Nitrazepam
Description
Nitrazepam is a hypnotic and sedative which is used in severe sleep disorder. This medicine may increase the risk of habit forming tendency if taken for a long duration or at larger doses. Do not stop abruptly taking this medicine as it may cause withdrawal symptoms like convulsions, behavioral disorder, tremor, and anxiety.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Nitrazepam
- Dizziness
- Unsteadiness
- Uncontrolled body movements
- Confusion
- Tremors
- Skin rash
- Visual disturbances
- Difficulty in breathing
- Nausea
- Decreased in frequency of urination
Uses of Nitrazepam
What is it prescribed for?
- Insomnia
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of this medicine can be observed in 30 to 60 minutes.
- Duration of effectThe effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 6 to 8 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it increases the risk of side effects like dizziness, difficulty in concentration. Do not perform activities that require mental alertness like driving or operating machinery.
- Is it habit forming?Habit forming tendency has been reported
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding women.
Allergy
Not recommended in patients with known allergy to Nitrazepam or other benzodiazepines.
Myasthenia gravis
Not recommended in patients with a history of myasthenia gravis.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding women.
General warnings
Withdrawal symptoms
Nitrazepam should not be stopped immediately without informing the doctor due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms like convulsions, behavioral disorder, tremor, and anxiety. Gradual dose reduction should be made based on the outcomes in the patient.
Myasthenis gravis
Nitrazepam should be used with caution in patients with myasthenia gravis due to the increase in the risk of muscle weakness.
Impaired liver function
Nitrazepam should be used with caution in the patients with mild to moderate liver injury. Lowest possible doses should be initiated and increase the dose based on the patient's response. This medicine is not recommended in patients with severe liver impairment.
Suicidal thoughts
Use of benzodiazepines in depression conditions may increase the risk of suicide. Therefore this medicine should be used with caution and prescription size should be limited in patients with depression or suicidal tendencies.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Nitrazepam, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Use of benzodiazepines with alcohol will increase the central nervous system and respiratory system depression.
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it increases the risk of side effects like dizziness, difficulty in concentration. Do not perform activities that require mental alertness like driving or operating machinery.
Interaction with Medicine
Opoids
Antihypertensives
Primaquine
Disease interactions
Seizures
The sudden stop of Nitrazepam may cause withdrawal effects and can precipitate seizures. The dose should be reduced gradually. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting the doctor.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Nitrazepam as instructed by your doctor. Do not take in larger amounts than advised. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable effects. Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor as it may cause withdrawal symptoms.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It works by acting on receptors in the brain and releases chemicals which causes sleep.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Benzodiazepines
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 4 May 2017]. Available from:
Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 4 May 2017]. Available from:
[Internet]. Toxnet.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 4 May 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 16 Nov 2017
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.