HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Is Librium Used For Alcohol Withdrawal?

default
Posted on Fri, 13 Jan 2017
Question: I want to stop drinking and Librium was recommended to me by a friend. I have tried to taper with no success. I want to get past the sickness of withdrawal. I am drinking all day...have to wake up in the middle of the night to drink again, and then start again early. I am educated and successful....but I am stuck in a rut I cannot get out of.

I did not select oncologist...was that automatic?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Librium have the merit

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

First of all I would say never attempt alcohol withdrawal without including thiamin supplement. Since you are dependent there is high risk of complications and thiamine should be added to your options as it helps in preventing many complications like delirium tremens, wernike encephalopathy and many others.

Secondly I must say that Librium have the merit but it should not be used without knowing your liver profile. As we are aware alcohol damages the liver and this should be in your mind before attempting use of librium. In case the liver status is not known Ativan 6-8 mg per day or Oxazepam 30-45 mg should be used during withdrawal period.

Since Ativan, Librium and oxazepam are prescription only medications the due requirements should be completed such sad obtaining prescription from locally licensed doctor.

I must assure you that in expert hands there is good chance of obtaining alcohol abstinence without any complications.

I hope this helps you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (5 minutes later)
Is there any way I could be prescribed one of these without a doctor visit. I only ask because I am a business owner closely involved with all medical locations in my town and I guess I am afraid it will get around.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I think No

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Thanks for reverting back to me.

I think the prescription only medications can not be procured without prescription.

Even if you can procure this is very dangerous step and likely to cause more damage to your health and may be reputation if anything goes wrong. The possibility of complications is high considering the pattern of alcol abuse.

I hope this gives you more insight.
With best wishes.
Thanks again.
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3350 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Is Librium Used For Alcohol Withdrawal?

Brief Answer: Librium have the merit Detailed Answer: Dear XXXX, Thanks for using Healthcaremagic. I read your query and understand your concerns. First of all I would say never attempt alcohol withdrawal without including thiamin supplement. Since you are dependent there is high risk of complications and thiamine should be added to your options as it helps in preventing many complications like delirium tremens, wernike encephalopathy and many others. Secondly I must say that Librium have the merit but it should not be used without knowing your liver profile. As we are aware alcohol damages the liver and this should be in your mind before attempting use of librium. In case the liver status is not known Ativan 6-8 mg per day or Oxazepam 30-45 mg should be used during withdrawal period. Since Ativan, Librium and oxazepam are prescription only medications the due requirements should be completed such sad obtaining prescription from locally licensed doctor. I must assure you that in expert hands there is good chance of obtaining alcohol abstinence without any complications. I hope this helps you. If you have more questions feel free to write back to me. Thanks and regards.