Key takeaways
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and oxazepam (Serax) are both benzodiazepines used for short-term relief of anxiety and to prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms. While both medications are available as lower-cost generics only and are taken orally, there are some differences between them. Chlordiazepoxide can be taken up to 4 times a day with doses ranging from 5 mg to 100 mg depending on the condition, while oxazepam is typically taken 3 or 4 times a day with doses ranging from 10 mg to 30 mg. Chlordiazepoxide takes up to 4 hours to reach maximum levels in your blood and can stay in your system for over 10 days, whereas oxazepam has a shorter duration of action. Both medications can cause drowsiness and confusion, but oxazepam is also known to cause dizziness and vertigo. Additionally, both medications are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential harm to the baby. They should both be used for the shortest time possible to avoid dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
