ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.
Overview
It's a controlled substance.
What it's used for
- Alcohol withdrawal
- Anxiety
How to take it
- Take it exactly as prescribed; withdrawal treatment uses a tapering schedule.
Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
Side effects
Common side effects
- Sleepiness
- Unsteadiness
- Confusion
Call 911Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing, blue lips, or can't be woken up
Call 911Seizures, seeing things, or severe confusion during withdrawal
Warnings
- Boxed warnings: misuse and dependence; deadly risk with opioids.
Other medicines, foods, and alcohol
- Taking it with opioids, alcohol, or other sedating medicines can slow breathing and cause death.
Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not used in pregnancy.
Missed doses, overdose, and storage
If you miss a dose
Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.
If someone takes too much
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.
Storing it
Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.
Conditions it's used for
Sources
- DailyMed: FDA drug label for Chlordiazepoxide (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- MedlinePlus: Drugs, herbs, and supplements
- FDA: Drugs@FDA
Last updated 2026-11-13.