Bromazepam

Benzodiazepine sedatives

Bromazepam is a powerful psychotropic agent. In lower dosage, it selectively reduces tension and anxiety. In higher dosage, it shows sedative and muscle-relaxant properties. Bromazepam binds to the GABA-A receptor producing a conformational change and potentiating its inhibitory effects. Other neurotransmitters are not influenced.

Standard dosage: Average dosage for outpatient therapy is 1.5-3 mg up to three times daily. Treatment of outpatients should begin with low doses, gradually increasing to the optimum level.

In severe cases, especially in hospital: 6-12 mg 2 or 3 times daily. The overall treatment generally should not be more than 8-12 weeks. In certain cases extension beyond the maximum treatment period may be necessary; if so, it should be taken with re-evaluation of the patient's status with special expertise.

Elderly and debilitated patients: Elderly patients and those with impaired hepatic functions require lower doses.

Children: Bromazepam is usually not indicated in children, but if the physician feels bromazepam treatment is appropriate, then the dose should be adjusted to their low bodyweight (about 0.1-0.3 mg/kg bodyweight)

Bromazepam tablets are for oral administration

Common side-effects include fatigue, drowsiness, muscle weakness, numbed muscle, reduced alertness, confusion, headache, ataxia etc. These phenomena occur predominantly at the start of therapy and usually disappear with prolonged administration. Anterograde amnesia may occur using therapeutic doses.

Bromazepam is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to bromazepam, severe respiratory insufficiency, severe hepatic insufficiency or sleep apnea syndrome.

The use of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine like agents may lead to the development of physical and psychological dependence upon these products. This dependence depends on the dose and duration of treatment; it is also greater in predisposed patients with a history of alcohol. Once physical dependence has developed, termination of the treatment will be accompanied by withdrawal symptoms. These may consist of headache, muscle pain, extreme anxiety, tension, confusion and irritability. Since the risk of withdrawal phenomena and rebound phenomena is greater after abrupt discontinuation of the treatment, it is recommended that the dosage be decreased gradually. Bromazepam is not recommended for the primary treatment of sleeplessness caused by psychotic illness. Caution should be exercised while driving cars or using machineries.

If bromazepam is combined with other centrally active drugs, its sedative effects may be enhanced. These drugs are antidepressants, hypnotics, narcotics, antipsychotics, sedatives, antiepileptic drugs, sedative antihistamines and anesthetics. Co-administration of cimetidine may prolong the eliminiation half-life of bromazepam. Concomitant intake of bromazepam with alcohol should be avoided, because the sedative effect of bromazepam may be intensified by alcohol.

The safety of bromazepam during pregnancy has not been established. As bromazepam is excreted in breast milk, use should be avoided during lactation.

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.