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Loprazolam

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Loprazolam is only recommended for short-term use. If you have been taking loprazolam for a long time it should not be stopped suddenly but gradually reduced to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Loprazolam can cause drowsiness and light-headedness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery, or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, do so only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.

About loprazolam

Type of medicine	Benzodiazepine
Used for	Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
Available as	Tablets

Loprazolam works by acting on receptors in the brain that are involved in the transmission of messages to produce calmness and relaxation of muscles. This reduces anxiety and promotes sleepiness.

Before taking loprazolam

Before taking loprazolam make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you suffer from any respiratory (breathing) problems.
If you suffer from liver or kidney problems.
If you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease).
If you suffer from sleep apnoea (temporary stopping of breathing during sleep).
If you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder).
If you suffer from phobias or obsessional conditions.
If you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.

How to take loprazolam

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
Loprazolam is usually taken just before bedtime.

Getting the most from your treatment

Loprazolam can cause drowsiness and light-headedness, which can continue into the next day. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery, or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, do so only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
Loprazolam is only recommended for short term use. The body will become used to loprazolam after about 3 - 14 days, after which time it will have little effect.
Important: If you have been taking loprazolam for a long time, it should not be stopped suddenly but gradually reduced to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Can loprazolam cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. 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. Alcohol will increase any feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, do so only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
Diarrhoea, tummy pain	Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. Avoid dairy products. If these symptoms continue speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Constipation	Drink plenty of water and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.

Other side-effects include confusion, unsteadiness, shakiness, headache, aggression, forgetfulness, muscle weakness, blurred vision, skin rashes, problems urinating (passing water), sexual problems and depression. If you experience these or any other worrying 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

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

DocID:
990

DocRef:
dils2885

Last Updated:
18 Jul 2006

Date of Next Review:
17 Jul 2008

Version:
22

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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