Lexatin, this is how the user manual should be (never abuse) for the most prescribed anxiolytic in our country.

It's among the most prescribed medications in Spain , and although its active ingredient is called bromazepam , the reality is that this drug is no joke, even though it's on everyone's lips. It's not uncommon to find recommendations about its use in groups of friends, conversations at work, or on social media, where we've gone from taking an ibuprofen out of our bag to give it to someone with back pain to giving it to someone with anxiety . We've ended up living in a country where it's cheaper to relieve anxiety with a pill than to address its causes in therapy.

What is it for?

Most commonly, a doctor prescribes this medication to treat severe anxiety conditions and states . That is, this drug will relieve anxiety and nervousness for a few hours, but it should always be used as an extraordinary treatment and not as a chronic treatment. Despite this, the data tells us quite the opposite: four out of 10 Spaniards take benzodiazepines to treat anxiety or to sleep better.

Is Orfidal the same as Lexatin?

In both cases, we're talking about benzodiazepines. The first has the generic name lorazepam , and the second bromazepam . Both are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety, but they have minor differences. If you're experiencing insomnia associated with anxiety , then Orfidal would be a better choice. If you're looking to treat mild anxiety or this is your first time taking something to treat this condition, Lexatin would be a better choice.

In any case, the specialist will decide the best treatment based on the patient's condition, needs, other treatments they are taking, or allergies.

Are you going to leave me half asleep?

If the dose is high, it can cause drowsiness , but a dose adjusted by your doctor won't leave you drowsy. This benzodiazepine relaxes you , making that anxiety disappear, without making you sleepy or causing significant muscle weakness. This is why it's one of the most prescribed, as it allows you to remain active during the day without a high level of anxiety.

How long can I take it?

Anxiolytics such as bromazepam are recommended for the occasional, one-off treatment of anxiety: they should not be taken for more than eight or 10 consecutive weeks . This can lead to significant dependence in the patient, as well as a loss of effect, which will necessarily require an increase in dosage to achieve the same results. In fact, discontinuation of this medication should always be done gradually .

Is it the cure for anxiety?

Lexatin is not a solution to anxiety ; it's a temporary aid while we work in therapy to develop the tools to manage this state of anxiety and nervousness on our own, without relying on medication.

Do I need a prescription to buy it?

Of course . Lexatin belongs to the benzodiazepine class and is therefore a controlled substance. A doctor must decide the patient's dosage , how long the treatment will last, and how the drug will be started and discontinued to avoid relapses of anxiety due to the dependency it creates.

Problems with the stock

For several months, the Spanish Medicines Agency has been warning of supply problems with this popular drug. You may have to visit several pharmacies to get it, as pharmaceutical companies often fail to ship enough medications to meet demand.