About lormetazepam

Insomnia, or poor sleep, is fairly common but does not usually last for long. If you have problems sleeping, it may mean that you have difficulty getting off to sleep, or you may wake up for long periods during the night, or you may wake up too early in the morning. 'Sleeping tablets' are considered a last resort, but are sometimes prescribed for a short period of time to help with a particularly bad spell of insomnia.

Lormetazepam works by affecting the way certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) transmit messages. This has a calming effect.

Before taking lormetazepam

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking lormetazepam it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have breathing problems or sleep apnoea (a problem where you stop breathing for short periods at night).
• If you have ever had a drug or alcohol addiction.
• If you have severe muscle weakness such as in myasthenia gravis.
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you have a mental health problem.
• If you have porphyria (this is a rare inherited blood disorder).
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, such as herbal and complementary medicines.

How to take lormetazepam

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The leaflet will give you more information about lormetazepam and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it. The most common side-effects are listed for you in the table below.
• Your doctor may recommend that you take one tablet each evening for a few days, or only on certain days of the week. Take lormetazepam exactly as your doctor tells you to. On the days you are due to take a tablet, take it just before you go to bed.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Lormetazepam is only recommended for a short period of time - a maximum of three weeks. This is because your body gets used to this medicine quickly, and after this time it is unlikely to have the same effect. Your body can also become dependent on it when it is taken for more than a couple of weeks.
• These tablets will make you sleepy. If you still feel sleepy the next day, do not drive or use tools or machines.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are on lormetazepam. It will increase the risk of side-effects.
• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check how you are feeling.

Can lormetazepam cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store lormetazepam

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines