Bromazepam: uses and side effects of this psychotropic drug.

This substance is used as an anxiolytic, antispasmodic and sedative resource for patients.

We can affirm that within the world of psychopharmacology, benzodiazepines are one of the most studied drugs are among the most studied and varied drugs on the market. It seems that there is a "solution" in the form of a colorful pill for any type of psychological problem that occurs in humans, however, they are never a perfect or permanent solution.

In this article we are going to talk about bromazepama benzodiazepine less known than diazepam or lorazepam, but very used for anxiety crises and very intense states of stress.

What is bromazepam?

Bromazepam is a psychopharmaceutical belonging to the benzodiazepine family. Increases GABA activity by facilitating binding to the GABAergic receptor.. In the pharmacy it can be found under the names of Lexatin, Lexotan, Lexotanil, Lexomil, Somalium or Bromam, always under medical prescription.

This drug acts directly on the Central Nervous System, and has anxiolytic, sedative and sedative properties. anxiolytic, sedative, antispasmodic and Muscle relaxing properties. and relaxing properties on the skeletal muscle.

As we will see below in more detail, special caution must be taken with the use of this substance as it can generate a powerful dependence.Therefore, self-medication without a doctor's prescription is not recommended under any circumstances. Moreover, if combined with high doses of alcohol it can be fatal: the sedative effects of alcohol in addition to the anxiolytic and sedative effects of bromazepam can lead to drowning during sleep.

Another great risk of taking this psychopharmaceutical is to abruptly discontinue its use, since it can lead to withdrawal syndrome; in these cases, the most usual thing to do is to prescribe another benzodiazepine to control the withdrawal syndrome.

In which cases is it used?

Bromazepam is only indicated when the disorder is severe, disabling or significantly affects the patient. That is to say, when it generates clinically significant distress and interferes in several areas of the person's life. Some of the psychological problems that may require this psychopharmaceutical are:

• Anxiety and panic attacks.
• Hypochondria or health anxiety.
• Behavioral disorders or excessive aggressiveness (always as a support to psychotherapy).
• Obsessive compulsive disorder.
• Specific and general phobias.
• People who have just lived through a particularly conflictive and stressful situation.

Dosage used

At low doses bromazepam relieves the physiological symptoms of anxiety (such as tachycardia, difficulty in breathing, digestive problems); at higher doses it produces a sedative and muscle relaxant effect, which can be highly addictive.

In more detail, doses should be adjusted individually. As basic premises, we highlight:

• It is appropriate to start treatment with the lowest dose. It can be progressively increased until the most beneficial effect for the patient is achieved.
• The duration of the treatment should be kept short, at most 8-12 weeks, due to8-12 weeks at the most, due to its addictive power.
• It is very important to withdraw the medication gradually, since otherwise a withdrawal syndrome may occur in the patient.
• In adults the usual is 1.5mg-3mg up to 3 times a day. However, it is mandatory to follow the physician's instructions.
• In severely hospitalized patients, 6mg-12mg three times a day.
• It is not recommended to give this drug to children..

Side effects of bromazepam

The most important side effects of bromazepam are dependence on the drug, impairment of short-term memory (produces anterograde amnesia in some cases) and even impairment of motor coordination. All these effects can be can be aggravated if the patient consumes alcohol during treatment..

Curiously and paradoxically, bromazepam can generate some difficulties that it is intended to remedysuch as nervousness, aggressiveness, episodes of irritability, nightmares and euphoria. Fatigue, drowsiness, muscle weakness, emotional dullness, confusion, dizziness, ataxia and headaches are also common.

Less frequent effects include perceptual disturbances such as hallucinations. They usually appear at the beginning of treatment and gradually disappear. In the sphere of psychiatric disorders, it is possible the appearance of a pre-existing depression, which had not manifested itself until the beginning of the consumption of bromazepam. If any of these conditions appear, it is best to discontinue the treatment gradually and to replace it with a more suitable one, always replace it with a more appropriate one, always subject to the professional's criteria..

Precautions and warnings

There are several precautions to be taken into account by the consumer before taking this psychopharmaceutical:

1. General

In order to avoid a possible intoxication by accumulation, the patient should periodically attend medical check-ups. On the other hand, it is best to keep the following guidelines in mind.

• If the dose is not reduced progressively, the risk of withdrawal and rebound effects is much higher, the risk of withdrawal and rebound effects is much higher..
• If it is suspected that the patient has been an alcoholic, or has been addicted to other substances, the use of benzodiazepines is not recommended.
• Special care should be taken with those patients who have respiratory problems, as there is a risk of respiratory depression and death.
• Caution should be Caution should be exercised when driving vehicles or using machines, as the sedative effects of benzodiazepines are not recommended.The sedative effects of bromazepam may affect the person's capacity.

2. Dependence and abuse

As mentioned above, the consumption of bromazepam can generate physical and psychological dependence in the person. Logically, this risk will increase as the dose and duration of treatment increase. If in addition to all of the above, the patient is an alcoholic or is addicted to other substances, the risk of bromazepam dependence will be multiplied..

3. Withdrawal of treatment

In the most severe cases and during withdrawal of treatment, the patient may present dissociative symptoms may present dissociative symptoms (such as depersonalization and derealization), hyperacusis, hypersensitivity to light, sounds or physical contact (hyperesthesia), hallucinations and epileptic seizures.

4. Pregnancy and lactation

The use of bromazepam during pregnancy is not at all advisable, since its use in pregnant women may increase the risk of congenital anomalies during the first trimester of pregnancy..

Bromazepam may be administered to a pregnant woman in the last trimester of pregnancy or during labor and delivery, but only when absolutely necessary. The explanation is that bromazepam may generate adverse effects in the baby, such as respiratory depression, hypotonia or hypothermia. such as respiratory depression, hypotonia or hypothermia.

Regarding breastfeeding, mothers who breastfeed their babies should not consume bromazepam, since benzodiazepines are transmitted to breast milk and can affect the newborn.