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Writer's pictureTeresa Mendoza, PharmD

Med of the Week: Clorazepate



Clorazepate feature with anxious nail bitting

Clorazepate is a benzodiazepine commonly used for anxiety, sedation, and seizures, and has some serious interactions with meds commonly used by dentists. Read on to see how Clorazepate will impact your dental treatment and prescribing:


Generic Name: Clorazepate

Brand Name(s): Tranxene T-Tab, Gen-Xene, Tranxene

Pronunciation: klor AZ e pate


About this drug:

  • Clorazepate is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders, partial seizures, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.


Dentistry-related tidbits:

  • Clorazepate may cause xerostomia. Consider prescribing a fluoride supplement to use if the patient has a high rate of caries and increasing the frequency of dental exams.

  • Patients should limit drinking Alcohol as this combination may increase the risk of CNS and respiratory depression, diminished psychomotor function, and hypotension including orthostasis and syncope.

  • Remind patients to be careful if they drive or engage in other activities that require them to be alert until they know how this medication affects them as Clorazepate may slow thinking or reactions and cause dizziness and drowsiness.

  • Try to avoid prescribing steroids, quinolone antibiotics, cephalosporin antibiotics, penicillin antibiotics, Metronidazole, Linezolid, Ketorolac, Acyclovir, Valacyclovir, and Lidocaine in combination with Clorazepate as it may lower the seizure threshold (especially in patients with seizure disorders).

  • Always prescribe the lowest dose possible for the shortest duration necessary since Clorazepate may increase the risk of misuse, abuse, and addiction that may lead to overdose or death when combined with illegal drugs, alcohol, or other medications.

  • Common narcotics, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, or any other sedating medication in combination with this medication may increase the risk of sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. These combinations should be used only when there are no other choices. Before prescribing any medication, use the Rx Check tool to prevent potential drug interactions or adverse effects.


Fun facts:

  • Clorazepate enhances the binding of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter, to its receptors resulting in sedative, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, and muscle relaxant properties.

  • Clorazepate is commonly misused as a recreational drug and has a high risk of abuse and addiction.

  • This medication is listed under the Beer’s Criteria as severe drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, or unsteadiness are more likely to occur and may last longer in the elderly.


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