with other antiepileptics, sometimes even therapeutic doses (3 to 5 grams per day, taking 6 to 8 weeks to reach stable levels) may give rise to intoxication. Often indistinguishable from 'expected' side-effects, these include: Bromism These are central nervous system reactions. They may include: depression, lethargy, somnolence (from daytime sleepiness to coma) loss of appetite and cachexia, nausea/emesis with exicosis (loss of body fluid) loss of reflexes or pathologic reflexes clonic seizures tremor ataxia loss of neural sensitivity paresis cerebral edema with associated headache and papilledema of the eyes delirium: confusion, abnormal speech, loss of concentration and memory, aggressiveness psychosis Acne-form dermatitis and other forms of skin disease may also be seen, as well as mucous hypersecretion in the lungs. Asthma and rhinitis may worsen. Rarely, tongue disorder, aphthous stomatitis, bad breath, and constipation occur. Optics Potassium bromide is transparent from the near ultraviolet to long-wave infrared wavelengths (0.25-25 µm) and has no significant optical absorption lines in its high transmission region. It is used widely as infrared optical windows and components for general spectroscopy because of its wide spectral range. In infrared spectroscopy, samples are analyzed by grinding with powdered potassium bromide and pressing into a disc. Alternatively, samples may be analyzed as a liquid film (neat, as a solution, or in a mull with Nujol) between two polished potassium bromide discs. Due to its high solubility and hygroscopic nature it must be kept in a dry environment. The refractive index is about 1.55 at 1.0 µm. Photography In addition to manufacture of silver bromide, potassium bromide is used as a restrainer in black and white developer formulas. It improves differentiation between exposed and unexposed crystals of silver halide, and thus reduces fog. References External links Veterinary use note at Auburn University Potassium compounds Bromides Sedatives Anticonvulsants Pesticides Optical materials Photographic chemicals Metal halides GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators Alkali metal bromides Rock salt crystal structure