Bromazepam, What Is It For And What Is The Correct Dose?

Low dose bromazepam relieves mental tension, anxiety and nervousness. However, in higher doses, it has a sedative and muscle relaxant effect.

Bromazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. This group of drugs decreases neuronal arousal and has an antiepileptic, anxiolytic, hypnotic and muscle relaxant effect.

In this way, bromazaepam given in low doses relieves mental tension, anxiety and nervousness. However, in higher doses, it has a sedative and muscle relaxant effect.

It is indicated for people who have symptoms of anxiety, tension, depression, nervousness, restlessness and who have difficulty sleeping. Some patients with anxiety or nervousness may also have problems with heart rhythm, breathing, or digestion. Bromazepam can also help relieve these symptoms.

In most cases, only short-term treatment is needed. In general, it should not exceed 8 to 12 weeks, including in this period the time necessary for the gradual discontinuation of the treatment.

Development of addiction to bromazepam

Besides the immediate effects of benzodiazepines, bromazepam can be addictive in the medium and long term.

The risks arise from its ability to produce enzyme induction in the liver, which results in tolerance. Therefore, to achieve the same effect, the dose should be gradually increased. When its administration is interrupted, the withdrawal syndrome appears.

How do you take bromazepam?

Bromazepam comes in tablet form to be taken by mouth. Depending on the nature of your illness, your age and your weight, the doctor will give you the appropriate dose.

Precautions before taking bromazepam

• You should not take bromazepam if you are allergic to it or to the benzodiazepine group in general. You should also not take it if you are addicted to alcohol or drugs.
• While taking bromazepam, you should avoid alcoholic beverages. The effect of alcohol can enhance sedation. If you are pregnant or might be pregnant, your doctor should know if you are taking bromazepam. In addition, this is also important in case you are breastfeeding.
• In patients over 65 years of age, the doctor will also adjust the dose according to the response.
• Likewise, the doctor will assess the dose and timeliness of treatment with bromazepam if you have liver or kidney problems, respiratory distress, or muscle weakness.

What is the right dosage?

Start with the lowest dose of bromazepam. Most patients do not need more than three 1.5 mg capsules per day, divided into two or three doses.

Bromazepam capsules should be taken before or with meals. In addition, you must swallow them whole and without chewing with a little water.

In most cases, short-term treatment is necessary which should not exceed 8 to 12 weeks. This period also includes the time required for gradual weaning.

To avoid withdrawal symptoms, you should not suddenly stop taking bromazepam, especially if you have been taking it for a long time.

What side effects can bromazepam cause?

This medicine is well tolerated by most people, but the following side effects may be seen when starting treatment :

• Confusion and drowsiness.
• Headache, dizziness, and decreased alertness.
• Ataxia, lack of coordination and double vision.
• Nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness and fatigue.

These symptoms usually go away with continued treatment. However, other side effects can also be triggered such as:

• Immune system disorders.
• Psychiatric disorders, such as depression.
• Irritability.
• Aggressiveness.
• Outbursts of anger.
• Nightmares.
• Hallucinations.

Heart disorders such as heart failure and heart attacks can also appear. In addition, patients may suffer from falls and fractures, with an increased risk in elderly patients and in patients taking other sedatives at the same time.

The use of benzodiazepines, as we have seen, can develop physical dependence even at therapeutic doses. This mainly happens when the drug is taken continuously for a long time.

Conclusion

Bromazepam is a benzodiazepine. These types of drugs have been shown to be effective and safe in the short term, 8 to 12 weeks, in severe anxiety disorders and severe insomnia.

Although there is documentation that does not support their long-term use, at present they are still prescribed for longer periods.