Bromazepam - oral

Bromazepam helps relieve anxiety.

Take Bromazepam exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.

Bromazepam should only be taken for a short period of time. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition. Your doctor may want to reduce the dose of Bromazepam gradually before stopping it completely. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Inform your doctor if this medicine does not seem to help you.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• severe liver disease
• severe lung disease
• glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
• myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder)
• sleep apnoea (a sleep disorder wherein the person's breathing is interrupted during sleep)

as Bromazepam may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• other mood disorders e.g. depression
• history of alcohol or drug abuse
• kidney disease
• mild to moderate liver disease
• pre-existing or long-term lung disease
• personality disorder (a mental disorder characterised by an unhealthy pattern of thinking, functioning, and behaving)

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Bromazepam to the elderly or debilitated patient (physically or mentally weak, usually due to illness or old age). Elderly people and debilitated patients may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. liver, kidney and lung functions; blood counts) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
• Monitor your blood pressure during treatment.

Bromazepam may cause drowsiness or dizziness or may impair muscle function. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activities in which you need to be alert.

Other side effects include any of the following: confusion, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, headache, tiredness, skin rash, muscle weakness and spasm.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• sudden unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour, seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are non-existent)
• difficulty learning new information or memory problems
• desire or physical need to take this medicine to function normally

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• strong painkillers
• other sleeping pills
• other medicines for anxiety
• other medicines for mood disorders e.g. fluvoxamine
• medicines to block pain and sensation
• certain medicines for colds or allergy e.g. hydroxyzine
• medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures)
• medicines to relax the muscles
• propranolol (medicine for high blood pressure)
• cimetidine (medicine used to reduce stomach acid production)
• atropine (medicine that helps to relax the muscle walls of the intestines)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Bromazepam.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Bromazepam.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.