Description
Nitrazepam is used for treating insomnia. It is generally used in combination with other medicines. It relaxes the brain and helps to treat people who have problems with their sleeping habits.
Nitrazepam may be taken with or without food. However, take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor as it has a high potential of habit-forming.
If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. It is important that this medication is not stopped suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may cause nausea and anxiety. It should only be used for a limited period as long-term use of this medicine is not recommended.
Nitrazepam may cause dizziness and drowsiness as side effects, so do not drive if you have taken this medicine. Moreover, driving under the influence of this medicine is also considered as an offense. Other common side effects of this medicine include sedation, unsteadiness, impaired coordination, numbed emotions, reduced alertness, and fatigue. These are usually temporary and resolve on their own. Consult your doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away.
It should be noted that in elderly patients this medicine may reduce muscle tone and increased the risk of falls. You should avoid alcohol intake while taking this medicine as it will increase drowsiness.
USES OF NITRAZEPAM
Insomnia
Insomnia is having problems with falling asleep or staying asleep. It is a common complaint occurring in almost one-tenth of the adults. Children also suffer from insomnia.
BENEFITS OF NITRAZEPAM
In Insomnia
Nitrazepam helps treat insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep) in people who have problems related to their sleeping habits. Insomnia may cause you to wake up earlier than usual and you may find it difficult to go back to sleep. Nitrazepamworks by slowing down the abnormal activity of nerves in the brain to allow sleep. It also improves the sleep-wake cycle and restores it to normal. This helps you relax, feel calm, and more energetic. It also helps you concentrate better and improves your quality of life.
SIDE EFFECTS OF NITRAZEPAM
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them.
Common side effects of Nitrazepam:
- Dizziness
- Sedation
- Drowsiness
- Unsteadiness
- Impaired coordination
- Fatigue
- Numbed emotions
HOW TO USE NITRAZEPAM
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Nitrazepam may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
HOW NITRAZEPAM WORKS
Nitrazepam is a benzodiazepine. It works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger (GABA) which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
SAFETY ADVICE
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Nitrazepam.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Nitrazepam is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Breastfeeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Nitrazepam is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Nitrazepam may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
Nitrazepam may cause side effects such as reduced alertness, confusion, tiredness, dizziness, poor muscle coordination and double vision. This may affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
CAUTION
Nitrazepam should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Arem may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CAUTION
Nitrazepam should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Arem may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Use of Nitrazepam is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.
