Bromazepam: Uses And Side Effects Of This Psychotropic Drug
We can affirm that within the world of psychopharmacology, benzodiazepines They are among the most studied and varied drugs that exist on the market. And 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 bromazepam a benzodiazepine less known than diazepam or lorazepam, but widely used for anxiety attacks and very intense states of stress.
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 below in more detail, Special caution must be taken with the use of this substance since it can generate a powerful dependency, so under no circumstances is self-medication without a medical prescription recommended. Furthermore, 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 the person to suffocate during sleep.
Another great risk of consuming this psychotropic drug is to abruptly discontinue its use, since it can begin the withdrawal syndrome; In these cases, the most common thing is to prescribe another benzodiazepine to control the withdrawal syndrome.
In what cases is it used?
Bromazepam is only indicated when the disorder is serious, disabling or significantly affects the patient. That is to say, when it causes clinically significant discomfort and interferes in several areas of the person’s life. Some of the psychological problems that may require this psychotropic drug are:
Dose used
In low doses, bromazepam relieves the physiological symptoms of anxiety (such as tachycardia, difficulty breathing, digestive problems); At higher doses it produces a sedative and muscle relaxing effect, which can be highly addictive.
In more detail, doses must be adjusted individually. As basic premises, we highlight:
Side effects of bromazepam
The most important side effects of bromazepam are dependence on the drug, impairment of short-term memory (it produces anterograde amnesia in some cases) and even impairment of motor coordination. 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, episodes of irritability, nightmares and euphoria. The appearance of 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 disappear gradually. In the sphere of psychiatric disorders, the appearance of 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 stop treatment gradually and replace it with another more suitable one, always subject to the professional’s criteria
There are several precautions that the consumer must take into account before ingesting this psychotropic drug:
1. General
In order to avoid possible poisoning due to accumulation, the patient must periodically attend 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 patients who have respiratory problems, since there is a risk of respiratory depression and death.
Must be Be careful when driving vehicles or using machines since the sedative effects of bromazepam can affect the person’s ability.
2. Dependency and abuse
As we have said previously, 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 multiply
3. Withdrawal of treatment
In the most severe cases and during treatment withdrawal, the patient 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 breastfeeding
The use of bromazepam during pregnancy is not 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 who is in the last trimester of pregnancy or during childbirth, although only in cases where it is totally necessary. The explanation is that bromazepam can cause adverse effects on the baby such as respiratory depression, hypotonia or hypothermia.
Regarding breastfeeding, mothers who give breast milk to their babies should not consume bromazepam, since benzodiazepines are transmitted to breast milk and can affect the newborn.
