A bromazepam dose can depend on a patient’s age and medical history as well as the response to the medication. Standard dosing starts low to determine if it is possible to achieve a therapeutic effect with minimal risks to the patient. As the dose increases, the patient can be more prone to side effects, some of which can be severe. This is a benzodiazepine medication and can cause dependence if it is used for an extended period of time, which means that patients need to be careful when they stop taking it.
The basic bromazepam dose starts at 3 milligrams two to three times a day to determine if this is enough to control a patient’s anxiety. If the patient doesn’t respond, it can slowly be increased up to 12 milligrams at each dose. In addition to being used as an anxiolytic, it can also be recommended for a patient with panic attacks, in which case it is used as a sedative when a patient has an acute episode. Appropriate dosing remains similar, as high doses can depress the central nervous system and may cause decreased heart rate and respiration or coma.
One consideration that can affect a bromazepam dose is age, because older adults are more sensitive to benzodiazepines and may need lower doses to prevent cognitive side effects like memory loss, confusion, and fatigue. Patients with liver or kidney function problems may also need a dose adjustment, as the medication can be hard on these organs. If the patient doesn’t respond well to the drug, it may be withdrawn and replaced with another medication.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take a bromazepam dose, because it can cause birth defects and problems for breastfeeding infants. If they experience extreme anxiety and distress, other medications are available and may considered. Patients who become pregnant while on the drug should discuss the situation with their obstetricians to decide how to proceed. Quitting abruptly can be dangerous, so they may need to slowly stop the medication under supervision.
This medication is intended for short term use, generally not lasting more than 12 weeks. During this period, patients may also receive counseling and other treatments to help them address anxiety and panic attacks. When it is time to stop taking a bromazepam dose, the patient should slowly reduce the dose over several days or weeks to allow the body to adjust. Cutting off the medication can cause withdrawal symptoms which may the patient feel very ill.