rehabilitative facility and gets started on their treatment plan.
There are numerous types of librium addiction treatment available, including detoxification followed by behavioral therapy as well as aftercare programs which help addicts continue their recovery at home following inpatient care. Inpatient librium addiction treatment is the most common librium addiction recovery solution and usually consists of a three-step librium addiction treatment plan:
1. Detoxification librium addiction treatment
2. Rehabilitation librium addiction treatment
3. Aftercare librium addiction treatment
Once you decide to begin librium addiction recovery, it is important that you learn as much as possible about your illness and the types of librium addiction treatments available at rehabilitation centers in your area. Learning as much as possible will help you make an informed decision about which librium rehab facility to contact for more information on their librium drug abuse treatments. You might also find it helpful to consult with a therapist or counselor who can provide guidance and support throughout this process.
What Are the Possible Side Effects of Librium?
If you have any of these symptoms of an allergic reaction, get emergency medical attention: hives, difficult breathing, inflammation of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have a severe side effect such as:
- extreme drowsiness, falling asleep suddenly (even after feeling alert);
- uncontrolled muscle movements;
- changes in libido;
- shallow breathing.
- changes in appetite,
- confusion,
- hallucinations,
- unusual thoughts or behavior
- skin rash, hives, or itchy, scaly skin;
- changes in vision;
- slurred speech;
- trouble swallowing or trouble breathing;
- uncontrolled muscle movements.
Less serious Librium side effects may include:
- drowsiness or sleepiness;
- dizziness or lightheadedness;
- forgetfulness;
- irritability
- tired feeling;
- headache;
- upset stomach
- double vision
- confusion, especially in older adults
In addition to the side effects listed above, Librium can also be habit-forming if it’s taken for an extended period or in high doses. To avoid this from happening, you should only take Librium as prescribed by your doctor and for no longer than four weeks at a time. If your symptoms continue after taking Librium for a while, talk to your doctor about switching to a different medication.
It’s also important to note that the elderly and young children may be at a higher risk of experiencing these side effects.
How Librium Is Typically Prescribed
Take Librium by mouth with or without food.
Take Librium at bedtime unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Do not take this medicine in the evening because it may cause sleep problems (insomnia).
Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
The dosage of Librium depends on the condition being treated.
Librium is a powerful medication that should be taken with caution. If you’re prescribed this medication, make sure to read the label carefully and follow your doctor’s instructions.
What to do if you miss a dose of Librium
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
How long does it typically take for Librium to work?
It may take several weeks for Librium to start working. Your doctor may want to increase your dose slowly. Do not change your dose or stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. How long you will need to take Librium is different for each person.
If you suddenly stop taking Librium, you may have withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Anxiety
- Irritability or agitation
- Insomnia
The most severe withdrawal symptoms usually occur within the first few days after you;
- Sweating;
- Nausea,
- Diarrhea,
- Vomiting;
- Muscle pain or weakness;
- Shakiness, trouble with coordination.
What are the benefits of using Librium?
Librium is a benzodiazepine, which acts as a tranquilizer or sedatives. They work by depressing the central nervous system, which can help reduce anxiety, tension, and muscle spasms.
Librium may help you feel less anxious and have improved sleep. It can also help you safely detox from alcohol or benzodiazepines. Librium is available in both tablet and liquid form.
Librium can be a helpful medication for short-term anxiety disorders and detox from alcohol or benzodiazepines.
What Are the Uses of Librium?
Librium can be used to treat several conditions, including:
Alcohol withdrawal: Librium is prescribed as a treatment for alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It can help prevent seizures, heart problems, and/or delirium tremens (DTs) in people withdrawing from alcohol.
Anxiety disorders: Librium is a benzodiazepine medication used to reduce stress or anxiety symptoms, such as increased heart rate or shortness of breath. Benzodiazepines are a type of medication that works by slowing down the activity of the central nervous system. This can help relieve anxiety symptoms, such as feeling tense or anxious, having trouble sleeping, or sweating. Librium may start working within 30 minutes of taking it and can last for 12 hours.
Benzodiazepine dependence or withdrawal: If you are dependent on or addicted to another benzodiazepine, such as Xanax, Ativan, or Valium, your doctor may prescribe Librium to help you slowly taper off the other medication. Librium can also be used to help detox from alcohol. Withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines or alcohol can be severe and even life-threatening, so it is essential to seek medical help if you feel like you cannot cope independently.
Muscle spasms: Librium can also be used to relieve muscle spasms. Muscle spasms can occur for various reasons, such as after a seizure, from a muscle injury, or due to a nerve problem. Librium can help relieve muscle spasms by slowing down the activity of the central nervous system.
Chronic pain. Librium is sometimes prescribed “off-label” to treat chronic, noncancerous pain. In this case, Librium would be used in addition to prescription opioids. If you have been prescribed Librium for chronic pain management, be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
Insomnia: Librium may be prescribed for short-term treatment of insomnia.
What or who should not use Librium?
Do not use Librium if you are allergic to any ingredient in it. Some Librium brands contain lactose (milk sugar), which can cause stomach upset or diarrhea in lactose-intolerant people.
Librium is not recommended for pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding because it can cause harm to the baby.
This drug should also not be used by people with severe lung disease, a history of addiction, or severe liver disease. It may also interact with other medications, so it’s essential to speak with a doctor before starting Librium therapy.
