Clorazepate is used to relieve anxiety. Clorazepate is also used along with other medications to treat certain types of seizures. It is also used to relieve unpleasant symptoms that may be experienced by people who have stopped drinking alcohol after drinking large amounts for a long time. Clorazepate is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Clorazepate comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken one to three times a day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take clorazepate exactly as directed.
If you are taking clorazepate to treat anxiety or seizures, your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of clorazepate and gradually increase your dose. If you are taking clorazepate to treat alcohol withdrawal, your doctor will probably start you on a high dose of clorazepate and gradually decrease your dose as your symptoms are controlled.
Clorazepate can be habit-forming. Take clorazepate exactly as directed. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or take it for a longer time than prescribed by your doctor.
Clorazepate may help to control seizures and anxiety, but it will not cure these conditions. Continue to take clorazepate even if you feel well. Do not stop taking clorazepate without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually. If you suddenly stop taking clorazepate, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as nervousness, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, irritability, diarrhea, muscle aches, memory problems, seizures, confusion, uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body, stomach cramps, muscle cramps, vomiting, or sweating.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking clorazepate if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should not usually take clorazepate because it is not as safe or effective as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule
drowsiness
dizziness
tiredness
headache
nervousness
confusion
dry mouth
blurred or double vision
uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
slurred speech
difficulty keeping your balance
rash
Clorazepate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking clorazepate.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to clorazepate.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Clorazepate is a controlled substance. Prescriptions may be refilled only a limited number of times; ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 07/01/2010
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.