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Bromazepam

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: August 20, 2026

Bromazepam is a benzodiazepine medication primarily used to treat anxiety disorders, anxiety associated with depression, and panic attacks. It works by enhancing the effect of GABA, a neurotransmitter that reduces brain activity, producing a calming effect. Due to risks of dependence and tolerance, it is typically prescribed for short-term use.

Quick summary

Bromazepam is a benzodiazepine used short-term to treat anxiety and panic disorders by enhancing calming brain chemicals.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 20, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
N05BA08
RxNorm
1749
Generic
Bromazepam
Class
atc-n05
Brands
—
Availability
rx
Lactation
unknown
Routes
oral
Forms
tablet
Regions
US, EU, CN, JP
Monitoring
—

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
1.5-3mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
Not recommended
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
N/A
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
1.5mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Single dose that may cause serious toxicity, significantly exceeding therapeutic doses (typical therapeutic range 3-30mg/day)
Chronic overdose: cumulative toxicity from repeated supratherapeutic dosing above recommended 30mg/day maximum
Immediate actions
airway protection, supportive care, consider gastric decontamination for recent ingestions, monitor vital functions
Antidote
Flumazenil (partial antagonist at benzodiazepine receptor sites)(useful for reversing sedation but use with caution due to risk of seizures in dependent patients)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

8 groups
✗

pregnancy

first trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

regular fetal monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

pregnancy

third trimester
unsafe
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid

Key Recommendations

avoid use near delivery due to risk of neonatal sedation and withdrawal

Monitor

monitor newborn for respiratory depression and withdrawal symptoms

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

✗

lactation

breastfeeding
unsafe
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

avoid

Key Recommendations

avoid breastfeeding during treatment due to excretion in breast milk

Monitor

monitor infant for excessive sedation

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

geriatric

elderly
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

reduce dose by 50%

Key Recommendations

use lowest effective dose, start at half adult dose, monitor for falls and cognitive impairment

Monitor

regular assessment of cognitive function and balance

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

pediatric_age

children adolescents
contraindicated
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

not recommended

Key Recommendations

not recommended for use in children under 18 years due to insufficient safety data

Monitor

not applicable

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

renal_impairment

moderate to severe
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

reduce dose by 25-50%

Key Recommendations

use with caution in patients with creatinine clearance below 30 mL/min

Monitor

monitor renal function and adjust dose accordingly

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

moderate to severe
caution
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

reduce dose by 25-50%

Key Recommendations

use with caution due to metabolism in liver, avoid in severe hepatic impairment

Monitor

monitor liver function tests

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

alcohol_users

concurrent use
contraindicated
FDA Category
N
Dose Adjustment

avoid combination

Key Recommendations

avoid concurrent alcohol use due to additive CNS depressant effects

Monitor

monitor for excessive sedation and respiratory depression

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

Statistics and clinical data

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:Benzodiazepine

Benzodiazepine anxiolytic class of medications

mechanism_of_actionFDA
2023

Mechanism of action

Value:GABA-A receptor modulator

Enhances GABAergic neurotransmission

usageMedical guidelines
2023

Common uses

Value:Anxiety disorders, insomnia, sedation

Therapeutic indications for bromazepam

pharmacokineticsFDA
2023

Average half-life

Value:20 hours

Elimination half-life range 10-30 hours

Treatment of anxiety disorders, anxiety associated with depressive symptoms, and panic attacks. May also be used for preoperative anxiety or alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Binds to benzodiazepine receptors on the GABA-A receptor complex, enhancing the inhibitory effects of GABA neurotransmitter. This reduces neuronal excitability and produces sedative, anxiolytic, and muscle relaxant effects.

Should only be used short-term (typically 2-4 weeks) due to risk of dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. May cause drowsiness and impair cognitive function; avoid alcohol and operating machinery. Not recommended for long-term use or in patients with a history of substance abuse.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy