Explore focused guides for dosage, sleep, interactions, driving, special groups, dependence and withdrawal.
What is nitrazepam?
Nitrazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine hypnotic. It enhances the effect of GABA, a chemical messenger that reduces activity in the brain, causing sedation and helping with sleep. Its longer duration means sleepiness, slower reactions and impaired coordination may continue into the next day.
In the UK, the licensed tablet product is Mogadon 5 mg, alongside generic nitrazepam products. It is a prescription-only medicine and a controlled drug. The product information should be checked for the exact formulation supplied.
What is nitrazepam 5 mg used for?
It is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia when it is severe, disabling or causing unacceptable distress, and when daytime sedation is acceptable. It is not intended to treat the underlying causes of persistent insomnia or to be used routinely for months.
Before a prescription is considered
A prescriber may consider sleep pattern, severity, daytime impairment, previous treatments, breathing problems, alcohol or drug use, other sedating medicines, pregnancy, age and the risk of dependence. Non-drug approaches to insomnia remain important.
How does nitrazepam work?
Nitrazepam binds to benzodiazepine sites on GABA-A receptors and strengthens the brain’s response to GABA. This reduces neuronal activity and produces sedation, muscle relaxation and reduced anxiety. The same action can cause drowsiness, memory impairment, falls and breathing suppression.
How is it taken?
The licensed adult dose is usually 5 mg before retiring. A prescriber may increase this to 10 mg when necessary. Older or debilitated people and those with kidney, liver or breathing problems may need a lower dose. Take it only as prescribed and only when you can have a full night of sleep.
Do not take a missed dose in the morning or take an extra tablet. Ask a pharmacist if the instructions on your prescription or pack are unclear.
Important safety warnings
- Do not combine nitrazepam with alcohol or opioids. The combination can cause profound sedation and breathing problems.
- It can cause next-day drowsiness and impair driving, balance, memory and reaction time.
- It can cause tolerance, dependence and withdrawal, especially with prolonged or regular use.
- It is generally unsuitable for people with untreated sleep apnoea, severe breathing impairment or myasthenia gravis.
- Do not stop suddenly after regular use; ask your prescriber for a gradual reduction plan.
Side effects and urgent symptoms
Drowsiness, dizziness, poor coordination, muscle weakness, confusion and memory problems are important possible effects. Get urgent help for slow or difficult breathing, collapse, severe confusion, loss of consciousness or a serious allergic reaction. Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency.
Driving and next-day impairment
Nitrazepam is long-acting and can impair alertness beyond the night it is taken. Do not drive, cycle or operate machinery if you feel sleepy, slowed or unsteady. Read the dedicated driving and impairment guide.
Dependence, addiction and withdrawal
Nitrazepam can cause physical dependence, tolerance, misuse and addiction. These are different but can overlap. Do not stop suddenly after regular use: a prescriber should plan a gradual reduction to reduce withdrawal and rebound insomnia.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and older adults
Tell your prescriber if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding. Older adults are more vulnerable to sedation, confusion and falls and may need a lower dose or a different approach.