Chlordiazepoxide
Aliases: Seren, Mitran, Librium, Clindex, Tropium
Categories
Summary
Chlordiazepoxide was the first benzodiazepine synthesized and is primarily prescribed for anxiety disorders and acute alcohol withdrawal. It has a long half-life and produces long-lasting active metabolites, making it useful for tapering but inappropriate for elderly patients due to accumulation risk. Abrupt discontinuation after prolonged use can cause life-threatening withdrawal including seizures. Always taper gradually under medical supervision.
Dose Information
| ROA | Light | Common | Strong | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | 5-10mg | 10-20mg | - | 20-40mg+ |
Light
Common
Strong
Heavy
Onset, Duration & After-effects
| ROA | Onset | Comeup | Peak | Offset | After Effects | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | 30-60 min | 30-90 min | 1-4 hrs | 6-24 hrs | 12-24 hrs | 360-0 min |
Tolerance
Build-up
develops over 1–4 weeks of daily use; hypnotic tolerance faster than anxiolytic tolerance
Reset
weeks to months depending on half-life and duration of use; taper recommended
Effects
Positive
- Muscle relaxation
- Anxiolytic
- Muscle Relaxant
- Physical euphoria
Negative
- Respiratory depression
- Motor impairment
- Sedation
- Sedative
- Dystaxia
- Hypnotic
Positive
- Anxiety suppression
- Cognitive euphoria
Negative
- Amnesia
- Thought deceleration
- Motor control loss
- Emotion suppression
- Delusions of sobriety
- Analysis suppression
- Dizziness
- Compulsive redosing
Positive
- Increased libido
- Appetite enhancement
- Increased music appreciation
Negative
- Disinhibition
- Acuity suppression
- Visual acuity suppression
- Dehydration
- Light sensitivity
- Dulled perception
- Perception of bodily heaviness