Definition

Noun: A synthetic compound used as a sedative and anxiolytic drug, primarily prescribed to treat anxiety, alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and related conditions. It belongs to the benzodiazepine class of medications.

Usage

This word is used specifically in medical and pharmacological contexts to refer to the drug substance. It is a technical term. * The doctor prescribed chlordiazepoxide to manage the patient's acute anxiety. * Chlordiazepoxide is often used during the initial phase of alcohol detoxification.

Advanced Usage

• Chemical Compound: In chemistry and pharmacology, "chlordiazepoxide" refers to the specific organic molecule with the formula C₁₆H₁₄ClN₃O.
  • The synthesis of chlordiazepoxide was a milestone in psychopharmacology.

Variants and Related Words

• Librium: A common brand name (trademark) for chlordiazepoxide.
  • The prescription was written for Librium, which contains chlordiazepoxide.
• Benzodiazepine: The class of psychoactive drugs to which chlordiazepoxide belongs.
  • As a benzodiazepine, chlordiazepoxide works by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA.

Synonyms

• Anxiolytic (a drug that reduces anxiety).
• Sedative (a drug that promotes calm or sleep).
• Minor tranquilizer (an older term for anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines).

Notes on Different Meanings

This word has a single, specific meaning as a pharmaceutical drug. It does not have common idiomatic or figurative uses.

Noun

1. a tranquilizer (trade names Librium and Libritabs) used in the treatment of alcoholism