How does it work?

Flunitrazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. It acts on receptors in the brain (GABA receptors) causing the release of a chemical called GABA (gamma amino butyric acid). GABA is a major inhibitory chemical in the brain involved in inducing sleepiness and control of anxiety and fits. Fluitrazepam acts by increasing the activity of GABA, thereby reducing the functioning of certain areas of the brain. This results in sleepiness, a decrease in anxiety and relaxation of muscles. Flunitrazepam is most commonly used to treat insomnia. It decreases the time taken to fall asleep and nocturnal awakenings, as well as increasing the total amount of time spent sleeping. As flunitrazepam remains active in the body for many hours, drowsiness may occur the next day.

What is it used for?

Difficulty in sleeping

Warning!

This medicine is generally only suitable for short-term use. If it is used for long periods or in high doses, tolerance to and dependence upon the medicine may develop, and withdrawal symptoms may occur if treatment is stopped suddenly. For this reason, treatment with this medicine should usually be stopped gradually, following the instructions given by your doctor, in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as rebound insomnia or anxiety, confusion, sweating, tremor, loss of appetite, irritability or convulsions.

Use with caution in

Breastfeeding

Disease affecting the airways or lungs (respiratory disease)

Elderly people

History of alcoholism or drug abuse

Kidney disease

Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

Liver disease

Muscle weakness

Personality disorders

Pregnancy

Not to be used in

A sudden worsening of any underlying lung disease (acute pulmonary insufficiency)

Abnormal muscle weakness

Children

Phobias or obsessional states

Severe liver disease

Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)

Syndrome involving short spells when breathing stops during sleep

Treatment as a single medication for depression or chronic psychosis

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be avoided during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the developing baby. This is particularly important during the third trimester of pregnancy and prior to or during labour.

This medicine passes into breast milk. It is recommended that mothers should avoid using this medicine while breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication causes drowsiness which may continue the next day. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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