Sign inBefore taking loprazolam
Before taking loprazolam make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have any breathing problems.
- If you have sleep apnoea syndrome (short periods in your sleep where you stop breathing).
- If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
- If you have myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease) or any other muscle weakness.
- If you have depression or any other mental health problem.
- If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder).
- If you have ever had an addiction to alcohol or drugs.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
How to take loprazolam
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take loprazolam exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Loprazolam is usually taken just before bedtime.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Loprazolam is taken for short periods of time only, from a few days up to three weeks. It should not be taken for longer periods of time, as this may lead to your feeling dependent on it. If you have already been taking loprazolam for longer periods of time than this, check with your doctor before stopping taking it. It must be stopped gradually as stopping suddenly can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tremor and sleeplessness.
- Do not drink alcohol while you are taking loprazolam. It will increase the drowsiness you feel.
- If you buy any medicines while you are taking loprazolam, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take together.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking loprazolam.
Can loprazolam cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, all 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.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Drowsiness, dizziness, feeling light-headed or less alert than normal | Make sure you know how you react to loprazolam before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Do not drink alcohol |
| Unsteadiness or muscle weakness, confusion, forgetfulness | Let your doctor know if these are troublesome |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, let your doctor know |
| Feeling sick | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store loprazolam
- Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Loprazolam® 1 mg Tablets, Winthrop Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated January 2009, accessed August 2010.
- British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)