The Use and Proper Dosage of Bromazepam
In the following article, we want to talk about the use and proper dosage of bromazepam. This medication belongs to the group of drugs called benzodiazepines. This group of drugs decreases neuronal excitation and has an antiepileptic, anxiolytic, hypnotic, and muscle relaxant effect.
Thus, bromazepam, in low doses, relieves psychic tension, anxiety, and nervousness. However, at higher doses it has a sedative and muscle relaxing effect.
Doctors prescribe this medication for people who show symptoms of anxiety, tension, depression, nervousness, agitation and who have difficulty sleeping. Some patients with anxiety or nervousness may also have problems with their heart rate, breathing, or digestion. Bromazepam can also help relieve these symptoms.
In most cases, patients only need short-term treatment. Generally, it shouldn’t exceed 8 to 12 weeks, including the necessary time for the gradual withdrawal of treatment.
Development of bromazepam dependence
In addition to the immediate effects of benzodiazepines, in the medium and long term, bromazepam can cause dependence.
The risks derive from its ability to produce enzyme induction in the liver, which creates tolerance. Therefore, to achieve the same effect, it’s necessary to progressively increase the dose. However, if interruption of the administration of this drug takes place, withdrawal syndrome appears.
How to take bromazepam?
This drug is available in capsule form to be taken orally. Depending on the nature of your illness, and your age and weight, the doctor will give you the correct dosage of bromazepam for you.
Precautions before taking bromazepam
- You shouldn’t take bromazepam if you’re allergic to it or to the benzodiazepine group in general. At the same time, neither should you take it if you’re dependent on alcohol or drugs.
- You should avoid alcoholic beverages during treatment with bromazepam. The effect of alcohol can increase sedation.
- If you’re pregnant, or could be pregnant, your doctor should know about it so that they can assess the suitability of your use of bromazepam. In addition, they’ll also assess it in case you are breastfeeding.
- In the case of patients over 65, the doctor will also readjust the dosage of bromazepam according to the response.
- At the same time, the doctor will evaluate the dose and the suitability of the treatment with bromazepam if you suffer from liver or kidney disorders, respiratory difficulty, or muscular weakness.
What’s the appropriate dose?
It’s important to start with the lowest dose of bromazepam. Most patients don’t need more than three 1.5 mg capsules a day, spread over two or three doses.
Patients should take bromazepam capsules before or with meals. In addition, you should swallow them whole, without chewing, with a little water.
In most cases, the treatment shouldn’t exceed 8 to 12 weeks. This period of time also includes the time needed for gradual withdrawal.
To avoid withdrawal symptoms, you shouldn’t stop taking bromazepam abruptly. This is especially important if you’ve been taking it for a long time.
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What adverse effects can bromazepam produce?
Most patients tolerate this medication well. However, patients may experience the following adverse effects at the beginning of treatment:
- Confusion and drowsiness
- Headache, dizziness, and reduced alertness
- Ataxia, lack of coordination, and double vision
- Nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness, and fatigue
These symptoms usually disappear as treatment continues. However, bromazepam may also trigger other adverse effects:
- Disorders of the immune system
- Psychiatric disorders, such as depression
- Irritability
- Aggressiveness
- Attacks of anger
- Nightmares
- Hallucinations
Heart disorders such as heart failure and heart attacks can also occur. In addition, patients may suffer falls and fractures. In this sense, older patients and in patients who are taking other sedatives at the same time are at greater risk.
The use of benzodiazepines, as we’ve seen, can develop physical dependence, even at therapeutic doses. This occurs mainly when patients take the drug uninterruptedly for a long time.
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Conclusion
Bromazepam is a benzodiazepine. This type of medication has demonstrated its effectiveness and safety in the short term, from 8 to 12 weeks, in severe anxiety disorders and intense insomnia.
Although there’s documentation that doesn’t justify its long-term use, at present, it’s still prescribed for longer periods.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
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Davies, J. A. (2011). Bromazepam. In xPharm: The Comprehensive Pharmacology Reference. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-008055232-3.61346-7
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Fontaine, R., Mercier, P., Beaudry, P., Annable, L., & Chouinard, G. (1986). Bromazepam and lorazepam in generalized anxiety: a placebo‐controlled study with measurement of drug plasma concentrations. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0447.1986.tb06268.x
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Gongora, M., Peressuti, C., Velasques, B., Bittencourt, J., Teixeira, S., Arias-Carrión, O., … Ribeiro, P. (2015). Absolute Theta Power in the Frontal Cortex During a Visuomotor Task: The Effect of Bromazepam on Attention. Clinical EEG and Neuroscience. https://doi.org/10.1177/1550059414535576