Controlled Substance Schedule IV
Pregnancy Risk Category D
How supplied
Tablets, capsules: 10 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg
Action
Unknown. May stimulate gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors in the ascending reticular activating system.
Indications & dosage
Alcohol withdrawal, severe anxiety--
Adults: 15 to 30 mg P.O. t.i.d. or q.i.d.
Mild to moderate anxiety--
Adults: 10 to 15 mg P.O. t.i.d. or q.i.d.
Elderly: initially, 10 mg t.i.d.; increased to 15 mg t.i.d. to q.i.d.
Adverse reactions
CNS: drowsiness, lethargy, dizziness, vertigo, headache, syncope, tremor, slurred speech, changes in EEG patterns.
CV: edema.
GI: nausea.
Hepatic: hepatic dysfunction.
Skin: rash.
Other: altered libido.
Interactions
Drug-drug. CNS depressants: increased CNS depression. Avoid concomitant use.
Digoxin: may increase serum digoxin levels and risk of toxicity. Monitor patient closely.
Drug-lifestyle. Alcohol use: increased CNS depression. Avoid concomitant use.
Smoking: decreased effectiveness of benzodiazepines. Monitor patient closely.
Effects on diagnostic tests
None reported.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug and in those with psychoses.
Nursing considerations
Patient teaching
*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine. †Canada ‡Australia §U.K. OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING