Nitrazepam is used to help manage sleep in individuals who have difficulty falling or staying asleep (also known as insomnia).
Take Nitrazepam exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food, just before going to bed. Take it only when you can stay in bed for a full night (at least 7-8 hours).
Nitrazepam is available as a tablet or as an oral suspension.
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
If you are taking an oral suspension, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your response to the medication.
Nitrazepam is used to help you sleep. You may not need to take Nitrazepam every night. Take it only when you need it.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- lung problems
- sleep apnoea (sleep disorder that causes interrupted breathing during sleep)
- myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness disorder)
- porphyria (an inherited disorder that causes skin or nervous system abnormalities)
- mental conditions e.g. long-term mood disorders, irrational or disabling fears, obsessive states
- increased pressure in the eye
- severe liver disease
as Nitrazepam may not be suitable for you.
Do not give this medicine to children unless instructed to do so by the doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of alcohol or drug abuse
- history of personality problems
- depression
- long-term lung disease
- low level of a certain protein known as albumin in the blood
- kidney disease
- mild to moderate liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Nitrazepam to the elderly or debilitated patient (physically or mentally weak, usually due to illness or old age). Elderly people and debilitated patients may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Practise good sleeping habits to reduce reliance on sleeping pills. These are some good sleeping habits which you should follow:
- Try to relax before bedtime. Do not engage in strenuous activities.
- Try to go to bed at about the same time every night.
- Have a light dinner. A heavy dinner may disturb your sleep.
- Avoid caffeine in the evening. Caffeine-containing food and drinks include coffee, tea, certain soft drinks and even chocolate.
- Avoid drinking alcohol before bedtime.
- Keep your bedroom quiet, dark and airy.
- Avoid taking naps especially in the late afternoon.
Nitrazepam may cause drowsiness, dizziness and impaired concentration. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, double vision, nausea, stomach upset, muscle weakness, feeling excited or restless, slurred speech, and tiredness.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- memory loss
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, confused, agitated, aggressive or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- unusual sleep behaviours that may not be remembered the next morning e.g. sleep-walking, sleep-driving, making phone calls, preparing or eating food
- excessive salivation or drooling
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth or throat
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, an infection known as tuberculosis)
- strong pain killers e.g. fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone
- medicines for cold and allergy
- cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. lofexidine, moxonidine
- muscle relaxants e.g. baclofen, tizanidine
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Nitrazepam.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Protect from light and moisture.
Do not freeze the oral suspension.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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