Phenazepam is a member of the tranquilizer group of drugs. Its active ingredient is benzodiazepine. The drug has a calming, anticonvulsant, hypnotic and muscle relaxant effect. This leads to its use in the treatment of nervous and mental pathologies.
Instructions for use with Phenazepam tablets are discussed below.
The properties
The drug is able to activate benzodiazepine receptors, as well as have a sedative effect on the subcortical structures that are located in the human brain. In addition, "Phenazepam" causes the suspension of polysynaptic spinal reflexes.
People often ask: what will happen if you drink the Phenazepam tablet? Benzodiazepine has an effect on the amygdala complex of the limbic system, due to which, when taken regularly, symptoms and symptoms associated with neuropathic diseases are reduced, anxiety, anxiety and fear are noticeably reduced, and emotional stress associated with mental or nervous pathologies.
The sedative effect of 1 tablet of “Phenazepam” is due to the effect on the reticular formation and non-specific thalamic nuclei. It should be borne in mind that the drug is ineffective in affective types of disorders, hallucinations and delusional conditions.
Phenazepam is well and rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and excreted by the kidneys in the form of metabolites. The maximum concentration is reached two hours after oral administration.
Structure
The phenazepam tablet contains a benzodiazepine derivative, which acts as an active ingredient. In addition, the composition of the drug is supplemented with the following excipients:
- Calcium stearate.
- Lactose.
- Potato starch.
- Talc.
- Povidone.
Release Forms
The drug is available in the following forms:
- Tablets of 0.5 mg, 1 mg or 2.5 mg. They are flat-cylindrical, with a bevel, white (0.5 and 2.5 mg) or with a notch and a bevel (1 mg). In blisters - 25 or 10 tablets of "Phenazepam". Packed in 2 or 5 blisters in cardboard boxes. Also, the product is commercially available in polymer cans (50 tablets of “Phenazepam”) and packs of cardboard (1 can in a pack).
- Solution for intramuscular and intravenous administration, packaged in glass ampoules of 1 ml and blisters (5 ampoules). Ampoules are packed in cardboard boxes (10 ampoules each) or cardboard packs (2 blisters each).
Indications and contraindications
The drug should be prescribed by a doctor based on the established diagnosis. According to the instructions for use with Phenazepam tablets, the indications for use are:
- Restless, anxious conditions, accompanied by unreasonable fears.
- Neurotic diseases, which are characterized by increased irritability and emotional tension.
- Conditions characterized as psychopathic, psychopathic, neurosis-like, etc.
- Hypochondriac-senestopathic syndrome.
- Prevention with strong emotional stress.
- Psychoses of a reactive nature.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Epilepsy (as a remedy for seizures).
- With tics, rigidity and hyperkinesis of muscles as part of complex therapy, along with other drugs.
The drug is contraindicated in the following cases:
- State of shock.
- Hypersensitivity to the substances that make up the drug.
- Coma.
- Angle-closure glaucoma in the acute phase or with a predisposition to this disease.
- Intoxication with alcohol or drugs in acute form.
- Intoxication with sleeping pills, if there is a weakening of the vital functions of the body.
- Depressive state with the development of suicidal tendency.
- Impaired respiratory function.
- The period of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
The safety and effectiveness of Phenazepam tablets when used by persons under 18 years of age have not been determined, therefore, they cannot be used in patients in this age group.
The drug must be taken exclusively under the supervision of the attending physician.
With caution, it is prescribed in the following conditions:
- Drug addiction.
- Impaired functioning of the brain of an organic nature.
- Apnea.
- The state of psychosis.
- Cerebral or spinal forms of ataxia.
- Kidney and liver failure.
- Elderly age.
As indicated in the instructions for use, Phenazepam tablets during gestation can be prescribed only if it is necessary according to the patient’s vital indicators. The active component of the drug is able to have a toxic effect on the developing fetus, increasing the likelihood of developing congenital malformations. It is especially dangerous to take the drug at the beginning of pregnancy, namely the first 12 weeks.
At a later date, taking "Phenazepam" may be accompanied by inhibition of the central nervous system of the fetus. When taking the drug throughout pregnancy, the child may develop a dependence on the active substance, followed by withdrawal.
Taking the drug immediately before or during childbirth is categorically prohibited, as this can lead to the following consequences:
- Hypotension.
- Weakened sucking reflex.
- Depressed breathing.
- Decreased muscle tone.
- Hypothermia.
Combination with alcohol
It is strictly forbidden to take Phenozepam tablets with alcohol at the same time. The period of withdrawal syndrome is also a contraindication for taking the drug, since alcohol may remain in the body that can react with the active substance.
Side effects are greatly enhanced while taking the drug with alcohol. Moreover, the reaction is individual for each individual patient. Symptoms while taking with alcohol are as follows:
- Inhibition.
- Hallucinations.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Dyspnea.
- Decreased hemoglobin level.
- Violation of psychomotor functions.
- Dizziness.
In some cases, shortness of breath can be so strong that it can cause a coma and death.
Some take Phenazepam tablets and alcohol at the same time to enhance the effect of intoxication. Such actions often cause dependence in humans, which subsequently ends in an overdose.
