Lectopam (Bromazepam) belongs to the class of mediations known as benzodiazepines. It is used for the short-term relief of symptoms of excessive anxiety. It works to reduce anxiety by affecting certain substances in the brain called neurotransmitters.

Lectopam (Bromazepam) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Lectopam (Bromazepam) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Lectopam (Bromazepam) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Lectopam (Bromazepam) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Lectopam (Bromazepam), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Lectopam (Bromazepam) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Lectopam (Bromazepam) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Lectopam (Bromazepam) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The recommended starting dose of Lectopam (Bromazepam) for adults ranges from 6 mg to 18 mg daily, in divided doses. Your doctor may have you gradually increase the dose, based on how well it works and the side effects you experience. Generally, the maximum adult dose of Lectopam (Bromazepam) is 30 mg daily in divided doses. To avoid excessive sedation or motor impairment, it is important that the dose be adjusted to a person's specific needs. In general, seniors are more sensitive to benzodiazepines and usually require lower doses.

The length of treatment should not exceed one week unless, after that period of time, your doctor recommends otherwise. Lectopam (Bromazepam) is normally used for a short period of time or as an "as required" medication. It may be habit-forming when taken for long periods of time. If you have been taking Lectopam (Bromazepam) regularly for a long time (i.e., longer than a month), do not stop taking Lectopam (Bromazepam) without first speaking to your doctor. When stopping Lectopam (Bromazepam), the dose should be reduced gradually to avoid withdrawal effects.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that Lectopam (Bromazepam) be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store at room temperature in a dry place and keep it out of reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Lectopam (Bromazepam). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Lectopam (Bromazepam) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Lectopam (Bromazepam). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• Constipation
• delayed reactions
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• drowsiness
• headache
• nausea
• slurred speech

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• anxiety
• behaviour changes (e.g., aggressiveness, agitation, unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability)
• confusion
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren't there)
• memory loss of recent events
• nightmares or trouble sleeping
• signs of Depression (e.g., poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, thoughts of suicide)
• urinary problems (leakage, increased urgency to urinate)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Lectopam (Bromazepam).

3 mg
Each pale red in colour, slightly speckled, cylindrical and biplane in shape tablet, single scored on one side, engraved with "Roche 3" on the other side contains Lectopam (Bromazepam) 3 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: iron oxide red, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and talc.

6 mg
Each greenish-grey to greyish-green in colour, slightly speckled, cylindrical and biplane in shape tablet, single scored on one side, engraved with "Roche 6" on the other side contains Lectopam (Bromazepam) 6 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: indigotine aluminum lake, iron oxide yellow, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and talc.

Do not take Lectopam (Bromazepam) if you:

• are allergic to Lectopam (Bromazepam) or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to any other benzodiazepines
• have Myasthenia Gravis
• have narrow angle Glaucoma
• have severe breathing difficulties
• have severe liver disease
• have Sleep Apnea

There may be an interaction between Lectopam (Bromazepam) and any of the following:

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Lectopam (Bromazepam). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Lectopam (Bromazepam).

Alcohol: People taking Lectopam (Bromazepam) should not consume alcohol since doing so can reduce the effectiveness of Lectopam (Bromazepam) and increase the risk of side effects.

Breathing: Lectopam (Bromazepam) can suppress breathing. This effect on breathing may be more pronounced for people with breathing problems, brain damage, or who are taking other medications that suppress breathing (e.g., Codeine, Morphine). If you have severe breathing problems, discuss the risks and benefits of taking Lectopam (Bromazepam) your doctor.

Dependence and withdrawal: Physical dependence (a need to take regular doses to prevent physical symptoms) has been associated with benzodiazepines such as Lectopam (Bromazepam). Severe withdrawal symptoms may be experienced (e.g., seizures) if the dose is significantly reduced or Lectopam (Bromazepam) is suddenly stopped. Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, nervousness, sleep problems, agitation, tremors, Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, memory impairment, headache, muscle pain, extreme anxiety, tension, restlessness, and confusion. Reducing the dose gradually under medical supervision can help prevent or decrease these withdrawal symptoms.

Depression: Lectopam (Bromazepam), like other benzodiazepines, has been known to cause mood swings and symptoms of depression. If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how Lectopam (Bromazepam) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Lectopam (Bromazepam), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking Lectopam (Bromazepam), contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Lectopam (Bromazepam) is not recommended for use by people with depression or psychosis or who have attempted suicide.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Lectopam (Bromazepam) causes drowsiness and sedation. Avoid activities requiring mental alertness, judgment, or physical coordination (such as driving or operating machinery) while taking it. This is particularly true when first taking the medication and until you have established how Lectopam (Bromazepam) affects. Alcohol may increase the drowsiness effects and should be avoided.

Lactose intolerance: Lactose is one of the ingredients in Lectopam (Bromazepam). If you have a hereditary condition that makes you intolerant to lactose, discuss other alternatives with your doctor.

Pregnancy: Lectopam (Bromazepam) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you take Lectopam (Bromazepam) and suspect you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, consult your doctor before stopping Lectopam (Bromazepam) suddenly.

Breast-feeding: Lectopam (Bromazepam) may pass into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Lectopam (Bromazepam), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: Lectopam (Bromazepam) is not recommended for use by children or adolescents under 18 years of age.

Seniors: Seniors may be at increased risk of experiencing the sedative and impaired coordination effects of Lectopam (Bromazepam). They need to exercise extra caution, for example, to avoid falling when getting up during the night.