Do not take this medication if you have:
- narrow-angle glaucoma is an eye condition that can cause blindness;
- breathing disorders, such as asthma or emphysema
- a history of severe or uncontrolled seizures;
- porphyria is a condition characterized by a buildup of the chemical heme in the body. Heme helps carry oxygen through your blood, but if too much builds up, it can cause some medical issues;
- severe liver disease.
Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including vitamins and herbs. Librium may interact with other medicines you are currently taking. Be sure to regularly review all medications you take, as drug interactions are common.
The Common Drugs Interactions of Librium Are:
- Barbiturates. Do not take Librium with other medications that cause drowsiness, including narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxers, and over-the-counter sleep aids.
- Opioids. Taking Librium together with an opioid drug can cause serious side effects such as severe drowsiness or life-threatening breathing problems. Talk to your doctor about taking this medication safely if you take an opioid.
- Alcohol. Alcohol can increase the side effects of Librium, such as dizziness, drowsiness, or lightheadedness. Do not take Librium together with alcohol.
- Other sedative medications (such as benzodiazepines). Taking Librium with other sedative medications can increase your risk of severe side effects. Talk to your doctor about taking this medication safely if you take other sedatives.
- Medicines that can affect how much acid is in your stomach, such as antacids. If you take Librium and antacids, take them at least 2 hours apart. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb Librium.
Must Read: Librium vs Xanax
Librium Dosage Information and Directions of Use
Your doctor will prescribe the correct dosage of Librium for you based on your medical condition and response to treatment. The usual starting dose is 10 mg, taken 2 or 3 times a day. If needed, your doctor may increase your dosage to 60 mg per day. Do not take more than 60 mg per day.
Librium should be taken with food. Swallow the tablet whole – do not chew, crush, or dissolve it.
Take Librium precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less of it than prescribed, and do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor.
If you take Librium for anxiety, it should be taken as needed for symptoms.
If you are taking it to detox from another benzodiazepine or alcohol, your doctor will likely prescribe it to be taken daily.
When you first start taking Librium, avoid drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of severe side effects from Librium.
If you take Librium and antacids, take them at least 2 hours apart. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb Librium.
Librium is prescribed as a treatment for epilepsy and seizures.
Librium increases the risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults with major depressive disorders and other psychiatric disorders.
It is important to note that Librium has been linked to congenital disabilities and should not be used during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester.
When taking Librium, do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
Do not make any changes in your diet without talking to your doctor.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated.
Inform your doctor that you are taking Librium before having any type of surgery, including a dental procedure.
Must Read: Librium and Alcohol
FAQs On Librium
Is Librium a sleeping pill?
Librium is not considered an addictive drug because it does not create the same euphoric effects as some other drugs; however, this medication can become habit-forming. While Librium isn’t classified as a sedative or a hypnotic agent, it is sometimes used to help people sleep. The therapeutic effects of Librium are due to it being a benzodiazepine-class sedative. Chlordiazepoxide increases the effect of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which decreases neuron activity in the brain.
Why do doctors prescribe Librium to treat anxiety?
Doctors may recommend this medication to ease symptoms of social anxiety disorder or generalized anxiety disorder. Benzodiazepines like Librium work by slowing down brain activity and allowing more GABA neurotransmitters to be received by receptors.
Librium is used to treat migraines (headaches).
Librium is also sometimes prescribed to treat migraines. There is evidence that Librium can help relieve some of the symptoms of a migraine, such as nausea and vomiting. However, it is unclear if Librium is more effective than other medications for treating migraines.
Can Librium be used to detox from alcohol?
Doctors may also prescribe Librium or Chlordiazepoxide for alcohol detox. Benzodiazepines help ease withdrawal symptoms while a person is going through alcohol detoxes, such as seizures and delirium tremens.
Is it possible that Librium can help with panic problems?
Doctors may prescribe Librium to treat panic disorders. Benzodiazepines are fast-acting and can be used in the event of a panic attack when quick relief from anxiety is needed.
Is Librium used in surgical procedures?
Librium may be used instead of anesthesia during some surgeries. Benzodiazepines like Librium are sometimes used for minor surgery or dental work due to their sedative properties. The doctor may recommend that the patient take Librium beforehand to make them drowsy and calm, making it easier to fall asleep during the procedure.
In medical settings, doctors sometimes use Chlordiazepoxide to help relax patients before specific medical procedures, such as endoscopies or colonoscopies.
Should herbal medication be avoided when taking Librium?
There are no known interactions between Librium and herbal medications, but it is always best to speak with your doctor before taking any new supplements while on this medication.
Are there any other precautions I need to be aware of when taking Librium?
When taking Librium, you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you. You should also avoid making any changes in your diet without talking to your doctor.
When taking Librium, avoid becoming overheated and dehydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids while on this medication.
Librium can also cause drowsiness and dizziness, so it is essential to avoid hazardous activities until the medication affects you.
Inform your doctor that you are taking Librium before having any type of surgery, including a dental procedure.
This drug is also a muscle relaxant, so it can help relieve tension and pain. Sometimes, doctors will prescribe Librium before surgery to help calm the patient.
It is important to note that Librium can be habit-forming, so taking this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor is essential. Do not increase or decrease the dosage without consulting with your physician.