Sign inBefore taking nitrazepam
Before taking nitrazepam 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 have liver or kidney problems.
- If you have depression or any other mental health problem.
- If you have myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease) or any other muscle weakness.
- If you have porphyria (a rare 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 nitrazepam
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take nitrazepam exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Nitrazepam is usually taken just before bedtime.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Nitrazepam is to be taken for short periods of time only, from a few days up to 3 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 nitrazepam for longer than 3 weeks, 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 nitrazepam. It will increase side-effects such as drowsiness.
- If you buy any medicines while you are taking nitrazepam, 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 nitrazepam.
Can nitrazepam 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 your reactions are normal 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 |
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 nitrazepam
- 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
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References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Nitrazepam Tablets 5 mg, Actavis UK Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2008, 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)