Nitrazepam

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Arem

Drug group:

Benzodiazepine sleeping drug

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Nitrazepam is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia.

How does it work?

• Nitrazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine
• Benzodiazepines relieve tension and nervousness, relax muscles, and encourage sleep

How should it be used?

• Short courses of 1-2 weeks are usually prescribed
• Benzodiazepines should be used to treat insomnia only when the problem is severe, disabling or very distressing, and after other causes of insomnia have been treated

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

Tablets/liquid, 5–10mg at bedtime only

How quickly will it start to work?

Within 1–2 hours 
                           

How long will the effects last?

24 hours or more       
                            

When should I stop using it?

Nitrazepam taken for 2 weeks or less can be stopped abruptly.

Stopping nitrazepam after prolonged use: you may need gradual dose reduction to avoid rebound insomnia, anxiety and a withdrawal syndrome (including confusion, toxic psychosis, and seizures).
 

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Not recommended, long-term use leads to daytime sedation, tolerance and dependence.        

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: drowsiness the next day (‘hangover effect’), confusion, forgetfulness, uncoordinated walking, dizziness, double vision
• Less common: headache, vertigo
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: mood changes, restlessness

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: severe respiratory disease, kidney/liver problems, myasthenia gravis, sleep apnoea, acute porphyria
• Other medicines: all sedative drugs (including other sleeping drugs, anti-anxiety drugs, antihistamines, opioid analgesics, antidepressants and antipsychotics); rifampicin, anti-epileptic drugs, ritonavir
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not recommended
• Children: Not recommended
• Over 60: Reduced dose necessary, side effects more likely
• Driving and hazardous work: Avoid, the drug reduces alertness, slows reactions, impairs concentration, and causes drowsiness (even the next day)
• Alcohol: Avoid, enhanced sedative effects