There are lots of different medications that cannot be taken with alcohol as they can cause adverse side effects that can be dangerous. This is why it is a good idea to have strong knowledge and advice around the medication and treatments that you are taking, as some can cause reactions or pose a risk to your health if not taken properly or as advised.

One of the medications that you really need to watch out for is Librium. Librium is a benzodiazepine that can manage anxiety, but also treat alcohol withdrawals. However, if Librium is mixed with alcohol, then there can be some disastrous consequences which may even be fatal. So, what exactly is Librium, and what happens when you mix Librium with alcohol?

What Is Librium?

Librium is a very powerful prescription drug known as a benzodiazepine, which is often used for treating those with anxiety.

Benzodiazepines are the second most abused prescription drugs in the world, after opioids. Much like other similar drugs such as Xanax and Valium, Librium is known for its calming properties, which is incredibly helpful for those with disorders such as stress, anxiety, mental illnesses and sleeping problems.

When taken properly, and not abused, Librium can be very helpful in bringing users a sense of calmness and peace, which is a lifesaver for those who really struggle with anxiety. However, patients who struggle with addiction and substance abuse disorders, benzodiazepines can be very dangerous.

Librium is simply the brand name for the drug chlordiazepoxide, which can sometimes be useful in helping those who are addicted to alcohol manage their alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The only issue is that benzodiazepines such as Librium can be fatal when mixed with alcohol.

The Dangers Mixing Alcohol With Librium

Librium is a type of drug that works to depress and decrease the central nervous system. This can help reduce the heart rate and slow it down, which is perfect for calming those who suffer from stress and anxiety.

These drugs also offer rapid relief for the symptoms of those types of disorders and mental illnesses because they produce increased amounts of dopamine, which can create calmness, relaxed and euphoric feelings in the user.

As these drugs such as Librium are so strong, potent and powerful, they can be incredibly deadly and dangerous if not used with caution and care. In addition to this, these drugs can be addictive and fatal if one suffers from withdrawal symptoms from them.

What is even more dangerous is using drugs such as Librium, a benzodiazepine, with alcohol. Mixing Librium with alcohol can be so risky, as alcohol also works to slow the central nervous system and can therefore impact breathing and heart functions.

When combined, there is double the risk, and this can even lead to death. Benzos are often referred to as the ‘celebrity killer’ that is responsible for the deaths of the likes of Whitney Houston, Heath Ledger and Michael Jackson.

In addition to this, in 2011 alone, there were an estimated 425,000 benzodiazepine-related emergency department visits in the US, with many of those being alcohol related too. So, what happens when you mix alcohol and Librium?

Drinking Alcohol While On Librium

The American Society of Addiction Medication states that it is very common for those with an alcohol abuse disorder to use benzodiazepines, as this can help with feelings of anxiety, stress and upset during the recovery process.

However, in the case of a relapse, drinking with this medication, such as Librium, can be life-threatening, with side effects including excessive drowsiness, loss of consciousness, coma, respiratory distress and death.

Drinking alcohol whilst on Librium is so dangerous because of the effects this has on the body and central nervous system. Your central nervous system is connected to the brain, and the spinal cord sends signals between the brain and to the rest of the body.

It is the central nervous system that is responsible for integrating and interpreting sensory information, and responding accordingly. These signals to the brain are what control simple reflexes and movements. If you are impairing your central nervous system, then the body and brain are not able to function normally.

As Librium is used for the symptoms of anxiety, it can have a calming effect on the central nervous system to bring users a sense of peace.

However, when combined with alcohol, which has a similar effect on the central nervous system, it creates a synergistic effect, where the combined depressant effects of both the Librium and alcohol has a very strong effect on the body.

This can lead to blackouts, dizziness, drowsiness, or in the worst cases, the Librium and alcohol’s depressant effects can cause users to become unconscious, stop breathing, overdose and die.

Dangers Of Extended Use Of Librium

Whilst Librium is often prescribed for sufferers of alcohol abuse, it is an addictive medication that should only be taken for a shortened period of time to avoid dependency. It is not uncommon for an alcohol abuser to become addicted to a chlordiazepoxide such as Librium after being prescribed it for acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Therefore it is best used carefully and as instructed by your healthcare provider so that you are not at risk of any adverse side effects.

Summary

To summarize, Librium is a powerful benzodiazepine that can be used to treat anxiety and alcohol use disorders. However, it is incredibly dangerous to drink alcohol and use Librium as this can cause a depressive effect on the central nervous system that can be fatal.

If you, or anyone you know is addicted to Librium and alcohol, then please seek help. You can call the hotline from American Addiction Centers to get the support that you need at 1-866-954-1729 any time to begin the journey of recovery.