Chlordiazepoxide Side Effects

Some side effects of chlordiazepoxide may not be reported. Always consult your doctor or healthcare specialist for medical advice. You may also report side effects to the FDA.

For the Consumer

Applies to chlordiazepoxide: oral capsule, oral tablet

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

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• confusion;

• depressed mood, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;

• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;

• hyperactivity, agitation, hostility;

• hallucinations; or

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects of chlordiazepoxide may include:

• drowsiness, tiredness;

• swelling;

• skin rash;

• nausea, vomiting, constipation; or

• irregular menstrual periods.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to chlordiazepoxide: injectable powder for injection, oral capsule, oral tablet

Nervous system

Nervous system side effects are common and most often have included drowsiness, ataxia, and dizziness.

Chlordiazepoxide may impair the psychomotor skills necessary for driving. Persistent electroencephalographic changes (involving a decrease in the mean energy content and an increase in the variability of the EEG) have been reported rarely.

Respiratory

Respiratory side effects have included respiratory depression which may be clinically important in patients with underlying respiratory disease.

Other

Other side effects have included withdrawal symptoms and case reports of hiccups.

Withdrawal symptoms after abrupt cessation of chlordiazepoxide may include agitation, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, convulsions, tremor, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and sweating.

Psychiatric

Psychiatric side effects have included hallucinations, vivid dreaming, agitation, and behavioral disinhibition.

Local

Local side effects have included reactions at the site of parenteral injection (pain, burning, local irritation and swelling).

Hematologic

The manufacturer recommends periodic monitoring of blood counts during protracted treatment with chlordiazepoxide.

One case of non-thrombocytopenic purpura has also been reported.

Hematologic side effects including blood dyscrasias such as agranulocytosis and thrombocytopenia have been reported rarely.

Hepatic

Hepatic side effects including cholestatic jaundice have been reported rarely. Mild transient increases in liver function tests have also been reported.

The manufacturer recommends periodic monitoring of liver function tests during protracted treatment with chlordiazepoxide.

Endocrine

Endocrine side effects have included depression of iodine 131 uptake, galactorrhea, and potential aggravation of hyperglycemia in diabetic patients.

Dermatologic

Dermatologic side effects have included fixed drug eruptions and drug-induced photosensitivity.

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular side effects have rarely included syncope, tachycardia, hypotension, and edema.

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