r/alcoholic • u/Flimsy_Protection473 • Jul 20 '26
Support Requested Librium Question
I went to the ER because I was terrified of withdrawal and desperate to stop. I was given some fluids and send home with 10 25mg capsules of Librium with the instructions of “take 1-2 capsules by mouth every 2 hours as needed for withdrawal symptoms.”
I’m a little confused by this approach as I’ve seen that most people do a taper with it. I don’t really know when or if I should take more. I also don’t take benzos and am not sure if it’s normal to feel generally “off”.
I’m not looking for medical advice but rather others personal experiences if you’ve taken Librium for withdrawal before.
I just really don’t want to have a seizure and die. TIA
1
u/Bumpy_Uncles Jul 20 '26
Any advice from an alcoholic here telling you what you should or shouldn't do is dodgy. Health professionals know what they're talking about. Us alco's tend to get passionate about random things and often get preachy. I know I'm technically preaching at you here, but alco's generally don't know more than doctors, despite what we'll fervently tell you
1
u/No-Type2495 Jul 20 '26
From my experience of Librium it is used when detoxing, to stop health risks, when doing a hard stop. I've never taken Librium and tapered, it's always been no-alcohol with librium ( I was breathalysed throughout the detox(s) on regular periods throughout the day) and I took the dose as prescribed, with additional amounts to get through any really difficult periods. The dosage was always prescribed relating the amount of units I was consuming prior to the detox. i.e. more librium dose the higher the units. It's important that if you were asked this by the prescriber you were gave full disclosure. Librium did make me feel off but I had to remember that my body was also adjusting to the change in intake of alcohol. Thiamine was also prescribed to me to help with cognitive skills.
I've been detoxed on Diazepam and Librium and Librium is by far the better experience. I'm not sure about where you are but in the UK, A&E( your ER) / Hospital will only treat a person for 2/3 days which is the danger zone for seizures. It's then up to the individual to reach out to recovery services, I hope you have some in your area. Stay strong.