Clorazepate

March 21, 2017

Clorazepate Dipotassium Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

CLORAZEPATE (klor AZ e pate) is a benzodiazepine. It is used to treat anxiety. It also used to treat alcohol withdrawal and certain types of seizures.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

an alcohol or drug abuse problem
bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis or other mental health condition
glaucoma
kidney or liver disease
lung or breathing disease
myasthenia gravis
Parkinson's disease
seizures or a history of seizures
suicidal thoughts
an unusual or allergic reaction to clorazepate, other benzodiazepines, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. If you have been taking this medicine regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may get severe side effects. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice. Even after you stop taking this medicine it can still affect your body for several days.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each new prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 9 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

itraconazole

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

medicines for depression, mental problems or psychiatric disturbances
prescription pain medicines
some medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Your body can become dependent on this medicine. Ask your doctor or health care professional if you still need to take it.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy and fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.

The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.

Women who become pregnant while using this medicine may enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. This registry collects information about the safety of antiepileptic drug use during pregnancy.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
confusion
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
mood changes, depression, excitability or aggressive behavior
movement difficulty, staggering or jerky movements
muscle cramps
restlessness
tremors
unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

changes in vision
dizziness, drowsiness, clumsiness, or unsteadiness, a hangover effect
dry mouth
headache
stomach upset

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.

Store at room temperature below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Protect from moisture and light. Keep bottle tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Clorazepate Dipotassium Oral tablet, extended-release