What to expect from a Librium Taper
Librium is one of the first benzos developed and is considered one of the safest and most effective. Using Librium for alcohol withdrawal is considered the standard of care when it comes to treating dangerous symptoms. Despite its benefits, the drug still has the potential for dependence, which means a Librium taper would be the safest way to come off the medication.
Like other benzodiazepines, Librium can lead to dependence when taken regularly for more than the recommended time frame or for more than a few months. Chronic, recreational or heavy use of the benzos can easily lead to mild to severe dependence. Withdrawal symptoms are some of the most uncomfortable and dangerous when it comes to benzos. Because of this, it is highly recommended to seek a medical detox treatment in which you can gradually taper off the medication.
More on Librium
Librium is the brand name of the drug chlordiazepoxide. Although the brand has been discontinued in the US after the FDA approved generic versions of the medication, it is often still referred to as Librium. The generic versions are widely accessible and equally as effective.
It is a long-acting benzos approved for the treatment of mild to severe anxiety, ease symptoms of panic and treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. In fact, Librium is considered one of the frontline medications used during alcohol withdrawal. The drug’s ability to act as a central nervous system depressant helps to reduce symptoms that typically occur when you abruptly stop alcohol use, making it effective in managing dangerous withdrawal.
The anti-anxiety sedative works by binding with the GABA receptors in the brain and enhances GABA’s inhibitory effects. This helps with regulating anxiety, reducing symptoms of panic, control confused thinking and stimulate appetite. Like other benzos, Librium is a Schedule IV controlled substance that can help improve mental health and emotional well-being when used as recommended by a medical provider.
Common side effects of Librium use include fatigue, sedation, forgetfulness, loss of coordination, slurred speech, dizziness, headache, nervousness and increased appetite. Rare adverse side effects include mania, weight gain, hallucinations, hypotension and dry mouth.
Benzos Detox: Librium Taper
Tolerance and dependence can develop when taking Librium in higher or more frequent doses. Withdrawal symptoms from benzo medications like Librium are considered some of the most uncomfortable and dangerous. It is highly recommended to gradually taper off the medication.
Librium is a long-acting benzos, which means it stays in your system for a longer period of time compared to shorter-acting benzos. This can also make the taper process smoother because the medication taper can be more gradual, giving the body more time to adequately adjust.
Librium has a long half-life that can range between 5-30 hours. Meaning onset of acute withdrawal symptoms can be delayed by several days or weeks. And it can take anywhere from 18-24 months for some users to completely break free from withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms of Librium Withdrawal
- Anxiety
- Increased heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure
- Sensory hypersensitivity
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Sweating
- Hallucinations
- Irritability and agitation
- Depression
- Drug cravings
- Seizures and convulsions
- Psychosis
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Memory loss
- Rebound symptoms – symptoms that were once being alleviated by the medication such as anxiety, which can be even more severe than they were before treatment
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What to expect from a Librium Taper
Tapering programs help patients slowly detox from an addictive substance like benzos. It consists of gradually lowering the dosage of medication to allow the body to adjust to a lesser amount over a scheduled period of time. Tapering can take anywhere from several weeks to several months. Withdrawal symptoms may still occur, but they tend to be much less severe.
- Dry Tapering. Dry tapering is the simplest method in which a pill cutter or shaver is used to divide the Librium tablets into smaller pieces and doses. It can be weighed on the scale for accuracy.
- Micro Tapering. This type of tapering involves spreading several small doses of Librium throughout the day. This can be helpful to avoid withdrawal symptoms in between doses and helps reduce the severity of symptoms.
- Tapering strips. Tapering strips are a new method of medical taper that involves a roll or strip of Librium tablet doses that are accurately pre-measured. It is used over a period of 28 days. This method is a much faster taper so it is recommended to speak with your provider if the method works for you.
Before considering your options, it is important to consult with a medical professional or your clinical provider for an individualized taper schedule. The taper schedule is based on each patient’s condition. Some tapers can take several weeks to months, while others can last up to a year, depending on the severity of dependence and addiction.
Benefits of Librium for Alcohol Withdrawal
Librium is a sedative tranquilizer and is often used to help with the treatment of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It is a preferred medication due to its long half-life. Because of its habit-forming properties, it should be taken at the exact dosage and as per the recommendation of a clinical provider.
Why is Librium so effective in the treatment of alcohol use disorder? Both substances are depressant drugs that impact the central nervous system. Librium is able to mimic the effects of alcohol while slowly weaning the body from alcohol itself. It mimics alcohol’s effects on GABA receptors to help calm the central nervous system and reduce the risk of severe symptoms. It can help with agitation, anxiety, headache, nausea, panic attacks, tremors and vomiting.
It requires less frequent dosing and offers a more controlled and less intensive treatment plan. Its long-acting nature can help minimize the need for intense tapering schedules.
Librium makes it easier for patients to transition off alcohol during the detox phase.
Using Librium for alcohol withdrawal treatment typically lasts around 3-7 days during detox.
Another type of withdrawal treatment used for alcohol is called front loading therapy. This is when patients are administered moderate to high doses of long-acting benzos to instantly control withdrawal impact and severity. Librium and diazepam are two medications preferred in the implementation of front loading therapy. However, this type of treatment is generally only recommended for patients with severe alcohol withdrawal.
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We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Librium is a popular benzo used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It is considered one of the safest benzos on the market. However, due to its potent nature, users can also develop a dependence on the drug, which can lead to challenging withdrawal symptoms. In order to safely come off this medication, a Librium taper is recommended with the support of a professional medical detox program.
Behavioral health treatment programs such as Hotel California by the Sea provide the tools, resources and support clients need to help them taper off benzos medications like Librium. We offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-based treatment methods such as CBT, DBT, and group therapy. Hotel California by the Sea’s substance use disorder treatment programs help clients achieve their goals of sobriety and overcome their addiction.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547659
https://www.addictioncenter.com/benzodiazepines/librium/withdrawal-detox
https://addictionresource.com/drugs/librium
https://www.rehabcenter.net/chlordiazepoxide/tapering-weaning/
https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/librium-addiction/librium-alcohol-withdrawal/
https://delphihealthgroup.com/benzodiazepines/librium/alcohol-withdrawal/