Bromism

Common card · No. 234604

Bromism is the syndrome which results from the long-term consumption of bromine, usually through bromine-based sedatives such as potassium bromide and lithium bromide. In late 19th century and early 20th century, bromides like potassium bromide were the only effective medicine for epilepsy. It was also used for insomnia, anxiety, and excessive libido, making it one of the most frequently used class of medicinal drugs prior to its decline in popularity as better drugs with fewer side effects were developed. Bromism was once a very common disorder, being responsible for 5 to 10% of psychiatric hospital admissions, but is now uncommon since bromide was withdrawn from clinical use in many countries and was severely restricted in others. Infrequent cases have been more recently described involving internet-purchased supplements and sleep-aids.

Read on Wikipedia