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Clorazepate |
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What is Clorazepate and why is it prescribed? Clorazepate belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. It is used in the treatment of anxiety disorders and for short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. It is also used to relieve the symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal and to help in treating certain convulsive disorders such as epilepsy. Clorazepate can be habit-forming if taken regularly over a long period. You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop using this drug abruptly. Consult your doctor before discontinuing Clorazepate or making any change in your dose. How should you take Clorazepate? Follow your doctors directions for taking Clorazepate. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember if it is within an hour or so of your scheduled time. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Clorazepate at room temperature. Protect from excessive heat. Are there any Clorazepate side effects? Clorazepate side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Clorazepate side effects may include drowsiness. Less common or rare Clorazepate side effects may include blurred vision, depression, difficulty in sleeping or falling asleep, dizziness, dry mouth, double vision, fatigue, genital and urinary tract disorders, headache, irritability, lack of muscle coordination, mental confusion, nervousness, tremors, skin rashes, slurred speech, stomach and intestinal disorders, and tremor. Side effects due to rapid decrease or abrupt withdrawal from Clorazepate may include abdominal cramps, convulsions, diarrhea, difficulty in sleeping or falling asleep, hallucinations, impaired memory, irritability, muscle aches, nervousness, tremors, and vomiting. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Clorazepate? If Clorazepate is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Clorazepate slows down the central nervous system and may intensify the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Clorazepate with Antidepressant drugs known as MAO inhibitors (Nardil, Parnate) and other antidepressants (such as Elavil and Prozac), Barbiturates (such as Nembutal and Seconal), Narcotic pain relievers (such as Demerol and Percodan), or Major tranquilizers (such as Mellaril and Thorazine). Are there any special warnings about Clorazepate? Clorazepate may cause you to become drowsy or less alert. If you are being treated for anxiety associated with depression, your doctor will have you take a low dose of this medication. Do not increase your dose without consulting your doctor. The elderly and people in a weakened condition are more apt to become unsteady or oversedated when taking Clorazepate. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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