Nitrazepam

Brand Name: Apo-Nitrazepam Mogadon Nitrazadon Rhoxal-nitrazepam

Prescription Needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Nitrazepam is primarily used to treat specific problems with sleeping either problems with falling asleep staying asleep or waking too early. It can also be used to treat some kinds of seizures.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not use this drug if you are allergic to it or to other similar drugs called benzodiazepines (e.g. alprazolam chlordiazepoxide clonazepam clorazepate diazepam estazolam flurazepam lorazepam oxazepam prazepam temazepam or triazolam). Before taking this medication tell your doctor specifically if you have or have ever had

  • a problem with alcohol or drug abuse
  • problems with your liver
  • problems with sleep apnea
  • problems with your lungs (e.g. severe emphysema)
  • feelings of being depressed or thoughts of suicide
  • glaucoma (especially acute narrow angle glaucoma or open angle glaucoma that is not being treated)
  • a condition called myasthenia gravis
  • problems with memory with or without the use of these drugs

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects are:

  • feeling tired and drowsy
  • dizziness lightheadedness
  • feeling unsteady loss of balance
  • feeling weak

These side effects are usually related to dose the use of other medications and other factors (e.g. older age other medical conditions). As well these side effects may go away with time. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether you have any risk factors that may make you more sensitive to these side effects. Contact your doctor if these symptoms continue or become worse.

Other side effects include:

  • decreased mood
  • constipation dry mouth
  • difficulty sleeping
  • breathing problems (call your doctor immediately)
  • confusion hallucinations tremors slurred speech (call your doctor)
  • physical and mental dependence on the drug
  • decreased memory

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are most commonly cause interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

  • drugs that can cause tiredness sedation dizziness (Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following drugs:
  • Antihistamines (e.g. diphenhydramine hydroxyzine)
  • Opioid pain medications (e.g. codeine oxycodone morphine hydromorphone)
  • Antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline trazodone) and antipsychotics (e.g. risperidone haloperidol)
  • Muscle relaxants (e.g. cyclobenzaprine)
  • Drugs for epilepsy (gabapentin phenytoin phenobarbital carbamazepine valproic acid)
  • rifampin carbamazepine phenobarbital - may see decrease blood levels of nitrazepam and a decrease in how well the drug works
  • cimetidine erythromycin clarithromycin fluconazole itraconazole ketoconazole - may increase blood levels of nitrazepam and increase chances for side effects

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information

Nitrazepam is intended to be used for a short period of time usually between one and two weeks unless otherwise prescribed by your doctor.

Nitrazepam can be habit-forming. If you use too much nitrazepam or use it for too long (more than a few months) your body may develop a tolerance to it which will make it less effective. Do not take more nitrazepam than you are prescribed. Talk to your doctor.

If you are scheduled for medical or dental surgery make sure your healthcare providers know that you are taking nitrazepam.

Children: Not typically recommended. Talk to your doctor.

Seniors: Are more sensitive to side effects and lower doses are usually necessary especially at the start of therapy.

Pregnancy: Generally not prescribed. Safer drugs are available. Talk to your doctor.

Women who are nursing: This drug passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor.

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know how this drug affects them personally; may cause drowsiness slowed reflexes reduced alertness and make concentration difficult.

Alcohol: Avoid alcohol when taking this drug as it increases the sedative effects.

Overdose: A large overdose of this medicine could cause excessive drowsiness. If you experience any unusual reactions or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: It is important that you do not stop this drug without talking to your doctor. If you have been taking nitrazepman for longer than a couple of weeks your doctor will want to wean you off the drug gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Some withdrawal symptoms can be severe (confusion seizures).

If you miss a dose: If you fall asleep without taking your medication and awaken several hours later do not take the missed dose. If you do so this may increase your chances of feeling extra drowsy during the day. Instead wait and take the next scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: None unless prescribed by your doctor.