Instruction manual
The drug is taken orally, washed down with plenty of water. A single dose of the drug is from 0.5 to 1 mg. On average, up to 5 mg can be taken per day. As a rule, the minimum dose is taken in the morning and up to 2.5 mg at bedtime. The maximum daily dosage of the drug is 10 mg.
The dosage of Phenazepam in tablets should be strictly observed.
Psychopathic, psychopathic and neurosis-like conditions suggest taking 1 mg of the drug 2-3 times a day with a further increase in dosage to 6 mg. If the patient is diagnosed with sleep disturbance, 0.25-0.5 mg is taken half an hour before going to bed.
Therapy of epilepsy requires taking from 2 to 10 mg per day. With increased muscle tone, 2-3 mg of the drug is prescribed. With anxiety, fear and agitation at the initial level, 3 mg of “Phenazepam” is prescribed per day. In the future, this dose is increased gradually until the effect of treatment is achieved.
Against the background of alcohol withdrawal, the drug is prescribed with caution, and the dose of Phenazepam tablets is up to 5 mg. The drug can be administered intramuscularly or intravenously in the form of a solution. The dosage is the same as in the case of the tablet form of the drug. Having achieved the effect of therapy, the doctor can transfer the patient to a drug in the form of tablets, canceling the injection.
Since the medication can cause dependence, it is not recommended to drink it in courses exceeding two weeks. However, in some cases, the reception can be prolonged to two months. You should stop taking it gradually, reducing the dosage to a minimum. This will help avoid drug withdrawal.
Overdose
Excessive excess of the doses prescribed by the doctor can lead to an overdose. An independent increase in dosage can cause the development of the following conditions:
- Depression of consciousness.
- Drowsiness.
- Depressed breathing.
- Tremor of the limbs.
- Lowering blood pressure.
- Depression of the cardiovascular system.
- Dyspnea.
- Confused consciousness.
- Coma.
- Diarthria
- Decreased reflexes.
Treatment for an overdose is symptomatic. To begin with, the patient’s stomach is washed, then sorbents are prescribed. The patient must be under the supervision of a physician. Hemodialysis in this case does not show effectiveness. In the hospital, the patient is also prescribed “Flumazenil” as an antagonist. Thus, an overdose of the drug is very dangerous for the health and even the life of the patient, therefore it is strictly impossible to exceed the prescribed dosages. The lethal dose of Phenazepam in tablets will be indicated later.
Side effects
Incorrectly prescribed therapy or prolonged use of the drug can lead to the development of adverse reactions from various organs and systems. The manifestation of the following symptoms signals the need to cancel the drug and consult a specialist:
- Nervous system: drowsiness, disorientation, fatigue, ataxia, dizziness, heavy morning awakening, confused consciousness, headaches, discoordination, feeling of euphoria, decreased concentration, anxiety, epileptic seizures.
- Hemopoietic system: anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis.
- Gastrointestinal tract: nausea, heartburn, dry mouth, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, jaundice, increased salivation, decreased appetite.
- Genitourinary system: decreased libido, urinary incontinence or urinary retention, increased sexual desire, dysmenorrhea, renal failure.
In addition, against the background of individual intolerance to the substances that make up the drug, allergic reactions may occur in the form of itching, rashes and urticaria.
Other side effects may include:
- Lowering blood pressure.
- Addiction to the drug.
- Anorexia.
- Arrhythmia and tachycardia.
- Visual impairment.
Abrupt withdrawal of the drug can cause the corresponding syndrome, which is manifested by the following symptoms:
- Depressive state.
- Nervousness.
- Irritability.
- Increased sweating.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- The emergence of suicidal tendencies.
- Photophobia.
- Tachycardia.
- Psychosis.
Can I buy Phenazepam tablets without a prescription? No, they are sold only by prescription.
special instructions
There are a number of rules by which the drug should be taken in combination with other drugs:
- The toxic properties of Zidovulin, while taking it with Phenazepam, increase.
- The effect of the drug is enhanced when combined with psychotropic or hypnotics.
- The risk of side effects increases with the combination of "Phenazepam" with ethanol.
- Antihypertensive drugs enhance their properties when combined with Phenazepam.
- "Clozapine" may further increase respiratory depression in patients receiving at the same time.
The drug does not belong to expensive ones; its price ranges from 90 to 150 rubles. For Phenazepam tablets, the prescription is usually given by the attending physician.
Special instructions for admission include:
- If the patient has a history of kidney or liver failure, it is necessary to regularly monitor the state of the enzymes and a blood test during the treatment with Phenazepam.
- It is imperative to inform the doctor of any medications, especially antidepressants, taken earlier. Similar patients may need to increase the daily dosage.
- Prolonged use of the drug can cause addiction.
- Therapy should be discontinued if the patient has fears, suicidal thoughts or convulsive syndrome.
- Alcohol during the treatment with Phenazepam is strictly prohibited.
- The drug affects psychomotor functions and concentration, so you should refuse to drive a car and other works. This is confirmed by the instructions for tablets "Phenazepam."
