Mixing Librium & Alcohol | Effects & Dangers

Librium, the brand name for chlordiazepoxide, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat a variety of anxiety disorders as well as symptoms brought on by acute alcohol withdrawal. 

This prescription medication is considered a benzodiazepine. Other benzodiazepines include:

• Ativan (lorazepam)
• ​Xanax (alprazolam
• Klonopin (clonazepam)
• ​Valium (diazepam)

Librium enhances the effects of GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid) neurotransmitters in the brain by targeting the central nervous system (CNS). This produces a calming effect.

Drinking alcohol with Librium can increase the sedative effects of the drug, causing a wide array of health problems and other dangers.

Librium

Benzodiazepines are known to be habit-forming. Those taking Librium should be aware of this and monitor their intake. Not only are benzodiazepines habit-forming, but they can also cause a number of side effects as well. 

In fact, some of the side effects of Librium may include:

• changes in appetite
• drowsiness
• upset stomach
• weakness
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• diarrhea
• tiredness

Effects & Dangers Of Mixing Alcohol & Librium

When a person combines alcohol with Librium, they are partaking in a form of drug abuse. Since alcohol is known to be a CNS depressant and the use of Librium also affects the central nervous system, excessive sedation may occur.

Excessive Sedation

When you’re heavily sedated, you may experience health problems such as:

• reduced heart rate
• slurred speech
• shallow breathing
• disorientation
• fever
• high blood pressure

Alcohol Poisoning & Respiratory Depression

Short-term health concerns are also a problem with mixing Librium and alcohol. The threat of overdose is prevalent due to the fact that a person may become inebriated to the point that they are not self-aware. 

This can lead to someone drinking too much alcohol within a short amount of time which can lead to fainting, alcohol poisoning, and respiratory depression.

Alcohol Abuse

If you have an alcohol addiction or substance use disorder, it’s imperative that you do not take Librium. Adding Librium to your body when you have other substances in you can be hazardous to your health.

Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to short-term and long-term physical and mental health concerns such as:

• alcohol poisoning
• stroke
• pancreatitis
• black outs
• blood pressure fluctuations
• cirrhosis
• fibrosis
• disruptions to the brain
• heart disease

Treating Alcohol Withdrawal With Librium

Severe withdrawal symptoms can occur in those who have an addiction to alcohol. A life-threatening condition that may take place is delirium tremens withdrawal syndrome, a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that will require hospitalization or special treatment.

Librium, however, can actually be used in the treatment of symptoms from alcohol withdrawal.

Although Librium may be used to treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, Librium should not be taken while one is drinking alcohol as it can cause numerous health concerns.

Alcohol Detox

Those of you suffering from alcohol withdrawal symptoms should contact medical professionals right away. You’ll want to inform your healthcare provider of any symptoms you experience. 

If necessary, your doctor may want you to undergo alcohol detox. In addition to this, you may want to consider addiction treatment at a treatment facility. 

Treating Librium Abuse & Alcohol Abuse

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse, we offer numerous treatment options such as therapy, inpatient and outpatient programs, and detoxification support. To learn more, please contact us today.