Lexatin: characteristics, uses and side effects of this drug

Lexatin is a widely used benzodiazepine-type psychotropic drug; let's take a look at its characteristics.

Lexatin is a drug used to treat anxiety-related problems, in addition to its use as a muscle relaxant and self-injury reducer.

This drug has a benzodiazepine as its active component, so it is not free of certain risks, among them dependence and tolerance when its treatment is too long.

In the following we are going to see what is Lexatin, its therapeutic purpose as well as precautions, contraindications and interactions of this drug. of this drug.

What is Lexatin?

Lexatin is the trade name of a drug prescribed to treat severe anxiety.. The active ingredient of this drug is bromazepam, a benzodiazepine, and among the effects it produces we find that it reduces tension, removes nervousness and, at high doses, acts as a muscle relaxant. As it is a benzodiazepine, it can cause high tolerance and dependence, which is why its use should not exceed 12 weeks of treatment, being withdrawn gradually.

There are other drugs on the market whose main active ingredient is bromazepam and, therefore, can be considered as alternative versions of Lexatin. The trade names of the other bromazepam-based drugs are Lectopam, Lexomil, Lexotan and Lexotanil..

Therapeutic uses of Lexatin: in which disorders is it used?

Doctors and psychiatrists prescribe Lexatin for people who have symptoms of anxiety, tension, depression, nervousness, agitation and who also have difficulty sleeping. Among the problems for which this medication is made with bromazepam are:

• Treating anxiety-related problems
• Treating obsessive disorders, phobias, hypochondria, panic attacks...
• Reducing aggressive and self-injurious behaviors.
• To treat somatizations associated with intense psychic excitement.
• Relaxing medication prior to minor surgery.

Mechanism of action

Bromazepam is a chemical compound that potentiates the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that contributes to relaxation sensations, having sedative, hypnotic and hypnotic potential.It has sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, Anticonvulsant and muscle relaxant potential.

The active component of Lexatin is a depressant agent of the nervous system that intervenes on the limbic system, which is why it also reduces psychological tension, stress and anguish.

Contraindications

Do not take Lexatin if you are allergic to bromazepam or any other benzodiazepine.. It should also not be taken if you suffer from severe liver problems or myasthenia gravis, characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue.

It is contraindicated if you suffer from sleep apnea, i.e. irregular breathing.

Finally, it is not at all recommended in case of drug or alcohol dependence, unless formally indicated by the doctor.

Precautions with this drug

The doctor or pharmacist should be consulted if, before starting to take Lexatin, you have any of the following problems:

• Liver or kidney disorders.
• Muscle weakness
• Respiratory diseases
• Allergies
• Drug or alcohol addiction
• History of depression or suicide attempts
• Other illnesses
• Use of other medications, especially painkillers and other psychotropic drugs.

Lexatin is a milder benzodiazepine than diazepam and, although bromazepam has a less potent mechanism of action, it is true that certain risks are involved, which is why the pertinent precautions should be taken. Lexatin is still a benzodiazepine and, as such, it can generate a high degree of tolerance and dependence, so it should be used with caution, following the doctor's instructions to avoid the use of benzodiazepines.It should therefore be taken with care, following the doctor's instructions to avoid a negative impact on the organism.

Treatment with Lexatin should not be abandoned abruptly, since it may produce a rebound effect. When the administration of benzodiazepines is stopped, symptoms of restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, headache, lack of concentration and hot flushes may appear, especially if they have been taken for too long. This is why it is so necessary that when the time comes to stop treatment, it should be done gradually.

By inducing relaxation and calming anxious moods, there is also a risk of reduced concentration. the risk of lowered concentration, decreased attention, decreased reactivity and muscle weakness.. Therefore, while the patient is being treated with Lexatin, he/she should not perform any task that requires high concentration, such as operating heavy machinery or driving. It should also be noted that these effects are more likely to occur at the beginning of treatment or when the dose is increased.

Lexatin is contraindicated for pregnant women and patients with kidney and liver problems. In these cases, it is recommended to opt for other more adequate alternatives according to the patient's characteristics and needs, and in case there is none, lower doses of Lexatin should be prescribed. Lexatin is excreted through breast milk, so breast-feeding is not recommended during treatment.

Side effects of Lexatin

Like any other drug, Lexatin brings with it side effects, which is why it cannot be taken regularly or over-the-counter. As with other benzodiazepines, bromazepam generates tolerance after a few weeks, which means that its sedative and hypnotic effects are reduced as the treatment progresses, making it necessary to increase the dose, which in turn can lead to dependence.

It should be noted that most patients tolerate Lexatin well, but at the beginning of treatment some adverse effects may be observed, such as confusion, drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, emotional disturbances such as confusion, drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, emotional disturbances, reduced alertness, ataxia or lack of coordination, double vision (diplopia), nausea and vomiting, muscle weakness and fatigue. and vomiting, muscle weakness and fatigue. These symptoms usually eventually disappear as treatment continues.

There are many adverse effects associated with this drug, which occur with an unknown frequency but which in principle, as long as Lexatin is taken properly and according to the physician's guidelines, should not necessarily occur. Likewise, as with any other drug, they can occur and may not disappear as the treatment progresses, so it is always necessary to be supervised by the physician. the doctor's vigilance is always necessary.. These effects include the following:

• Anaphylactic shock
• Angioedema (swelling in the face)
• Confusion and disorientation
• Emotional and mood disturbances
• Medication abuse
• Withdrawal symptoms
• Depression
• Hyperactivity
• Anxiety
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Reduced alertness
• Traumatic injuries: falls and fractures

Interactions

Lexatin is a drug that interacts with other medications. These include tranquilizers, sleep inducers, psychotropic drugs, anxiolytics, sedatives, and antidepressant agents such as fluvoxamine..

It also interacts with opioids, anticonvulsants and sedative antihistamines. Some antacids (cimetidine) and some drugs for the treatment of arterial hypertension such as propanolol can prolong the effect of Lexatin.

During treatment, alcoholic beverages should be avoided and keep in mind that food consumption may decrease the absorption of bromazepam and, therefore, also reduce the effect of Lexatin.

Overdose

Abuse and overdose of Lexatin involves serious problems.. In mild cases it usually consists of drowsiness, mental confusion and lethargy. In case high doses have been ingested and combined with other centrally acting substances, it may cause ataxia (inability to coordinate voluntary muscle movements), hypotonia (decreased muscle tone or flaccidity), hypotension (low blood pressure), respiratory depression (slowed breathing), coma and, although rarely, death.