the agents discussed below, you should consult a reference (for example, AMA Drug
Evaluations) which is well written and easy to understand.
Chlordiazepoxide Hydrochloride (Librium).
a.
(1) Uses. Chlordiazepoxide hydrochloride is widely used as an antianxiety
agent to help people deal with stress. Further, it is used preoperatively to reduce
patient apprehension. As an antianxiety agent, it has less anticonvulsant activity, and it
produces less drowsiness than diazepam, another antianxiety drug.
(2) Adverse effects. Chlordiazepoxide is likely to produce such adverse
effects as drowsiness and lethargy. These adverse effects are more likely to occur in
older patients.
(3) Cautions and warnings. Patients taking chlordiazepoxide should be
cautioned not to take a central nervous system depressant like alcohol since the
additive effect might produce depression of the central nervous system. Furthermore,
patients taking chlordiazepoxide should be cautioned against operating machinery (for
example, driving an automobile).
Diazepam (Valium).
b.
(1) Uses. Diazepam is widely used for the treatment of anxiety and tension.
Further, it is used in the treatment of muscle spasms.
(2) Adverse effects. Diazepam produces such adverse effects as
drowsiness, fatigue, and ataxia (lack of coordination). Physical dependence can
develop over a period with resultant withdrawal symptoms to include seizures.
(3) Cautions and warnings. An individual taking diazepam should be
cautioned against taking central nervous system depressants (that is, alcohol) and
operating machinery.
Lorazepam (Ativan).
c.
(1)
Uses. Lorazepam is primarily used in the treatment of anxiety.
(2) Adverse effects. Lorazepam produces such adverse effects as
drowsiness, fatigue, and ataxia (lack of coordination). Physical dependence can
develop over a period of time with resultant withdrawal symptoms to include seizures.
(3) Cautions and warnings. An individual taking lorazepam should be
cautioned against taking central nervous system depressants (that is, alcohol) and
operating machinery.
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