What is clorazepate?
Clorazepate is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Clorazepate affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety or seizures.
Clorazepate is used to treat anxiety disorders, partial seizures, or alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Clorazepate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about clorazepate?
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to clorazepate or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).
This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use clorazepate if you are pregnant.
Before taking clorazepate, tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems, glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Do not drink alcohol while taking clorazepate. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol.
Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy. They can add to sleepiness caused by clorazepate.
Clorazepate may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Clorazepate should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking clorazepate?
Do not use this medication if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, or if you are allergic to clorazepate or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).
Before taking clorazepate, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
glaucoma;
asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems;
kidney or liver disease;
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or
a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests during treatment.
Clorazepate can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use clorazepate without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.
Clorazepate can pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
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.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 9 years old.