Nitrazepam is used in the short-term treatment of severe, disabling or stressful forms of insomnia.
What is Nitrazepam?
Nitrazepam is a benzodiazepine. It works by interacting with specific receptors in the brain. In such a way, it exerts the calming effects of anxiolytic and soporific.
How should Nitrazepam be taken?
Nitrazepam is administered orally in the form of tablets. It should be taken once a day before going to bed. The dosage prescribed varies from case to case, taking into consideration response to the therapy and the possible intake of other drugs.
Side effects associated with Nitrazepam
Among the possible side effects of Nitrazepam include the following:
- Sleepiness during the day
- Feeling of a heavy head
- Movement difficulties
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Confusion (especially in the elderly)
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of balance and coordination skills
It is important to contact a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in chest
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
- Amnesia
- Addiction
- Depression or suicidal thoughts
- Soft or weak muscles
- Jaundice
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Nitrazepam
Nitrazepam can reduce the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. This side effect may be aggravated by alcohol. Nitrazepam should not be taken in combination with sodium oxybate.
Before starting treatment with nitrazepam, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drugs or food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: other tranquilizers or sleeping pills, antidepressants, painkillers, antihistamines, antibiotics and antivirals
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from respiratory problems, myasthenia gravis, acute pulmonary insufficiency, kidney problems, heart or liver disease, sleep apnea, phobias, obsessions, chronic psychosis and other psychiatric disorders, alcoholism or drug abuse
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
It is important to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with Nitrazepam.
