bromide
n. a class of drugs formerly used as anticonvulsants and as sedatives in the treatment of anxiety. Because of their toxicity and the frequency of adverse side effects, bromides were largely supplanted by phenobarbital in the early 20th century. Bromide intoxication (bromism) was a recognized complication, manifested in early stages by cognitive impairment and emotional disturbances and in later stages by psychosis, coma, and death.