Alodorm (Nitrazepam)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Alodorm Used For?
Alodorm contains nitrazepam, a benzodiazepine medication that helps with sleep disorders by working on brain chemicals.
Primary Uses
Alodorm is used to treat sleeping problems, also called insomnia. Your doctor may have prescribed it for other reasons as well.
How It Works
Alodorm is a benzodiazepine that works by affecting brain chemicals to help you sleep.
How to Take Alodorm
Take Alodorm exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Follow all directions carefully and continue taking it until your doctor tells you to stop.
Dosage Instructions
The usual adult dose is 1-2 tablets. For elderly patients, the usual dose is half to 1 tablet. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Take Alodorm before going to bed. Do not take it for longer than your doctor recommends.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take Alodorm before bed and wake up late at night or early morning, do not take any Alodorm as you may have trouble waking in the morning. If you have questions about this, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Important: Do not take Alodorm for longer than your doctor says. It should be taken for short periods only (for example 2-4 weeks).
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- tiredness
- confusion
- unsteadiness when walking
- memory impairment
- headache
- hangover feeling in the morning
- slurred speech
- clumsiness
- numbed emotions
- double vision
- inattention
- unpleasant dreams
- rebound insomnia
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- swelling of the tongue or throat
- difficulty breathing
- suicidal thoughts or mood changes
- unusual sleep behaviors (sleep walking, sleep driving)
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings to consider before taking Alodorm. Some people should not take this medication at all.
Who Should Not Take Alodorm
Do not take Alodorm if you are allergic to nitrazepam, other benzodiazepines (such as diazepam, temazepam, oxazepam, alprazolam, clonazepam), or any ingredients in the medication. Also avoid if you have severe and chronic lung disease with breathing difficulties, severe liver disorder, or if the medication is expired or packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have liver, kidney, or lung disease; epilepsy, fits or convulsions; severe muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis); high or low blood pressure; glaucoma; depression, psychosis, or schizophrenia; drink alcohol regularly; have a history of falling or are unsteady when walking; or plan to have surgery.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Alodorm can cross the placenta and cause side effects in your unborn baby, including withdrawal symptoms in newborns. It also passes into breast milk and may cause drowsiness and feeding difficulties in babies. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Elderly Patients: Elderly people may be more susceptible to drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, and confusion, which may increase the risk of falls.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Alodorm and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
Important: Taking Alodorm with certain medicines may slow down your nervous system more than intended, causing lethargy, breathing problems, dizziness, confusion, or vision problems. Seek urgent medical attention if life-threatening symptoms occur.
- medicines to control fits (epilepsy)
- cimetidine (for stomach ulcers and reflux)
- disulfiram (to deter alcohol consumption)
- other sleeping tablets, sedatives, or tranquillizers
- medicines for depression
- medicines for allergies, colds or travel sickness (antihistamines)
- pain relievers such as opioid medicines
- muscle relaxants
Alcohol & Driving
Alodorm affects your ability to drive and can interact dangerously with alcohol. Take these precautions seriously for your safety.
Alcohol
Do not drink alcohol while taking Alodorm as alcohol may increase its effects. Combining them can make you more sleepy, dizzy, lightheaded, or increase the risk of sleep disorders including sleep-walking and sleep-driving. Your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol completely.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Alodorm affects you. It causes drowsiness and affects alertness in most people, and may cause dizziness. Even if you take it at night, you may still be drowsy or dizzy the next day.
Storage
Store Alodorm below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from light. Keep tablets in the bottle until it’s time to take them. Store away from moisture, heat, or sunlight – not in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children in a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half meters above the ground.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has taken too much Alodorm, urgent medical attention may be needed. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort. Mild overdose symptoms include drowsiness, mental confusion, and lethargy. Serious cases may involve inability to move, loss of muscle tone, low blood pressure, breathing difficulties, coma, and very rarely death.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take Alodorm before going to bed as it is designed to help you fall asleep. The medication works by affecting brain chemicals to promote sleep.
The medication guide doesn’t specify food restrictions. Take Alodorm with a glass of water as directed. Consult your doctor if you have questions about taking it with food.
Yes, Alodorm can lead to dependence. It should only be taken for short periods (2-4 weeks) unless advised otherwise by your doctor. Do not stop taking it suddenly as you may experience withdrawal symptoms.
Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms including insomnia, dizziness, anxiety, panic attacks, palpitations, and in severe cases, convulsions and hallucinations. Your doctor will slowly reduce your dose before stopping completely.
No, do not drink alcohol while taking Alodorm. Alcohol increases the medication’s effects and can make you more sleepy, dizzy, or increase the risk of dangerous sleep behaviors like sleep-walking or sleep-driving.
Elderly patients may be more sensitive to Alodorm’s effects, experiencing increased drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, and confusion, which may increase fall risk. The usual elderly dose is lower (half to 1 tablet) compared to adults.
If you forget to take Alodorm before bed and wake up late at night or early morning, do not take it as you may have trouble waking in the morning. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about missed doses.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.