{"id":1096,"date":"2026-04-26T17:36:05","date_gmt":"2026-04-26T17:36:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rxzest.com\/en-za\/?p=1096"},"modified":"2026-05-13T11:02:04","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T11:02:04","slug":"tranqipam-uses-dosage-side-effects","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rxzest.com\/en-za\/tranqipam-uses-dosage-side-effects\/","title":{"rendered":"Tranqipam in South Africa: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you are taking TRANQIPAM<\/strong>, you are taking a medicine that contains lorazepam<\/strong>. Lorazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines<\/strong>, which are used for certain anxiety-related conditions. In South Africa, TRANQIPAM is a Schedule 5 (S5)<\/a><\/strong> medicine, so it must be used only under medical supervision and exactly as prescribed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may be given TRANQIPAM if your doctor believes your anxiety symptoms need medicine. It is used for anxiety disturbances, panic disturbances, phobic anxiety disturbances, anxiety linked to organic disease, and adjustment disturbances with anxiety or stress reactions. It is not<\/strong> meant for ordinary everyday tension or stress that does not need an anxiety medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What it is and what it is used for<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

TRANQIPAM is a tranquilliser<\/strong> medicine. Its active ingredient is lorazepam<\/strong>, which is a benzodiazepine with anxiety-relieving effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your doctor has prescribed TRANQIPAM for you, it may be for one of the uses listed below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conditions it is used for<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

TRANQIPAM is indicated for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Anxiety disturbances or anxiety states<\/strong>, including:<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • General anxiety disturbances<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Panic disturbances<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Phobic anxiety disturbances<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Anxiety associated with and caused by organic disease<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Adjustment disturbances with anxiety or stress reactions<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    It is important to know that the source states that anxiety or tension linked to everyday life does not<\/strong> require treatment with an anxiolytic medicine. An anxiolytic is a medicine used to reduce anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Strengths available<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    TRANQIPAM product<\/th>Active ingredient<\/th>Strength per tablet<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    TRANQIPAM – 0,5<\/td>Lorazepam<\/td>0,5 mg<\/td><\/tr>
    TRANQIPAM – 1<\/td>Lorazepam<\/td>1 mg<\/td><\/tr>
    TRANQIPAM – 2,5<\/td>Lorazepam<\/td>2,5 mg<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    How it works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    TRANQIPAM works in your central nervous system<\/strong>, which includes your brain and spinal cord. It is thought to help by increasing the calming effects of a natural brain chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid<\/strong>, often shortened to GABA<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    You can think of GABA as one of the body\u2019s natural \u201cbraking systems\u201d for nerve activity. When lorazepam supports this calming effect, overactive signals in the brain may settle down. This can help reduce anxiety symptoms in people who need this type of treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    After you take TRANQIPAM by mouth, it is absorbed quickly. The highest level in your blood usually happens about 2 hours<\/strong> after taking it. The source states that the half-life of unconjugated lorazepam in human plasma is about 12 to 16 hours<\/strong>, which means the medicine stays in the body for a period of time after you take it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Who should NOT use this medicine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Do not use TRANQIPAM if you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Are allergic or hypersensitive to lorazepam<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Are allergic or hypersensitive to other benzodiazepines<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Already have central nervous system depression<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Are in a coma<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Have porphyria<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Warning:<\/strong> If any of these apply to you, do not take TRANQIPAM. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Warnings and precautions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      TRANQIPAM can be helpful when used correctly, but it also has important safety risks. Because it affects your brain and nervous system, you need to take it with care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Alcohol and sedating medicines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Your tolerance for alcohol and other central nervous system depressants may be reduced while you are taking TRANQIPAM. This means you may feel the effects of alcohol or sedating medicines more strongly than usual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      TRANQIPAM can add to the effects of other substances that slow down the central nervous system, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Alcohol<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Barbiturates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Warning:<\/strong> Avoid alcohol while taking TRANQIPAM unless your doctor has specifically advised you otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Driving, machinery, and risky activities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        TRANQIPAM may make you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Drowsy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Dizzy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Less alert<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Slower to react<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Unsteady<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Less coordinated<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          You should not drive, operate dangerous machinery, or climb dangerous heights until you know that TRANQIPAM does not affect you in these ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          This matters in everyday life. For example, if you drive to work, use power tools, work on machinery, climb ladders, or look after children, you need to be sure you can do these things safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Mental health conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          TRANQIPAM should generally be avoided if you have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • Psychotic illness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Mental depression<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Suicidal tendencies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            The source says this medicine should generally be avoided in these situations unless there is a clear anxiety component in the illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            If you have depression, severe mood changes, or thoughts of harming yourself, tell your doctor before using TRANQIPAM. Also tell your doctor if your mood gets worse while taking it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Epilepsy and seizures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            If you have epilepsy, you may need special care while using TRANQIPAM. The source states that starting benzodiazepine treatment or suddenly stopping it has provoked seizures in epileptic patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Do not suddenly stop taking TRANQIPAM unless your doctor tells you to. Your doctor may need to reduce your dose gradually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Older or physically weakened patients<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            If you are elderly or debilitated, you may be more sensitive to TRANQIPAM. You may have a higher risk of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Over-sedation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Breathing depression<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Unsteadiness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Poor coordination, also called ataxia<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              The starting dose should be reduced in elderly or debilitated patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              Breathing or lung conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              Use TRANQIPAM carefully if you have:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • Pulmonary disease<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Limited pulmonary reserve<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Impaired respiratory function<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                Because TRANQIPAM can slow down the central nervous system, it may increase the risk of breathing-related problems in people who are already vulnerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Liver or kidney problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                Your doctor needs to know if you have problems with your:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                • Liver<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Kidneys<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Breathing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  The source states that caution is required in people with impaired liver, kidney, or respiratory