Bromazepam: uses and side effects of this psychoactive drug

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

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

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

What is bromazepam?

Bromazepam is a psychotropic drug 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 Lexatín, Lexotan, Lexotanil, Lexomil, Somalium or Bromam, always under medical prescription.

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

As we will see in greater detail below, special caution must be taken with the use of this substance as it can generate a powerful dependenceTherefore, under no circumstances is self-medication recommended without a prescription. In addition, if combined with high doses of alcohol it can be fatal: the sedative effects of alcohol on addition to the anxiolytic and sedative effects of bromazepam can lead to choking during the dream.

Another great risk of the consumption of this psychotropic drug is to abruptly discontinue its use, since it can start the withdrawal syndrome; In these cases, the most common is to prescribe another benzodiazepine to control the withdrawal syndrome.

• You may be interested: "GABA (neurotransmitter): what it is and what role does it play in the brain"

In what cases is it used?

Bromazepam is only indicated when the disorder is severe, disabling, or severely affects the patient. Namely, when it causes clinically significant discomfort and interferes in various areas of the person's life. Some of the psychological problems that may require this psychoactive drug are:

• Anxiety and panic attacks.
• Hypochondria or health anxiety.
• Behavior disorders or excessive aggressiveness (always in support of psychotherapy).
• Obsessive compulsive disorder.
• Specific and general phobias.
• People who have just experienced a particularly conflictive and very stressful situation.

Dose used

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

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

• Ideally, treatment is started with the lowest dose. It can be progressively increased until the most beneficial effect for the patient is found.
• The duration of the treatment will be tried to be short, at most 8-12 weeks, 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 doctor's instructions.
• In seriously hospitalized patients, 6mg-12mg three times a day.
• It is not recommended to give this medicine to children..

Side effects of bromazepam

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

Curiously and paradoxically, bromazepam can cause some difficulties that it aims to remedy, such as nervousness, aggressiveness, bouts of irritability, nightmares and euphoria. Fatigue, drowsiness, muscle weakness, emotional dullness, confusion, dizziness, ataxia, and headaches are also common.

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

• You may be interested: "Types of anxiolytics: drugs that fight anxiety"

Cautions and warnings

There are several precautions to be taken into account by the consumer before ingesting this psychoactive drug:

1. General

In order to avoid possible accumulation poisoning, the patient must periodically go to medical check-ups. On the other hand, it is better to keep the following guidelines in mind.

• If the dose is not reduced progressively, 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 must be taken with those patients who have respiratory problems, since there is a risk of respiratory depression and death.
• Must be exercise caution when driving vehicles or using machinesas the sedative effects of bromazepam can affect a person's ability.

2. Dependence and abuse

As we have said before, the consumption of bromazepam can generate physical and mental dependence in the person. Logically, this risk will increase as the dose and duration of treatment increase. If, in addition to all the above, the patient is an alcoholic or is addicted to other substances, the risk of dependence on bromazepam will multiply.

3. Treatment withdrawal

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

4. Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The use of bromazepam during pregnancy is not advisable, since its use in pregnant women may increase the risk of birth defects during the first trimester of pregnancy.

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

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