What Are The Side Effects Of Long Term Usage Of Librax?

Posted on Sat, 2 Apr 2016

Question: Good eve doctor - took colospa last night and today morning without any relief in my IBS symptoms. Dono what to do. I discussed with my doctor about librax yesterday, she is not keen on starting librax because it contains benzodiazepine. Need advice from you on the following doubts:
Is librax safe to take in the long term? Is it addictive or habit forming? Is it difficult to get off it after long term use? Will I need it for long term?
How many times in a day should I take it?
Does it have bad side effects?
In your opinion, do you think I should give it a try?
Look forward to an honest advice.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Wait for some more days.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for asking again

You have taken just two doses and in my opinion you should wait for at least a week to see improvement of symptoms. Though the drug acts rapidly but we should give the drug time because right now you are in anxiety and to some extent have high preoccupation of the bowel symptoms. So don't think of changing the drug now.

- Librax is not very safe to use on long term because of risk of dependence and development of tolerance. Yes the drug is habit forming and really difficult to taper. In my opinion you should avoid using the drug on regular basis. Yes you can use the drug on SOS basis.

- The drug is relatively safer. You can use the drug on SOS basis.

- For some time avoid the drug and give tme to Colospas.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (7 minutes later)

Colospa has given me constipation. Waited for your answer and then took 1 librax. Colospa I don't think I can continue because stomach was really bad today. What would your advice be for librax:
How many times a day should I take?
Before meals or after meals
How long can I take it at a stretch?
Pls advice!

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Librax should be taken before meals.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, I am sorry for late reply.

Librax can be taken before meals and you can take the drug twice a day. This should help in controlling your symptoms. Though the drug should be taken regularly but I usually advise my patients to take the drug on SOS basis.

You can take the drug for 4-8 weeks regularly without any worries. Once your symptoms remit then you can think of tapering the doses.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (14 hours later)

Thank you doctor. Took librax last night and today morning, feeling much better in terms of my IBS symptoms. Wanted to check with you the following:
Are mirtaz and olimelt the right medicines for my anxiety and anxiety attacks, though the intensity of anxiety is less but still bothers me? Should I try any other medicine?
Will vilazodone be the right medication for my anxiety, keep my stomach problem in mind? Will it aggravate my stomach symptoms?
Can I start vilazodone along with mirtaz, olimelt and librax? Do I need to taper off these medicines once I start with vilazodone? If yes, how should I go about tapering off?
Is vilazidone an ssri, as none of SSRIs has suited me in the past, I am not sure of starting it as it might aggravate my stomach problem? Also, since sleep is an issue with me, dono if vilazodone add to my sleep problem? Have read that it can cause stomach issues and insomnia.
If not vilazodone, what else can I try, if at all?
What would your sincere advice be?
If I need to consult you over phone or Skype, how should I go about it?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to change the medicines.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

- Yes Mirtaz and Olimelt (in low doses) are right medicines considering your anxiety attacks. Please don't think of changing the medicines for some time now.

- Vilazodone is a newer drug with good results in earlier studies. The drug is relatively safer but for some time stick to Mirtaz and Olimelt.

- No to start Vilazodone you have to taper the Mirtaz and then you can increase the dose of Vilazodone. For some time don't think of tapering the doses. You will respond to the current medicines.

- The drug is not a SSRI instead it has different actions. The drug should suit you.

SO for some time don't think of changing the medicines.

For some days I am a little busy and will not be available on phone. I hope you will understand this.

Thanks, Take care. Still have doubts please clarify.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (6 hours later)

Doc - feeling constipated after taking librax. Will it settle down and after how long?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it will reduce with time.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

Yes this will settle down, no need to worry. Please give the drug some time to show its full effects. Librax will control your symptoms.

If possible improve your dietary habits. Take plenty of water and high fibre diet to soften the stools.

Thanks.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar