Clorazepate is used to relieve anxiety. It also is used to control agitation caused by alcohol withdrawal as well as seizures.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Clorazepate can be habit-forming. Clorazepate is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this drug for your condition.

Special precautions

Before taking clorazepate,

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to clorazepate, alprazolam (Xanax), or any other drugs.

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antihistamines or vitamins. These medications add to the drowsiness caused by clorazepate.

• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma; seizures; or lung, heart, or liver disease.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking clorazepate, call your doctor immediately.

• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking clorazepate.

• You should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.

• Remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

• Tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.

Side effects

Side effects from clorazepate are common and include:

• drowsiness

• dizziness

• tiredness

• weakness

• dry mouth

• diarrhea

• upset stomach

• changes in appetite

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• restlessness or excitement

• constipation

• difficulty urinating

• frequent urination

• blurred vision

• changes in sex drive or ability

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• seizures

• shuffling walk

• persistent, fine tremor or inability to sit still

• fever

• difficulty breathing or swallowing

• severe skin rash

• yellowing of the skin or eyes

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to clorazepate.

Do not let anyone else take your medicines.