Librium

Librium is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) that is used to treat anxiety disorders.

Librium may also be used for a short time to treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal or anxiety you might have before surgery.

Librium may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Never use Librium in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.

Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medicine where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Librium is usually taken for no longer than 4 months. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Do not stop using Librium without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep your medicine in a place where no one can use it improperly.

Librium can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol.

MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep this medicine where others cannot get to it.

Do not stop using Librium without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer.

Get medical help right away if you stop using Librium and have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or thoughts about suicide.

You should not use Librium if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• depression, a mood disorder, suicidal thoughts or actions;
• alcoholism or drug addiction; or
• liver or kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Librium may harm an unborn baby. Avoid taking Librium during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 6 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Librium can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

Librium may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe drowsiness, slurred speech;
• slow heart rate, slow breathing (breathing may stop);
• problems with memory or concentration;
• unusual changes in mood or behavior, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
• problems with balance or muscle movement;
• confusion, excitement, paranoia, anger, aggression; or
• stomach pain, loss of appetite.

Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.

Common side effects of Librium may include:

• drowsiness;
• confusion; or
• balance problems.

After you stop using Librium, get medical help right away if you have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, suicidal thoughts or actions.

Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer after stopping Librium suddenly. Tell your doctor if you have ongoing anxiety, depression, problems with memory or thinking, trouble sleeping, ringing in your ears, a burning or prickly feeling, or a crawling sensation under your skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Taking too much Librium can be deadly if you take it with alcohol, opioid medicine, or other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing.

Signs of an overdose may include dry mouth, blurred vision, urinating less, constipation, extreme sleepiness, confusion, muscle weakness, or passing out.

Do not drink alcohol. Serious side effects or death could happen.

Avoid driving or doing anything dangerous until you understand how Librium affects you. Dizziness or drowsiness can lead to falls, accidents, or serious injuries.

Using Librium with other drugs that cause sleepiness or slow down your breathing can lead to serious side effects or even death. Talk to your doctor before taking opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may impact how Librium works, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are using.