Medication information

Chlordiazepoxide 5mg capsule

This medication belongs to the benzodiazepine family. Typically, it is used to reduce anxiety. It may also have other uses. Its effects can be felt within 1 hour.

Instructions

The dosage of this medication depends on what it is used for. Depending on the circumstance, it may be used regularly or only as needed. Follow the instructions provided by your health care professional. It is not advisable to stop using this product suddenly, particularly if you have been on it for several weeks. If you are considering stopping the medication, talk to your pharmacist first.

This medication may be taken with or without food. Consuming alcohol may intensify the effect of this product. Limit alcohol consumption to occasional small quantities.

Side effects

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some side effects, notably:

  • it may cause memory loss;
  • it may cause confusion;
  • it may cause dizziness - use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position and use caution if driving;
  • it may cause a general feeling of weakness;
  • it may make your skin more sensitive to UV rays (e.g., sunlight, tanning lamps) - avoid exposure to UV rays as much as possible and protect yourself when out in the sun;
  • it may cause drowsiness that lasts until the next day -- use caution until you know how you will react.

Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing side effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

Storage

As with most medications, this product should be stored at room temperature. Store it in a secure location where it will not be exposed to excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight. Make sure that any leftover portion is disposed of safely. This drug is occasionally sought out by some people for non-medical purposes. Please store in a safe place.

Additional Information

This medication may interact with other medications or supplements, sometimes significantly. Many interactions, however, may be dealt with by a dosage adjustment or a change in medication schedule. Check with your pharmacist before using this medication in combination with any other medications (including non-prescription products), vitamins or natural products.

This treatment may be habit-forming. Do not use this medication for longer than necessary. If you have difficulty stopping the medication when the treatment is finished, talk to your pharmacist.

General notes

When meeting with any health professional, it is important for you to share the following information:

  • Your medical history and allergies (medication, food, or other);
  • If you're pregnant or want to become pregnant, or if you're breastfeeding;
  • If you use tobacco or cannabis or its derivatives, or if you use recreational drugs;
  • The names of all the medications you take, whether you take them regularly or once in a while, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and natural health products.


It is also strongly recommended that you keep an up-to-date list of all the medications you take and carry it with you at all times. This could be useful if you have to see a health professional or need emergency care.

Keep all your medications out of the reach of children and pets and return any unused or expired medications to the pharmacy for proper disposal.