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Compare Librium vs. Lithium

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) and lithium (generic name) are both used to treat different conditions and have distinct differences. Chlordiazepoxide, a benzodiazepine, is primarily used for short-term relief of anxiety and to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It is a controlled substance due to its risk of addiction and misuse. Lithium, on the other hand, is a mood stabilizer used for treating bipolar disorder and manic episodes. Unlike chlordiazepoxide, lithium is not a controlled substance but requires regular blood tests to monitor for toxicity. Chlordiazepoxide can cause drowsiness and confusion, while lithium may lead to side effects like shakiness, thirst, and nausea. Both medications are available in lower-cost generic forms, but lithium also comes in various formulations, including extended-release tablets and oral liquid. Additionally, chlordiazepoxide should be used short-term, whereas lithium is often used for long-term maintenance of bipolar disorder.

  • Chlordiazepoxide
    Lithium
  • Chlordiazepoxide
    Lithium

  • Summary of Librium vs. Lithium

    Summary for Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Chlordiazepoxide is used for the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms. It can also prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms, like seizures. This medication has a risk of addiction, so it's classified as a schedule IV controlled substance. Your dose will depend on the reason why you're using it, your age, and your other health conditions. Some possible side effects of chlordiazepoxide include drowsiness, trouble with balance and movement, and confusion. Chlordiazepoxide comes as a capsule, and is available as a brand name and a lower-cost generic.

    Summary for Antimanic
    Prescription only

    Lithium carbonate (or lithium) is a medication used to treat bipolar disorder and manic episodes. It's taken by mouth, typically 2 to 3 times a day. Lithium is available as instant-release pills and oral liquid as well as an extended-release tablet (brand name Lithobid). All lithium products are available as lower-cost generics. Lithium works well for treating bipolar disorder, but it can also cause side effects, such as shakiness, thirst, and nausea. To prevent lithium toxicity, your provider will check your blood lithium levels to make sure you're on a safe dose of the medication.

  • Indications of Librium vs. Lithium

    Indications for
    •Alcohol withdrawal
    •Preoperative anxiety and anxiety disorders
    Indications for
    •Treatment of manic episodes of bipolar disorder
    •Long-term maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder

  • Pros and Cons of Librium vs. Lithium

    Pros and Const for Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •A first-choice treatment option for alcohol withdrawal
    •Can be used in children age 6 and older
    •Dose can be adjusted by your provider based on your response
    Cons
    •Controlled medication due to the risk of addiction, misuse, and dependence
    •Risk of more side effects in older adults
    •Can cause withdrawal if suddenly stopped
    •Should only be used short-term
    Pros and Const for Antimanic
    Pros
    •Works well for bipolar disorder
    •Starts to work in about 1 to 3 weeks
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available as oral pills and oral liquid for those having trouble swallowing pills
    Cons
    •Can have a lot of side effects, including lithium toxicity if lithium levels are too high
    •Requires routine blood tests to check the medication levels and how the medication is affecting your body
    •Not the best option for people with severe kidney problems
    •Interacts with a lot of medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diuretics, and ACE-inhibitors

  • Common Side Effects of Librium vs. Lithium

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Confusion
    •Loss of coordination (clumsiness)
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Hand trembling
    •Excessive urination
    •More thirst
    •Nausea
    •General discomfort when you start treatment

    Children (7 to 17 years of age):

    •Nausea or vomiting (57%)
    •Urinating more often (38%)
    •Tremor (32%)
    •Feeling more thirsty (28%)
    •Tiredness (26%)
    •Higher thyroid hormone levels (25%)
    •Dizziness (23%)

  • Warnings of Librium vs. Lithium

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risks while also taking opioids
    •Potential for addiction, misuse, dependence, and withdrawal
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Harm to babies
    Common Side Effects for
    •Lithium toxicity
    •Kidney problems
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Thyroid problems
    •Heart problems (Brugada syndrome)
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •High blood calcium levels and high parathyroid hormone levels
    •Brain-related side effects

  • Prices with our coupons for Librium vs. Lithium

    Learn more about Chlordiazepoxide
    Learn more about Lithium

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