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Nitrazepam

  • Nitrazepam is only recommended for short term use. The body will become used to nitrazepam within about 3 - 14 days, after which time it will have little effect.
  • Nitrazepam 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 nitrazepam

Type of medicine Benzodiazepine
Used for Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
Also called Mogadon
Somnite
Available as Tablets
Oral liquid

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

Before taking nitrazepam

Before taking nitrazepam 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 nitrazepam

  • Take nitrazepam exactly as directed by your doctor
  • Nitrazepam is usually taken just before bedtime

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Nitrazepam is only recommended for short term use. The body will become used to nitrazepam within about 3 - 14 days, after which time it will have little effect.
  • 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.
  • Important: If you have been taking nitrazepam for a long time, it should not be stopped suddenly but gradually reduced to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Can nitrazepam 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.

Side-effects 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.
Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness.
Constipation Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day.
Diarrhoea, tummy pain Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids.

Other side-effects may include confusion, forgetfulness, tiredness, headache, muscle weakness and unsteadiness. Less commonly skin rashes, reduced blood pressure, problems with eyesight, difficulty urinating or sexual problems. 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 nitrazepam

  • Keep all medicines out of the 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.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
1430		 DocRef:
dils3855		 Last Updated:
30 Apr 2007		 Date of Next Review:
29 Apr 2009		 Version:
22

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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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