Side Effects of Librium Abuse
Librium is the brand name for chlordiazepoxide, a long-acting benzodiazepine primarily used to treat anxiety. However, it is FDA-approved for multiple uses. It was the first synthesized benzodiazepine in the 1950s and became available in 1960. Today, it’s prescribed to adults with mild-moderate to severe anxiety disorders, preoperative anxiety, and alcohol withdrawal, as well as in pediatric patients older than six years of age.
While it is considered one of the safer benzodiazepines, compared to Xanax, Librium can cause significant adverse effects and lead to toxicity. It is also a Schedule IV controlled substance. Although this means the risk of abuse and dependence is lower than more potent drugs, those who abuse Librium face an increased risk of complications.
Zinnia Health offers holistic substance use options if you or your loved one are struggling with Librium abuse and require support. Discover more about the treatment process and the available levels of care to guide you on your recovery journey. Exploring your treatment options is the first step toward a healthier, more fulfilling future.
What Are the Short-Term Side Effects of Librium?
When taken as directed, severe side effects are rare. However, adverse effects may develop, even among those taking their medication as prescribed. Dose adjustment can often help address problematic concerns when side effects do occur.
In contrast, those abusing Librium often purposely take doses higher than recommended or more frequently. Since Librium causes users to feel extremely relaxed, some become addicted to its calming effects. At higher doses, Librium can create a high similar to alcohol intoxication.
Whether effects develop because of an incorrect dose or Librium abuse, some of the most common effects include:
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness and sedation
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Ataxia (loss of control of body movements)
- Slurred speech
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Forgetfulness
- Constipation
- Slowed heart rate
- Nervousness
- Hyperexcitability
Although rare, users can also experience weight gain, mania, hallucination, skin eruptions, and hypotension. The most concerning issue is respiratory depression, which commonly occurs when taken with other central nervous system depressants.
This combination significantly increases your risk of overdose. Users can black out, increasing their risk of fatal respiratory failure.
What Are the Long-Term Side Effects of Librium?
Librium is habit-forming, so the most significant concern over an extended period of time is the development of a Librium addiction. It is recommended that you do not take a larger dose, take it more often or for longer than prescribed by your doctor.
Since Librium can cause physical dependence, uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms often encourage users to keep taking Librium, even if it’s no longer needed for the original concern for which it was prescribed.
The sudden discontinuation of use can cause withdrawal symptoms that last for several weeks or months. A professional detox center can help you address withdrawal concerns and focus on recovery. The recovery process often addresses issues surrounding Librium abuse and mental health.
Over time, life-threatening effects can develop, including the following:
- Blood issues
- Renal dysfunction
- Mild acute liver injury
If you are abusing Librium, do not wait until you face severe health consequences before taking action. Zinnia Health is here to support you on your road to recovery. Please call our helpline at (855) 430-9439 to learn more about the available treatment options and next steps. Discover the evidence-based therapies provided at our facilities across the nation.
How Is Librium Abused?
There are many ways in which Librium is abused, including the route of administration. For example, some users will snort their medication. Snorting prescription drugs is a significant red flag concerning abuse.
It also increases your risk of overdose, especially when taking high doses of Librium or combining it with other substances. Injecting Librium is another major issue among drug users, as it can cause several injection-related health problems.
Signs of Librium Abuse
If you abuse Librium, you will likely develop withdrawal symptoms when you discontinue use. However, not everyone that develops withdrawal symptoms intentionally abuses this drug. Research shows that any patient that takes a benzodiazepine for longer than 3-4 weeks is likely to have withdrawal symptoms if the drug is ceased abruptly.
These symptoms are similar to those experienced with barbiturates and alcohol withdrawal, including:
- Muscle cramps
- Tremors
- Convulsions
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Stomach aches
What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact With Librium?
Polydrug use, which means a user takes multiple drugs simultaneously, is common among recreational benzo addicts. Some of the most common drugs combined with Librium include:
- Opioids
- Cocaine
- Alcohol
Some take Librium to help curb the stimulating effects of cocaine. Opioids and alcohol are depressants. When you combine these depressants with Librium, deep sedation, slow breathing, coma, and possible death can result.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), drinking alcohol or using street drugs while taking Librium can increase your risk of life-threatening effects. The combination of Librium and clidinium is also dangerous and may result in slowed breathing and unresponsiveness.
Getting Help
Getting the level of addiction treatment you need begins with acknowledging there’s an issue. Misusing Librium can be dangerous, increasing your risk of potentially fatal long-term effects. The long-term use of Librium can result in physical dependence. Once you discontinue use, Librium withdrawal often encourages a vicious cycle of abuse.
The cycle will be even more complicated if you often combine Libirum with other substances or struggle with an underlying mental health disorder. In such cases, you would benefit from a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment plan that considers your individual needs and goals.
Zinnia Health offers a range of comprehensive substance abuse treatment programs, including detox, outpatient, and inpatient programs. Our nationwide facilities also offer leading specialty treatment options, including behavioral therapy, wilderness therapy, yoga therapy, and art therapy.
If you or your loved one are ready to take the next steps on your road to recovery, Zinnia Health is here to support you. Whether you are “doctor shopping” or are now mixing your Librium prescriptions with other substances, our treatment centers will help you regain control. It’s up to you to take that first life-changing step.
Drug abuse is a severe pattern that can devastate your health, finances, and relationships. However, with one phone call, that can all start to change. Please contact Zinnia Health to discuss your situation and begin the healing process today.
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