Side Effects of Librax

Librax was a brand name for a drug used to relax the muscles in the intestines and the bladder. This brand name is no longer available, but the combination of medications it contained, chlordiazepoxide and clidinium, is still available as a generic drug. It's frequently used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Components of Librax

Chlordiazepoxide is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines, sometimes called benzos, may be prescribed to treat tension or anxiety. The clidinium component is an anticholinergic. It relaxes the muscles in the gut and the bladder and prevents spasms. In addition, clidinium lowers the production of stomach acid.

Important Things to Know

Chlordiazepoxide/clidinium may have a sedative effect, which means that it may make people tired or drowsy. For that reason, it's often recommended that people not drive when taking it as well as avoid alcoholic beverages. This, of course, limits its usefulness as a medication for IBS or other chronic conditions.

People with glaucoma, a bladder obstruction, or an enlarged prostate gland shouldn't use chlordiazepoxide/clidinium. Because of the benzo component, people who have had difficulty with drug addiction in the past might not be able to take this drug. Chlordiazepoxide/clidinium also shouldn't be taken along with other medications that affect the central nervous system, such as antidepressants.

After taking the medication for a long time, some people might experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. For this reason, it's important to taper the use of chlordiazepoxide/clidinium down slowly, rather than stopping it altogether.

Chlordiazepoxide/clidinium shouldn't be used by pregnant women in the first trimester because it has been associated with an increased risk of birth defects. Even after the first trimester, it isn't typically used in pregnant women. Women taking chlordiazepoxide/clidinium should talk to their healthcare provider if there is a possibility of becoming pregnant. It is also not typically recommended for women who are breastfeeding an infant.

Common Side Effects

Check with your healthcare provider if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:

• Drowsiness, coordination problems, or confusion
• Dry mouth
• Increased or decreased interest in sex
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Nausea
• Problems starting to urinate
• Skin problems
• Swelling

Always Notify Your Healthcare Provider About These Side Effects

• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Eye pain
• Mental depression
• Rash or hives
• Slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing
• Sore throat and fever
• Trouble sleeping
• Unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability
• Yellow eyes or skin

Symptoms of Overdose

• Confusion
• Difficulty urinating
• Drowsiness (severe)
• Dryness of mouth, nose, or throat (severe)
• Fast heartbeat
• Slow reflexes
• Unusual warmth, dryness, and flushing of skin

Post-Cessation Side Effects

After you stop using this medicine, check with your healthcare provider if you notice any of the following side effects:

• Convulsions (seizures)
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Trembling

A Word From Verywell

This information is meant only as a guideline; always consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist for complete information about prescription medications. Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any unusual symptoms, be sure to check in with your healthcare provider.