Mogadon

(nitrazepam) 

In this factsheet:
• How does Mogadon work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Mogadon?
• What form(s) does Mogadon come in?
• Who should NOT take Mogadon?
• What side effects are possible with Mogadon?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Mogadon?
• What other drugs could interact with Mogadon?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Mogadon work? What will it do for me?

Nitrazepam belongs to the class of medications called benzodiazepines. It is used for short-term treatment of sleeping problems (insomnia), such as difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and early-morning awakening. It is also used to manage myoclonic seizures. It works by slowing down the nerves in the brain (the central nervous system).

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Mogadon?

The recommended adult dose of nitrazepam when taken for insomnia is 5 mg to 10 mg taken at bedtime.

Seniors may be more likely to experience unwanted effects of this medication and should start with 2.5 mg taken at bedtime.

The lowest effective dose should be used. It is important that the dose be individualized to your specific needs to avoid excessive sedation or motor impairment.

This medication is normally used for a short period of time or as an "as required" medication. As it may be habit-forming, the treatment period should be as short as possible and not usually longer than 7 to 10 consecutive days. If you need this medication for more than 2 to 3 weeks, consult your doctor for a re-evaluation of this medication.

When taken for treatment of myoclonic seizures, the dose is based primarily on body weight. The dose for children (up to 30 kg of body weight) ranges from 0.3 mg per kilogram to 1 mg per kilogram daily in 3 divided doses. Your doctor will calculate an appropriate dose.

Nitrazepam may be habit-forming when taken for long periods of time. If you have been taking this medication regularly for a long period of time (more than one month), do not stop taking the medication without speaking with your doctor. A gradual reduction in dose is recommended when stopping this medication to avoid withdrawal effects.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take this medication in a larger amount or for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a scheduled dose, take it as soon as you remember it and continue with your regular schedule. If you remember the missed dose during the daytime, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store nitrazepam at room temperature in a dry place. Keep out of reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Mogadon come in?

5 mg
Each white cylindrical, bi-plane scored tablet, contains nitrazepam 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, lactose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose. This medication does not contain gluten, paraben, sodium, sulfite, or tartrazine.

10 mg
Each white, cylindrical, bi-plane, scored tablet, contains nitrazepam 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, lactose, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose. This medication does not contain gluten, paraben, sodium, sulfite, or tartrazine.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Mogadon?

Nitrazepam should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to nitrazepam, other benzodiazepines, or to any of the ingredients of this medication
• is a child to treat insomnia
• has myasthenia gravis
• has severe liver impairment
• has sleep apnea

What side effects are possible with Mogadon?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• convulsions (seizures)
• signs of a serious allergic reaction (i.e., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Mogadon?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Asthma and other respiratory conditions: Nitrazepam may cause increased breathing difficulty for people having an acute asthma attack, or those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (chronic bronchitis, emphysema) or other conditions that affect breathing. People with asthma or other breathing disorders should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Dependence and withdrawal: Physical dependence (a need to take regular doses to prevent physical symptoms) has been associated with benzodiazepines such as nitrazepam. Severe withdrawal symptoms may be experienced if the dose is significantly reduced or suddenly discontinued. These symtoms include seizures, irritability, nervousness, sleep problems, agitation, tremors, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, memory impairment, headache, muscle pain, extreme anxiety, tension, restlessness, and confusion. Reducing the dose gradually under medical supervision can help prevent or decrease these withdrawal symptoms.

A temporary condition called rebound insomnia, where the symptoms that led to treatment with nitrazepam come back worse than before, may occur on withdrawal of the medication. It may be accompanied by other reactions including mood changes or anxiety.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Because nitrazepam causes drowsiness and sedation, do not engage in activities requiring mental alertness, judgment, and physical coordination such as driving or operating machinery. This is particularly important at the start of medication treatment and until you have established that nitrazepam does not affect you this way. Drinking alcohol can increase the drowsiness effects and should be avoided.

Kidney function: People with reduced kidney function or kidney disease should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: People with reduced liver function or liver disease should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Medical conditions: Nitrazepam is not recommended for use by people with depression or psychosis. People with depression should discuss with their doctor how this medication may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

People who have an addiction to alcohol or other drugs should not take nitrazepam, except in rare situations under medical supervision.

Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking nitrazepam, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of nitrazepam for sleep difficulties have not been established for children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Seniors: Seniors are more likely to experience sedation and decreased coordination when taking nitrazepam. The lowest effective dose of this medication should be used for the shortest possible length of time.

What other drugs could interact with Mogadon?

There may be an interaction between nitrazepam and any of the following:

• alcohol
• anesthetics
• anticonvulsants
• antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., chlorpheniramine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine)
• azole antifungal medications (e.g., fluconazole, ketoconazole)
• barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital)
• cimetidine
• clarithromycin
• erythromycin
• narcotic-containing medications (e.g., codeine, fentanyl, morphine, oxymorphone)
• other benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam)
• phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine, promethazine, perphenazine)
• sedatives (e.g., zopiclone, chloral hydrate)
• theophylline
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine)

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.