Description:

Lexotanil 1.5mg is a benzodiazepine medication used for the short-term treatment of severe anxiety disorders, panic attacks, acute stress reactions, and severe insomnia when associated with anxiety. It provides rapid calming, anxiolytic, sedative, muscle-relaxant, and anticonvulsant effects by enhancing GABA activity in the brain. It is intended for short-term use only due to the risk of dependence and tolerance.

Prescription:

• Prescription required (controlled drug – benzodiazepine; strict dispensing rules apply in Ghana).

Therapeutic Category:

• Anxiolytic / Benzodiazepine (short-acting to intermediate-acting sedative-hypnotic; ATC code N05BA08).

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Bromazepam 1.5 mg per tablet.

Variant:

• Standard 1.5 mg tablet (lower strength; Lexotanil is also available in 3 mg and 6 mg tablets in some markets, but 1.5 mg is common for initial or maintenance dosing in anxiety).

Consume Type:

• Oral (tablet form).

Directions/Usage:

Take with or without food; swallow whole with water.

• Adults: Starting dose usually 1.5–3 mg (1 tablet) 2–3 times daily; maintenance 3–6 mg/day in divided doses (max 18 mg/day in severe cases).
• Elderly or debilitated patients: Start with 0.75–1.5 mg once or twice daily (lower doses due to increased sensitivity).
• Duration: Short-term only (typically 2–4 weeks; maximum 8–12 weeks including taper).
• Do not exceed prescribed dose or duration. Taper gradually under medical supervision to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
• Take lowest effective dose; avoid evening doses if daytime sedation is undesirable.

Common Side Effects:

• Drowsiness, sedation, dizziness, fatigue, muscle weakness, ataxia (impaired coordination), confusion, memory impairment, headache, or dry mouth. Less common: Paradoxical reactions (agitation, aggression), rebound anxiety, or dependence with prolonged use.

Package Type:

• Blister strip of 10 or 20 tablets (common pack sizes in Ghana pharmacies; often 10s or 30s).

Storage Advice:

• Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep in original blister/packaging. Keep out of reach of children (controlled substance).

Safety Advice:

• Contraindicated in severe respiratory insufficiency, sleep apnea syndrome, severe hepatic impairment, myasthenia gravis, or known hypersensitivity. Use extreme caution in elderly (risk of falls/sedation), history of substance abuse (high dependence risk), depression (may worsen suicidal ideation), or with alcohol/CNS depressants (additive sedation/respiratory depression). Risk of tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal (anxiety, insomnia, seizures) with prolonged use—taper slowly. Pregnancy: Category D (avoid—risk of fetal harm). Breastfeeding: Avoid (passes into milk). May impair driving/operating machinery. Report severe drowsiness, confusion, memory loss, or mood changes immediately. Not for long-term use.

Product Substitutes:

• Lexotan 1.5mg or 3mg (original Roche brand)
• Bromazepam 1.5mg generics (Exeter, Vega, or other importers in Ghana)
• Other benzodiazepines: Lorazepam 1–2 mg, Diazepam 5–10 mg, Alprazolam 0.25–0.5 mg (if substituted by doctor). Consult a psychiatrist or physician for suitable alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

• Chepla Pharm

Country of Origin:

• Ghana