Nitrazepam
Aliases: Arem, Dreem, Enzed, Konit, Nigap, mogadon, baronite, dormin, gentravit, hypnonex, hypnoril, hypnotex, nicare, nipam, nirosun, nitavan, nithra
Categories
Summary
Nitrazepam is a long-acting nitrobenzodiazepine with an intermediate onset, commonly prescribed for insomnia and seizures. As a nitrobenzodiazepine, it is more hepatotoxic than standard benzodiazepines due to CYP3A4 metabolism producing reactive metabolites. Residual hangover effects may persist into the next day, impairing driving ability and increasing fall risk. Not recommended for long-term use due to rapid tolerance development and dependence risk. Gradual tapering is essential when discontinuing to prevent withdrawal seizures.
Dose Information
| ROA | Light | Common | Strong | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | 2-5mg | 5-15mg | 15-20mg | 20-30mg+ |
Light
Common
Strong
Heavy
Onset, Duration & After-effects
| ROA | Onset | Peak | Offset | After Effects | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | 30-60 min | 1-4 hrs | 6-12 hrs | 24 hrs | 300-0 min |
Tolerance
Build-up
develops over 1–4 weeks of daily use; hypnotic tolerance faster than anxiolytic tolerance
Reset
weeks to months depending on half-life and duration of use; taper recommended
Cross-tolerance
Effects
Positive
- Muscle relaxation
- Physical euphoria
- Anxiolytic
- Muscle Relaxant
Negative
- Respiratory depression
- Motor impairment
- Sedation
- Sedative
- Dystaxia
- Hypnotic
Positive
- Anxiety suppression
- Cognitive euphoria
Negative
- Amnesia
- Motor control loss
- Thought deceleration
- Emotion suppression
- Dizziness
- Compulsive redosing
- Delusions of sobriety
- Memory suppression
Positive
- Increased libido
- Appetite enhancement
Negative
- Disinhibition
- Acuity suppression
- Visual acuity suppression
- Acuity Suppression
- Decreased Libido
- Double vision
- Dulled perception
- Perception of bodily heaviness