function. It also states that the way TRANQIPAM behaves in the body may change in impaired kidney function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Glaucoma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  You should use TRANQIPAM with caution if you have acute narrow-angle glaucoma<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Dependence and withdrawal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  TRANQIPAM can lead to dependence. This means your body may become used to the medicine, especially if you take it continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  The source also states that there is potential for abuse. People who may be more addiction-prone, such as people with drug addiction or alcohol addiction, should be carefully monitored while taking TRANQIPAM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Withdrawal symptoms can happen if TRANQIPAM is stopped suddenly. These may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  • Low mood or uneasiness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Trouble sleeping<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Convulsions<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Tremor<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Stomach cramps<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Muscle cramps<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Vomiting<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Sweating<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    These symptoms are more common in people who have taken high doses for a long time. However, the source also states that withdrawal symptoms have been reported after suddenly stopping TRANQIPAM even when it was taken continuously at therapeutic doses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Warning:<\/strong> Do not stop TRANQIPAM suddenly unless your doctor tells you to. It should be stopped gradually to help avoid withdrawal symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    Long-term monitoring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                    If you are on long-term TRANQIPAM treatment, your doctor may want to monitor your health. The source recommends periodic:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    • Blood counts<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Liver-function tests<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      This is because some people taking benzodiazepines have developed blood abnormalities, and some have had raised liver enzymes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      Lactose and diabetes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                      TRANQIPAM contains lactose<\/strong>, a type of sugar. The source states that lactose may affect glycaemic control in people with diabetes mellitus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      You should not take TRANQIPAM if you have rare hereditary conditions such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \n
                      • Galactose intolerance, including galactosaemia<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Lapp lactase deficiency<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Glucose-galactose malabsorption<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Fructose intolerance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                        Pregnancy, planning pregnancy, and breastfeeding<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                        If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, in labour, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before using TRANQIPAM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        The source states that TRANQIPAM should be used carefully during pregnancy and should preferably be avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        TRANQIPAM and its glucuronide can cross the placenta. This means the medicine can pass from the mother to the baby during pregnancy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        If TRANQIPAM is given during labour, it crosses the placenta and may cause floppy infant syndrome<\/strong>. The source describes this as including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \n
                        • Central respiratory depression<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Hypothermia, which means low body temperature<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Poor sucking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                          TRANQIPAM should not be given to nursing mothers because there is evidence that it passes into human breast milk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Note:<\/strong> If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not start or stop TRANQIPAM without medical advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Interactions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                          Interactions can happen when another medicine, drink, or substance changes how TRANQIPAM affects you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Alcohol<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                          Alcohol can increase the sedating effects of TRANQIPAM. You may become more drowsy, dizzy, confused, or unsteady. The risk of central nervous system depression may also increase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          Other central nervous system depressants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                          TRANQIPAM can have additive depressant effects when taken with other medicines or substances that slow down the central nervous system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          The source specifically mentions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \n
                          • Barbiturates<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Alcohol<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                            Before taking TRANQIPAM, tell your doctor or pharmacist about all other medicines you use, especially anything that makes you sleepy or affects your alertness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Food interactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                            Not specified in the source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Medical tests and monitoring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                            The source recommends periodic blood counts and liver-function tests for patients on long-term treatment. No other specific test interaction is stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            How to take TRANQIPAM<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                            Take TRANQIPAM exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Do not change your dose on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            The source states that the dose should be individualised for the best beneficial effect. This means your doctor will choose the dose that suits your needs and your ability to tolerate the medicine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            Step-by-step use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
                              \n
                            • Check that you are taking the correct strength: 0,5 mg, 1 mg, or 2,5 mg<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Take the dose in the number of daily portions your doctor prescribed<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Do not take extra tablets to calm yourself more quickly<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Do not mix it with alcohol<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Do not stop suddenly unless your doctor tells you to<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Ask your doctor periodically whether you still need treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Be careful with driving, machinery, and heights until you know how it affects you<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                              Adult dose for anxiety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              For anxiety, the average daily dose is 2 mg to 3 mg per day<\/strong>, taken in two to four portions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              The source states that the total daily dose may range from 1 mg to 6 mg per day<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Dose for elderly or debilitated patients<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              For elderly or debilitated patients, the initial dose is 1 mg or 2 mg per day<\/strong>, taken in two to four portions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              The dose may then be adjusted as needed and tolerated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Children under 12 years<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              The dosage for children under 12 years has not been established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Taking it with food<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              Not specified in the source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Missed dose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              Not specified in the source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              If you take too much<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                              Taking too much TRANQIPAM can be dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              Overdose symptoms usually involve central nervous system depression. Mild overdose may cause:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                \n
                              • Drowsiness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • Mental confusion<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • Lethargy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                More serious overdose may cause:<\/p>\n\n\n\n