Side Effects of Librax

Librax is a drug that is used to relax the muscles in the intestines and the bladder. It's one of a type of drugs called benzodiazepines. Librax is a combination of two drugs, chlordiazepoxide and clidinium. It's frequently used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticulosis, or an infection in the digestive tract. It may also be used, though infrequently, to treat stomach ulcers.

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

Librax 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 and also 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 Librax. Because of the benzo part of Librax, people who have had difficulty with drug addiction in the past might not be able to take this drug. Librax also shouldn't be taken along with other medications that affect the central nervous system, such as antidepressants.

After taking Librax 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 Librax down slowly, rather than stopping it altogether.

Librax shouldn't be used by pregnant women in the first 3 trimesters because it has been associated with an increased risk of birth defects. Even after the first trimester, Librax isn't typically used in pregnant women. Women taking Librax should talk to their doctor if there is a possibility of becoming pregnant. Librax is also not typically recommended for women who are breastfeeding an infant.

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

• bloated feeling
• decreased sweating
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dryness of mouth
• headache

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

• blurred vision
• decreased sexual ability
• loss of memory
• nausea
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common:

• Constipation
• eye pain
• mental depression
• skin rash or hives
• slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, or troubled breathing
• sore throat and fever
• trouble in sleeping
• unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability
• yellow eyes or skin

• Confusion
• difficult urination
• drowsiness (severe)
• dryness of mouth, nose, or throat (severe)
• fast heartbeat
• unusual warmth, dryness, and flushing of skin

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

• convulsions (seizures)
• muscle cramps
• nausea or vomiting
• stomach cramps
• trembling

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor. This information is meant only as a guideline; always consult a physician or pharmacist for complete information about prescription medications.