Clorazepate - oral

Clorazepate is used to relieve anxiety.

It is also used with other medicines to treat certain types of epilepsy (fits or seizures).

Clorazepate may also be used to help manage the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

Take Clorazepate exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Take it together with food or water to reduce any stomach discomfort that it may cause. Try to take it at the same time each day.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment regimen depending on your condition.

Clorazepate must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) as Clorazepate may not be suitable for you.

Do not take this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• history of alcohol abuse
• history of mood or personality disorders, abnormal thinking or behaviour
• depression
• lung disease e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (long-term lung disease that causes airflow obstruction making it hard to breathe), sleep apnoea (sleep disorder that causes interrupted breathing during sleep)
• liver disease
• kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child, the elderly, or debilitated individuals (physically or mentally weak, usually due to illness or old age). They may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. lung, heart or blood vessel function; mental status) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Regular monitoring of signs of changes in behaviour may also be needed.

What lifestyle changes should I make to manage my dependence on alcohol?

Eat a healthy diet and manage your stress through meditation and exercise. Avoid temptations of drinking alcohol by removing all alcohol in your home and office and distancing yourself from people who drink. Keep away from places and situations that encourage drinking. Get help from friends and family to support you in your goal of abstaining from alcohol. Continue to attend counselling while taking this medicine to reach your goal.

Clorazepate may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred or double vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, dry mouth, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, tiredness, and rash.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• unusual change in mood or behaviour e.g. being too depressed, having thoughts or attempts of self-harm
• paradoxical reactions such as restlessness or excessive movements, agitation, irritability, aggressiveness
• desire or physical need to take Clorazepate to function normally

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines to treat depression
• other medicines for anxiety or sleep disorder
• medicines for mood disorder
• strong painkillers

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Clorazepate.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Clorazepate.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.