Nitrazepam

Type
Psychoactive
Legal status
Class C
Legal implications
Penalty for possession: Up to two years in prison and / or an unlimited fine.
Penalty for dealing: Up to 14 years in prison and / or an unlimited fine.
Synonyms
  • Somnite
Information

Nitrazepam is a benzodiazepine which is used in difficulty sleeping.

Death data

Deaths have been reported following nitrazepam overdose in two patients with advanced chronic disease (Brodsgaard et al, 1995).

Short term effects

Benzodiazepines commonly cause drowsiness, ataxia, dysarthria and nystagmus. Coma, hypotension, bradycardia and respiratory depression occasionally occur but are seldom serious if these drugs are taken alone. Coma usually lasts only a few hours but may be prolonged in elderly patients. Co-ingestion of alcohol and other central nervous system depressants potentiates the effects of benzodiazepines and can increase toxicity.

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