Clorazepate Dipotassium

Clorazepate is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) that is used to treat anxiety disorders, partial seizures, or alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Clorazepate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use clorazepate if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• narrow-angle glaucoma.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver or kidney disease;
• mood problems, depression, psychosis; or
• suicidal thoughts or actions.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking clorazepate. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you use clorazepate while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks.

If you take clorazepate for seizures, do not start or stop taking it during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of clorazepate on the baby.

You should not breastfeed while using clorazepate.

Clorazepate is not approved for use by anyone younger than 9 years old.

Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Never use clorazepate in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.

Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medicine in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

If you use clorazepate long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Do not stop using clorazepate suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may cause increased seizures. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep track of your medicine. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness or coma.

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Clorazepate can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication, alcohol, or other drugs that can slow your breathing. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have weak or shallow breathing, if you are hard to wake up, or if you stop breathing.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe drowsiness;
• confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior; or
• problems with urination.

The sedative effects of clorazepate may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking clorazepate.

Common side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;
• blurred vision;
• upset stomach; or
• dry mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Taking clorazepate with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may affect clorazepate, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about clorazepate.