Analogs
The pharmaceutical market is ready to offer an extensive list of drugs that can become analogues of Phenazepam. The most common among them are Diazepam, Oxazepam, Elzepam, Fenzitat, Phenorelaxan, Fesipam, etc. All of these drugs are included in the group of tranquilizers and are also derivatives of benzodiazepine. Most similar drugs have the same set of side effects and properties as Phenazepam. Let's consider analogues more similarly.
Preparations that have exactly the same therapeutic effect as Phenazepam and are part of the benzodiazepine derivative group include:
- Fenzitat. This is a benzodiazepine tranquilizer, which has a pronounced anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, sedative, muscle relaxant and hypnotic effect.
- "Phenasef." Also applies to tranquilizers. It is prescribed for the treatment of conditions of a neurotic, psychopathic and neurosis-like nature, accompanied by tension, irritability, emotional lability, etc.
- The Phezipam. It has the same effect as Fenzitat.
- Tranquesipam. The muscle relaxant effect of a central nature.
- "Phenorelaxan." An antipsychotic drug that is prescribed for schizophrenia, athetosis, autonomic lability, sedation, and also to overcome feelings of fear and tension of an emotional nature.
- "Elzepam." A standard drug based on benzodiazepine.
There are also a number of drugs that have similar properties, but are dispensed in a pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. Their main difference from “Phenozepam” is relative safety when taken. The most popular drugs are:
- Amitriptyline. The drug is intended to eliminate depressive states of any etymology. Due to the pronounced sedative effect, the drug shows particular effectiveness in the treatment of anxiety-depressive conditions. Unlike antidepressants, it does not cause delusions and hallucinations.
- "Etaperazin". It is prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia and other mental pathologies, involutional senile psychoses, indomitable vomiting, psychopathy, etc. For example, admission during pregnancy to relieve symptoms of toxicosis.
- "Glycine". Regulates metabolic processes, normalizes and activates protective inhibition in the nervous system, relieves emotional stress, increases mental performance.
- Sonapaks. Also suitable for treating schizophrenia. It is prescribed to patients if other drugs for some reason did not fit. It is also taken with manifestations of aggression, lack of concentration, etc.
- "Bellatominal." It is prescribed for severe irritability, severe sleep disturbance, neurogenic malfunctions of the menstrual cycle, as well as in the complex therapy of vegetative-vascular dystonia.
- "Melaxen." Normalizes sleep, suitable for the treatment of the elderly.
- Adaptol. It is prescribed for neurosis-like conditions, anxiety, stress, nicotine withdrawal.
There are also a number of drugs that can become an analogue of "Phenazepam" for its hypnotic effect. The most famous of them are herbal remedies, namely:
- "Nason." It is used for sleep disturbances, frequent awakenings, short night sleep, accompanied by tension, anxiety, anxiety and irritability.
- Persen. It is used in the treatment of neurosis, which does not require the appointment of potent sedative drugs.
Reviews
In almost all reviews, patients and doctors agree that Phenazepam is a potent and unsafe drug. Taking it yourself is not recommended, only as directed by a doctor. On the Internet there are many reviews from people who took "Phenozepam" from relatives or bought at a pharmacy from unscrupulous pharmacists and took it on their own. Experts warn against such steps, because the drug has a number of contraindications, not to mention the possible side effects.
2 tablets of "Phenazepam" are often prescribed for sleep disorders and insomnia. The drug has established itself as a highly effective tool. It quickly normalizes sleep, relieves the feeling of anxiety and nervousness. He helped some patients get rid of insomnia amid stressful situations, calm their nerves and restore a normal quality of life. The advantage is also its low cost.
However, it should be remembered about the significant disadvantages of the use of phenazepam tablets, which are often mentioned in reviews. The most important is the possibility of developing addiction to the drug and withdrawal syndrome with a sharp rejection of it. All doctors warn against exceeding the dosages prescribed by the doctor, since it is difficult to get rid of withdrawal symptoms during the long-term therapy with Phenazepam.
Side effects are also an obvious disadvantage of the drug. Some had a feeling of unreality the next morning after taking Phenazepam in the evening, while others complained of severe headache and weakness.Also, in some cases, while taking the drug, there was a decrease in concentration and clouding of consciousness. In addition, many complain that the drug is prescription, although this is more likely an advantage, especially in view of the possible consequences of taking it.
In general, observing the dosages described in the instructions and the duration of administration, both addiction and the development of side effects can be avoided. However, experts warn that, for example, against the background of alcohol or drug addiction, all these undesirable consequences may occur with a higher probability.
You also need to know that the lethal dose of Phenazepam in tablets for humans is 0.5 mg of the drug per kg of weight in an adult. For children - 0.25 mg per 1 kg.
It is a potent drug. Its appointment should be made by a specialist and only in cases where other, safer drugs have not had the desired effect. With short insomnia, it makes sense to give preference to over-the-counter, weaker drugs. "Phenazepam" is an extreme measure that is resorted to when other methods have failed. The risk from taking it should be comparable with the problem being solved with its help. An assessment of the risks and possible consequences for the health of the patient should be carried out by a doctor.
We reviewed the instructions for the phenazepam tablets.