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|Tranxene-SD Half Strength

Tranxene-SD Half Strength

Generic name: Clorazepate dipotassium
Brand names: Tranxene-SD, Tranxene-SD Half Strength, Tranxene

Why is Tranxene-SD Half Strength prescribed?

Tranxene-SD Half Strength belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. It is used in the treatment of anxiety disorders and for short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety.

It is also used to relieve the symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal and to help in treating certain convulsive disorders such as epilepsy.

Most important fact about Tranxene-SD Half Strength

Tranxene-SD Half Strength can be habit-forming if taken regularly over a long period. You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you stop using Tranxene-SD Half Strength abruptly. Consult your doctor before discontinuing Tranxene-SD Half Strength or making any change in your dose.

How should you take Tranxene-SD Half Strength?

Tranxene-SD Half Strength should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember if it is within an hour or so of your scheduled time. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature. Protect from excessive heat.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Tranxene-SD Half Strength.

• More common side effects may include:
  Blurred vision, depression, difficulty in sleeping or falling asleep, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, double vision, fatigue, genital and urinary tract disorders, headache, irritability, lack of muscle coordination, mental confusion, nervousness, tremors, skin rashes, slurred speech, stomach and intestinal disorders, tremor

• Side effects due to a rapid decrease in dose or abrupt withdrawal from Tranxene-SD Half Strength may include:
  Abdominal cramps, convulsions, diarrhea, difficulty in sleeping or falling asleep, hallucinations, impaired memory, irritability, muscle aches, nervousness, tremors, vomiting

Why should Tranxene-SD Half Strength not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Tranxene-SD Half Strength, you should not take Tranxene-SD Half Strength. Make sure your doctor is aware of any drug reactions you have experienced.

Do not take Tranxene-SD Half Strength if you have the eye condition known as acute narrow-angle glaucoma.

Anxiety or tension related to everyday stress usually does not require treatment with such a strong drug. Discuss your symptoms thoroughly with your doctor.

Tranxene-SD Half Strength is not recommended for use in more serious conditions such as depression or severe psychological disorders.

Special warnings about Tranxene-SD Half Strength

Tranxene-SD Half Strength may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, you should not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how Tranxene-SD Half Strength affects you.

If you are being treated for anxiety associated with depression, your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose possible to avoid the risk of overdose. Do not increase your dose without consulting the doctor.

The elderly and people in a weakened condition are more apt to become unsteady or oversedated when taking Tranxene-SD Half Strength.

If you have to take Tranxene-SD Half Strength for a long period of time, the doctor will need to monitor your blood counts and liver function.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Tranxene-SD Half Strength

Tranxene-SD Half Strength slows down the central nervous system and may intensify the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking Tranxene-SD Half Strength.

If Tranxene-SD Half Strength is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Tranxene-SD Half Strength with the following:

Antidepressant drugs known as MAO inhibitors (Nardil, Parnate) and other antidepressants such as Elavil and Prozac
Antipsychotic drugs such as Mellaril and chlorpromazine
Barbiturates such as Nembutal and Seconal
Narcotic pain relievers such as Demerol and Percodan
Any other drugs that slow down the central nervous system

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Tranxene-SD Half Strength during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. However, because there is an increased risk of birth defects associated with this class of drug, its use during pregnancy should be avoided. Tranxene-SD Half Strength may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Tranxene-SD Half Strength is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with Tranxene-SD Half Strength is finished.

Recommended dosage

ANXIETY

Adults

The usual daily dosage is 30 milligrams divided into several smaller doses. A normal daily dose can be as little as 15 milligrams. Your doctor may increase the dosage gradually to as much as 60 milligrams, according to your individual needs.

Tranxene-SD Half Strength can also be taken in a single bedtime dose. The initial dose is 15 milligrams, but your doctor will adjust the dosage to suit your individual needs.

Tranxene-SD Half Strength-SD, a 22.5-milligram tablet, and Tranxene-SD Half Strength-SD Half Strength, an 11.25-milligram tablet, can be taken once every 24 hours. Your doctor may switch you to this form of the drug after you have been taking Tranxene-SD Half Strength for several weeks.

Older Adults

The usual starting dose is 7.5 to 15 milligrams per day.

ACUTE ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL

Tranxene-SD Half Strength can be used in a multi-day program for relief of the symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal.

Dosages are usually increased in the first 2 days from 30 to 90 milligrams and then reduced over the next 2 days to lower levels. After that, your doctor will gradually lower the dose still further, and will take you off the drug when you are ready.

WHEN USED WITH ANTIEPILEPTIC DRUGS

Tranxene-SD Half Strength can be used in conjunction with antiepileptic drugs. Follow the recommended dosages carefully to avoid drowsiness.

Adults and Children over 12 Years Old

The starting dose is 7.5 milligrams 3 times a day. Your doctor may increase the dosage by 7.5 milligrams per week to a maximum of 90 milligrams a day.

Children 9 to 12 Years Old

The starting dose is 7.5 milligrams twice a day. Your doctor may increase the dosage by 7.5 milligrams a week to a maximum of 60 milligrams a day.

Safety and effectiveness in children under 9 years of age have not been established.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.

• Symptoms of Tranxene-SD Half Strength overdose may include:
  Coma, low blood pressure, sedation