Drug Database - Tranxene SD

Generic Name: clorazepate (klor-AZ-e-pate)

Brand Names: Tranxene SD®

Classification: Benzodiazepines

Issue Date: 1977

Tranxene is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Tranxene affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety or seizures. Tranxene is used to treat anxiety disorders, partial seizures, or alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to Tranxene or to other benzodiazepines such as:

• alprazolam (Xanax®)
• chlordiazepoxide (Librium®)
• diazepam (Valium®)
• lorazepam (Ativan®)
• oxazepam (Serax®)

This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use Tranxene if you are pregnant. Before taking Tranxene, tell your doctor if you have any:

• breathing problems
• glaucoma
• kidney or liver disease
• a history of depression, suicidal thoughts
• addiction to drugs or alcohol

Do not drink alcohol while taking Tranxene. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol. Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy. They can add to sleepiness caused by Tranxene.

Tranxene may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Tranxene should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. Tranxene should be used for only a short time. Do not take this medication for longer than 4 months without your doctor's advice.

Tranxene may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Tranxene should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Contact your doctor if this medicine seems to stop working as well in treating your anxiety symptoms. Do not stop using Tranxene suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Your symptoms may return when you stop using Tranxene after using it over a long period of time. You may also have withdrawal symptoms when you stop using Tranxene. Withdrawal symptoms may include:

• tremor
• sweating
• trouble sleeping
• muscle cramps
• stomach pain
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• irritability
• memory problems
• confusion
• unusual thoughts or behavior
• seizure (convulsions)

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood and liver function may need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

Keep track of how many pills have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Benzodiazepines are drugs of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

Do not use this medication if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, or if you are allergic to Tranxene or to other benzodiazepines, such as:

• alprazolam (Xanax®)
• chlordiazepoxide (Librium®)
• diazepam (Valium®)
• lorazepam (Ativan®)
• oxazepam (Serax®)

Before taking Tranxene, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• glaucoma
• breathing problems such as:
• asthma
• emphysema
• bronchitis
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
• kidney or liver disease
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder
• history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior
• history of drug or alcohol addiction

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Tranxene, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Tranxene can cause BIRTH DEFECTS in an unborn baby. Do not use Tranxene without your doctor's consent if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.

Tranxene can pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

The sedative effects of Tranxene may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking Tranxene. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 9 years old.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of Tranxene can be fatal.

Symptoms of a trazodone overdose include:

• extreme drowsiness
• feeling light-headed
• fainting
• coma

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:

• hives
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior
• depressed mood
• thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself
• muscle twitching
• tremor
• problems with urination

Less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• drowsiness, tiredness
• amnesia or forgetfulness
• dizziness
• blurred vision
• feeling nervous or irritable
• sleep problems (insomnia)
• muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination
• skin rash
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation
• dry mouth
• headache

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Before taking Tranxene, tell your doctor if you are taking any other anti-anxiety medications, or if you are using any of the following drugs:

• amobarbital (Amytal®)
• butabarbital (Butisol®)
• mephobarbital (Mebaral®)
• secobarbital (Seconal®)
• phenobarbital (Luminal®, Solfoton®)
• isocarboxazid (Marplan®)
• phenelzine (Nardil®)
• rasagiline (Azilect®)
• selegiline (Eldepryl®, Emsam®)
• tranylcypromine (Parnate®)
• chlorpromazine (Thorazine®)
• haloperidol (Haldol®)
• mesoridazine (Serentil®)
• pimozide (Orap®)
• thioridazine (Mellaril®)
• butorphanol (Stadol®)
• codeine
• hydrocodone (Loratab®, Vicodin®)
• levorphanol (Levo-Dromoran®)
• meperidine (Demerol®)
• methadone (Dolophine®, Methadose®)
• morphine (Kadian®, MS Contin®, Oramorph®)
• naloxone (Narcan®)
• oxycodone (OxyContin®)
• propoxyphene (Darvon®, Darvocet®)
• amitriptyline (Elavil®, Etrafon®)
• amoxapine (Ascendin®)
• citalopram (Celexa®)
• clomipramine (Anafranil®)
• desipramine (Norpramin®)
• doxepin (Sinequan®)
• escitalopram (Lexapro®)
• fluoxetine (Prozac®, Sarafem®)
• fluvoxamine (Luvox®)
• imipramine (Janimine®, Tofranil®)
• nortriptyline (Pamelor®)
• paroxetine (Paxil®)
• protriptyline (Vivacti®l)
• sertraline (Zoloft®)
• trimipramine (Surmontil®)

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Tranxene, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Tranxene. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.