What Is the Drug Librium?

You might have heard of or encountered a drug generally known as Librium. It can be used to treat conditions including anxiety and alcohol dependency but can be addictive itself and potentially dangerous if misused.

But what exactly is Librium, and what are the risks involved?

What is Librium?

Librium is the most common brand name for a drug called chlordiazepoxide. It was first developed and used in the 1950s and was the first of a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines (sometimes known as ‘benzos’).

Chlordiazepoxide, or Librium, has a number of legitimate medical uses. It is mainly used to treat anxiety (both anxiety disorders and severe acute anxiety) and alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It can also be used to lessen anxiety before an operation and has sometimes been used (in combination with other drugs) to treat abdominal conditions, including peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acute enterocolitis.

How Does Librium Work?

Librium has a complex effect on the brain, but it essentially works by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity. This leads to a calming effect on the central nervous system (CNS), which can be particularly beneficial in managing alcohol withdrawal and anxiety.

As with other benzodiazepines, the effects of Librium binding to GABA receptors include helping to reduce symptoms of anxiety and agitation, stabilise mood and ease physical symptoms like tremors that can be experienced during detoxification from alcohol.

Librium in Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment

While alcohol can have a number of effects on the body and brain, it primarily works as a depressant on the central nervous system, including the GABA system. Over time, the brain and CNS can become dependent on alcohol and change the way it functions to adapt to its presence. When alcohol is removed or reduced, there can be a deficit in the GABA system and an excess in ‘excitatory’ chemicals such as glutamate.

The overall effect could be termed as an ‘over-stimulation’ of the central nervous system. This can lead to a range of physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, tremors, weakness, nausea, mood swings, sweating, aches and restlessness.

At the most severe end of the spectrum, some people may experience extreme withdrawal symptoms, including delirium tremens (DTs). Symptoms can include extreme confusion and disorientation, increased heart and respiratory rate, fever, hallucinations and seizures. Delirium tremens is considered a medical emergency and can be fatal.

The calming effects of Librium on the central nervous system can help to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms, preventing complications such as seizures and delirium tremens. It will generally be given on a ‘tapering’ schedule, with a reduced dose being given each day for several days.

What Are the Side Effects of Librium?

Some of the more common side effects of Librium include:

• Increased anxiety (in some patients, even though it is used to treat anxiety)
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea
• Sleep disorders

Less common side effects can include agitation and confusion (which is more common in children and elderly patients), hallucinations, forgetfulness and urinary retention (difficulty peeing). In some cases, particularly in high doses or intravenous delivery, it can slow breathing, which can be dangerous.

The Risks of Misusing Librium

As well as the potential side effects, there are a number of other risks, which can be much greater if Librium is misused. This could mean using the drug recreationally. Some people seek out Librium for its calming or sedative effects, but misuse can also mean ‘self-medicating’ or using it other than prescribed or directed by a medical professional.

Although used to treat alcohol withdrawal, Librium itself is an addictive substance. Individuals may develop tolerance to Librium, meaning they need larger doses to achieve the same effects. They may also develop a physical dependency and psychological addiction to the drug. Ironically, this could result in a person experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping using chlordiazepoxide.

Withdrawal symptoms could include:

• Sleep disturbance
• Increased anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Tremors
• Profuse sweating
• Nausea
• Headache
• Muscular pain
• Perceptual changes

Instances have also been reported of more serious developments, such as seizures and psychotic reactions, particularly when higher doses are involved.

It is also possible to overdose on Librium, especially if taken with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol or opioids. Symptoms of overdose include extreme drowsiness, confusion, slow or difficult breathing and loss of consciousness. The slowed breathing can be particularly dangerous and could be potentially life-threatening.

Librium and Addiction Treatment

Librium can be a helpful tool in addiction treatment, particularly in the detoxification or detox process. In rehab, it is often used as part of a medically assisted detox (MAT) programme for alcohol withdrawal. It should only ever be used under medical supervision, however, so that potential side effects can be monitored and the risks of dependency and overdose reduced. Librium will be used in a tapering pattern, with the dosage reduced gradually, to help prevent benzodiazepine dependency and withdrawal.

Detox and the management of withdrawal symptoms are important, but it is only one part of a holistic programme to treat alcohol or other types of addiction. Ideally, a supervised detox (whether involving Librium or not) should also be accompanied by therapies, counselling and other interventions to address the psychological aspects of addiction.

Other benzodiazepines such as Ativan (lorazepam) or Valium (diazepam) may sometimes be used in alcohol withdrawal and anxiety management, as well as non-benzo medicines, including antidepressants.

How Addiction Advocates Can Help with Librium Dependency

At Addiction Advocates, we can offer specialised treatment programs for individuals struggling with benzodiazepine addiction, including Librium dependence. For those struggling with alcohol dependence, we can provide medically supervised detox programs that may use medications like Librium alongside therapeutic support to help individuals transition to long-term recovery. Any medications will only be used in a safe and supervised manner to help manage withdrawal symptoms without replacing one dependency with another.

It should be remembered that while Librium is an effective medication for managing alcohol withdrawal and anxiety, it should only be used under medical supervision to avoid the risks of addiction and misuse. If you are struggling with alcohol, benzodiazepine or any other type of substance misuse or addiction, get in touch with Addiction Advocates today for the first steps towards a more positive future.