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Tablet

Tenatrol 3 mg Tablet

Generic: Bromazepam

Manufacturer: Drug International Ltd.

Therapeutic class: Benzodiazepine Anxiolytic

What is Tenatrol?

Tenatrol 3 mg tablet is manufactured by Drug International Ltd. and contains Bromazepam, a benzodiazepine medicine used for the short-term relief of severe anxiety and related sleep disturbance. It calms the mind quickly, but it is meant only as a temporary support — usually for 2–4 weeks — while the underlying problem is treated. Benzodiazepines are among the most misused medicines in Bangladesh, so Tenatrol must be used exactly as prescribed and never shared with others.

Bromazepam works by enhancing the action of GABA, the brain's natural calming chemical messenger. This slows down excessive nerve activity, which reduces anxiety, relaxes muscles and makes you drowsy — usually within an hour of taking a dose.

Indications

Doctors prescribe Tenatrol for short-term use only in:

  • Severe, disabling anxiety that needs rapid relief while longer-term treatment (such as an antidepressant or counselling) starts working
  • Anxiety with tension, restlessness and palpitations
  • Sleep disturbance caused by anxiety
  • Sometimes before minor procedures, to reduce anxiety, at the doctor's discretion

Tenatrol does not cure anxiety disorders — it only relieves symptoms temporarily. Lasting recovery usually needs psychiatric treatment and lifestyle measures, which your doctor will plan with you.

Dosage & Administration

Tenatrol is strictly prescription-only. The information below is general; your doctor will decide your dose and — just as importantly — how long you may take it.

  • Adults: commonly 1.5–3 mg up to two or three times daily; in severe cases a doctor may use higher doses under close supervision.
  • Elderly or debilitated patients: lower doses, as they are more sensitive to drowsiness and falls.
  • Duration: the shortest possible time — usually 2–4 weeks including the tapering period.

Never stop Tenatrol abruptly after regular use: sudden withdrawal can cause rebound anxiety, tremor, sleeplessness and, rarely, seizures. The dose must be reduced gradually under medical guidance.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Tenatrol include:

  • Drowsiness, sedation and daytime sleepiness
  • Dizziness, unsteadiness and slowed reactions — a fall risk in the elderly
  • Muscle weakness, fatigue
  • Poor concentration and forgetfulness
  • Occasionally confusion or, paradoxically, agitation (more common in children and the elderly)

The most serious risk is dependence (addiction): with regular use beyond a few weeks the body adapts, higher doses feel necessary, and stopping becomes difficult. Seek medical help promptly for severe drowsiness, breathing difficulty, or if you notice you are craving the medicine or increasing the dose yourself.

Precautions & Warnings

Essential precautions with Tenatrol:

  • Dependence warning: benzodiazepines are the most misused medicine class in Bangladesh. Use the lowest dose for the shortest time, never increase the dose yourself, and never take it without a current prescription.
  • Never stop abruptly after regular use — taper under medical guidance to avoid withdrawal, including rare seizures.
  • Do not drink alcohol — the combination can dangerously depress breathing.
  • Do not drive or operate machinery while taking Tenatrol; reactions are slowed even when you feel normal.
  • Extra caution in the elderly, and in people with breathing problems (COPD, sleep apnoea), liver disease, depression or a history of substance misuse.
  • Never share this medicine with anyone.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor about every medicine you take. Important interactions with Tenatrol:

  • Alcohol — dangerous sedation and breathing suppression; strictly avoid.
  • Opioid painkillers (tramadol, morphine, codeine) — combined use can severely depress breathing and is potentially fatal.
  • Other sedatives — sleeping pills, sedating antihistamines, antipsychotics and some antidepressants add to drowsiness.
  • Anti-epileptic and muscle-relaxant medicines — increased sedation.
  • Some antifungals, certain antibiotics and cimetidine can raise Bromazepam levels and prolong its effect.

Contraindications

Tenatrol must not be used in:

  • Allergy to Bromazepam or other benzodiazepines
  • Severe breathing problems, including severe respiratory failure and sleep apnoea syndrome
  • Myasthenia gravis (a muscle-weakness disease)
  • Severe liver failure
  • Known current alcohol or drug dependence, except as part of a supervised treatment programme

It is not recommended for children, and should be avoided as a long-term solution for anxiety or insomnia in anyone.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy: Tenatrol should be avoided in pregnancy unless the doctor considers it absolutely necessary. Benzodiazepines used late in pregnancy can make the newborn floppy, drowsy and slow to feed, and regular use may cause withdrawal symptoms in the baby. If you discover you are pregnant while taking it, do not stop abruptly — contact your doctor for a safe tapering plan.

Breastfeeding: Bromazepam passes into breast milk and can sedate the infant. Breastfeeding is generally not advised while taking Tenatrol; discuss alternatives with your doctor.

Storage Conditions

Store Tenatrol below 30°C in a dry place away from light and moisture, in its original pack. Because this medicine carries a risk of misuse, keep it securely out of the reach of children and of anyone it was not prescribed for. Do not use it after the expiry date, and return leftover tablets to a pharmacy — do not keep them at home for later self-use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tenatrol addictive?

<p>Yes — Tenatrol can cause dependence, and this is its most important risk. With regular use beyond 2–4 weeks the body adapts: the same dose feels weaker, anxiety returns between doses, and stopping becomes hard. This is why doctors prescribe it briefly and at the lowest effective dose. Take it exactly as prescribed, never increase the dose yourself, never share it, and tell your doctor honestly if you feel you cannot manage without it — effective, judgement-free help is available.</p>

How long can I safely take Tenatrol?

<p>Tenatrol is intended for short-term use only — usually 2–4 weeks at most, including the time needed to taper off. Longer use sharply increases the risk of tolerance and dependence without adding real benefit. If your anxiety persists, that is a signal to treat the underlying condition with longer-term options such as antidepressants or psychological therapy, not to continue the benzodiazepine. Review the duration with your doctor at every visit.</p>

Can I drive or drink alcohol while taking Tenatrol?

<p>No. Tenatrol slows your reactions, impairs judgement and causes drowsiness — even when you feel alert — so driving, riding a motorcycle or operating machinery is unsafe while taking it. Alcohol must be avoided completely: combined with a benzodiazepine it can dangerously suppress breathing and has caused deaths. The same applies to combining it with opioid painkillers or other sedatives without your doctor's knowledge.</p>

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