Lexatin: characteristics, uses and side effects of this drug

Lexatin is a drug used to treat anxiety-related problems, as well as being used as a muscle relaxant and reducer of self-harm.

This drug has a benzodiazepine as an active component, which means that it is not without certain risks, including dependence and tolerance when treatment is too long.

Then let's see what Lexatin is, its therapeutic purpose as well as precautions, contraindications and interactions of this medicine.

• Related article: "Benzodiazepines (psychoactive drug): uses, effects and risks"

What is Lexatin?

Lexatin is the brand name for a prescription drug to treat severe anxiety. The active substance in this medicine is bromazepam, a benzodiazepine and among the effects it produces we found that it reduces tension, removes nervousness and, in high doses, acts as a relaxant muscular. 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can cause high tolerance and dependence, which is why its use should not exceed 12 weeks of treatment, being gradually withdrawn.

There are other drugs on the market whose main asset is bromazepam and, therefore, they can be considered as alternative versions of Lexatin.

The brand names of other bromazepam-based medications are Lectopam, Lexomil, Lexotan, and Lexotanil..

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

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

• Treat anxiety-related problems
• Treat obsessive disorders, phobias, hypochondria, panic attacks ...
• Reduce aggressive and self-injurious behaviors.
• Treat somatizations associated with intense psychic arousal.
• Relaxing medication prior to minor surgery.

Mechanism of action

Bromazepam is a chemical compound that enhances the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of relaxation, having sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant potential and functioning as a muscle relaxant.

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.

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Contraindications

Lexatin should not be taken if you are allergic to bromazepam or any other benzodiazepines.. 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 in cases of sleep apnea, that is, irregular breathing.

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

Precautions with this drug

The doctor or pharmacist should be consulted if, before you start taking Lexatin, you have any of the following problems:

• Liver or kidney disorders.
• Muscular weakness
• Respiratory diseases
• Allergies
• Drug addiction or alcoholism
• History of depression or suicide attempts
• Other diseases
• Consumption of other medications, especially painkillers and other psychotropic drugs

Lexatin is made up of a milder benzodiazepine than diazepam and, although bromazepam has a mechanism of action Less powerful, it is true that certain risks are run, which is why the pertinent precautions must be taken. Lexatin is still a benzodiazepine and, as such, can generate a high degree of tolerance and dependence, so it must be consumed with care, following the doctor's instructions to avoid a negative impact at the organic level.

Lexatin treatment should not be discontinued abruptly, as it may cause a rebound effect. When the administration of benzodiazepines is stopped, symptoms of restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, headache, poor concentration and hot flashes, especially if taken for too much time. For this reason, it is so necessary that when the time comes to stop treatment, it is done gradually.

By inducing relaxation and calming anxious moods, too there is a risk of low concentration, low attention, reduced reaction capacity and produces muscle weakness. For this reason, while the patient is being treated with Lexatin, they should not perform any task that requires high concentration, such as operating heavy machinery or driving. Likewise, it must be said that these effects are more likely 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 suitable alternatives according to the characteristics and needs of the patient and if there are none, doses should be prescribed under Lexatin. Lexatin is excreted in human milk, so breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.

Lexatin side effects

Like any other drug, Lexatin brings with it side effects, which is why it cannot be taken regularly or free. As with the rest of the benzodiazepines, bromazepam builds tolerance after a few weeks, causing the sedative and hypnotic effects of the same are reduced as the treatment progresses, which means that for them to occur it is necessary to increase the dose that, in turn, can generate dependence.

It must be said that most patients tolerate Lexatin well, but some may be observed early in treatment. adverse effects 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. These symptoms usually end up disappearing as treatment continues.

There are many adverse effects associated with this drug, which occur with an unknown frequency but in principle, and as long as Lexatin is consumed properly according to the doctor's guidelines, they shouldn't why give yourself. Likewise, as in any other medicine, they can happen and may not disappear as the treatment progresses, thus doctor's vigilance is always necessary. Among these effects we have the following:

• Anaphylactic shock
• Angioedema (swelling in the face)
• Confusion and disorientation
• Mood and emotional disturbances
• Drug 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 sedating antihistamines. Some antacids (cimetidine) and some drugs for the treatment of high blood pressure such as propanolol can prolong the effect of Lexatin.

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

Overdose

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