Mogadon (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).

Mogadon (Nitrazepam) may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of Mogadon (Nitrazepam) may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of Mogadon (Nitrazepam) may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested Mogadon (Nitrazepam) for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Mogadon (Nitrazepam), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Mogadon (Nitrazepam) without consulting your doctor.

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

The recommended adult dose of Mogadon (Nitrazepam), when taken for insomnia, is 5 mg to 10 mg taken at bedtime.

Seniors may be more likely to experience unwanted effects of Mogadon (Nitrazepam) 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 drowsiness during the daytime or motor impairment.

Mogadon (Nitrazepam) 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 Mogadon (Nitrazepam) for more than 2 to 3 weeks, consult your doctor for a re-evaluation of Mogadon (Nitrazepam).

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 of body weight to 1 mg per kilogram of body weight daily in 3 divided doses. Your doctor will calculate an appropriate dose.

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.

Mogadon (Nitrazepam) may be habit-forming when taken for long periods of time. It may not be appropriate for people who have a history of alcohol or substance abuse.

If you have been taking Mogadon (Nitrazepam) 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 Mogadon (Nitrazepam) to avoid withdrawal effects.

It is important to take Mogadon (Nitrazepam) exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take Mogadon (Nitrazepam) 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 possible and continue with your regular schedule. If you are taking Mogadon (Nitrazepam) for sleeping, do not take it if you will not be able to get a full night’s sleep (approximately 8 hours or more). Mogadon (Nitrazepam) tends to make people disoriented, uncoordinated and unable to concentrate clearly until it has worn off. 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 Mogadon (Nitrazepam) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it 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.

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 Mogadon (Nitrazepam). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Mogadon (Nitrazepam) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Mogadon (Nitrazepam). 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 pharmacy may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• dizziness
• drowsiness