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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why Is Librium Prescribed For Treatment Of Alcoholism?

I recently was in a detox program where they started me on librium for alcoholism. I think that they were giving me 20 mg 4 x day. I walked into the program on my own, blowing a 0.9. a little confused but I maintained my balance and was coherent. Within three days I had three sever falls three times and ended up having to use a walker and was totally confused. I finally got the physician to switch me to lorazepam and within three/four days was able to discard the walker, maintained my balance and became more coherent and alert. Why did they start me on Librium which I had never taken before but had used lorazepam in past treatments. By the way I discharged today and am currently in a SLE doing very well. Any thoughts?
Thu, 19 Jan 2017
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

I understand your concern. The class of drugs called Benzodiazepines, which includes Librium (Chlordiazepoxide), Lorazepam and Valium (Diazepam), are the most commonly used drugs in alcohol withdrawal. They all have the same mechanism of action but Librium is the one that is most commonly used. The reason for the use of Benzodiazepines is to calm down the nervous system and prevent severe withdrawal symptoms, of which convulsions being the most dangerous.

It is likely that during the time you were on Librium, you were experiencing the peak of your withdrawal symptoms, hence the reason you were feeling like that. However, there is a small likelihood that you may not tolerate Librium as well as the other Benzos and this is normal. I am glad you are doing well now and I wish you a fast and complete recovery.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Ornela Ademovi
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Why Is Librium Prescribed For Treatment Of Alcoholism?

Hello, I understand your concern. The class of drugs called Benzodiazepines, which includes Librium (Chlordiazepoxide), Lorazepam and Valium (Diazepam), are the most commonly used drugs in alcohol withdrawal. They all have the same mechanism of action but Librium is the one that is most commonly used. The reason for the use of Benzodiazepines is to calm down the nervous system and prevent severe withdrawal symptoms, of which convulsions being the most dangerous. It is likely that during the time you were on Librium, you were experiencing the peak of your withdrawal symptoms, hence the reason you were feeling like that. However, there is a small likelihood that you may not tolerate Librium as well as the other Benzos and this is normal. I am glad you are doing well now and I wish you a fast and complete recovery. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Ornela Ademovi