Mogadon 5 mg (Nitrazepam)
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.
abdominal or stomach cramps or pain
blurred vision or other changes in vision
changes in sexual desire or ability
clumsiness or unsteadiness
constipation
diarrhea
dizziness or lightheadedness
drowsiness
dry mouth
false sense of well-being
headache
heartburn or upset stomach
increased or watering of mouth
muscle spasm
nausea or vomiting
problems with urination
slurred speech
thirst
trembling or shaking
unusual tiredness or weakness
vivid dreams
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.