Clorazepate

Generic name: Clorazepate
Dosage form: oral tablet (15 mg; 3.75 mg; 7.5 mg)
Drug class: Benzodiazepines

Usage of Clorazepate

Clorazepate is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) that is used to treat anxiety disorders, partial seizures, or alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Clorazepate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Clorazepate side effects

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

Clorazepate 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.

Tell your doctor right away if you have new or sudden changes in mood or behavior, including new or worse depression or anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, more active or talkative, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

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

severe drowsiness;

slow breathing (breathing may stop);

confusion, paranoia, unusual thoughts or behavior;

a seizure; or

suicidal thoughts or actions.

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

Common side effects of clorazepate may include:

dizziness, drowsiness;

blurred vision;

upset stomach; or

dry mouth.

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.

Before taking Clorazepate

You should not use clorazepate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

narrow-angle glaucoma.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

liver or kidney disease;

mood problems, depression, psychosis; or

suicidal thoughts or actions.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking clorazepate. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your family or caregivers should also watch for sudden changes in your behavior.

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

If you use clorazepate during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks.

If you take clorazepate for seizures, do not start or stop taking it during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby.

Do not breastfeed.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 9 years old.

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How to use Clorazepate

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

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.

If you use clorazepate long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Do not stop using clorazepate 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, heat, and light. Keep your medicine in a place where no one can use it improperly.

Warnings

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

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

Do not stop using clorazepate 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 clorazepate 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.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking clorazepate. Tell your doctor right away if you have any sudden changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts about suicide.

What other drugs will affect Clorazepate

Taking clorazepate with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may affect clorazepate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Disclaimer

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