Mogadon (Nitrazepam)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Mogadon Used For?
Mogadon contains nitrazepam, a benzodiazepine medication that helps with sleep disorders by working on brain chemicals.
Primary Uses
Mogadon is used to treat sleeping problems, also called insomnia.
How It Works
Mogadon is a benzodiazepine that is thought to work by its action on brain chemicals to help you sleep.
How to Take Mogadon
Take Mogadon exactly as prescribed by your doctor, swallowing the tablet whole with a glass of water before going to bed.
Dosage Instructions
The usual adult dose is 1-2 tablets. For elderly patients, the usual dose is half to 1 tablet. Take Mogadon before going to bed. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take Mogadon before you go to bed and you wake up late in the night or early morning, do not take any Mogadon as you may have trouble waking in the morning. If you have any questions about this, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Important: Do not use Mogadon for longer than your doctor says. It is usually 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
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations and medical conditions that may affect whether Mogadon is right for you.
Who Should Not Take Mogadon
Do not use Mogadon if you are allergic to nitrazepam, other benzodiazepines (such as diazepam, temazepam, oxazepam, alprazolam and clonazepam), or any ingredients in the medication. Also avoid if you have severe and chronic lung disease with breathing difficulties, or severe liver disorder.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have liver, kidney, or lung disease; 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.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Mogadon can cross the placenta and cause side effects in your unborn baby. Withdrawal symptoms have been reported in newborn babies. Mogadon passes into breast milk and may cause your baby to experience drowsiness and feeding difficulties. Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Elderly Patients: Elderly people may be more susceptible to the sedative effects of Mogadon and associated giddiness, unsteadiness, and confusion, which may increase the possibility of a fall.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Mogadon and affect how it works, potentially causing dangerous effects.
Dangerous Combinations: Taking Mogadon with sedating medicines may slow down your nervous system more than intended, resulting in lethargy, breathing problems, dizziness, confusion, or vision problems. Seek urgent medical attention if life-threatening symptoms occur.
- medicines to control fits
- cimetidine (used to treat ulcers and reflux)
- disulfiram (used to deter alcohol consumption)
- other sleeping tablets, sedatives, or tranquillisers
- medicines for depression
- medicines for allergies (antihistamines or cold tablets)
- pain relievers
- muscle relaxants
Alcohol & Driving
Mogadon affects your alertness and coordination, making certain activities dangerous.
Alcohol
Do not drink alcohol while using Mogadon as alcohol may increase its effects. Combining Mogadon and alcohol can make you more sleepy, dizzy, lightheaded or increase the risk of sleep disorders.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Mogadon affects you. Mogadon causes drowsiness and affects alertness in most people. Even if you take Mogadon at night, you may still be drowsy or dizzy the next day.
Storage
Store Mogadon below 30°C in a cool dry place, protected from light. Keep tablets in their blister pack 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 windowsills. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Mogadon, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, 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 Mogadon before going to bed as it is designed to help you fall asleep. The medication works by acting on brain chemicals to promote sleep.
The medication guide recommends swallowing Mogadon whole with a glass of water before bedtime, but doesn’t specify food restrictions. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific guidance.
Yes, Mogadon can lead to dependence. It’s usually prescribed for short periods only (2-4 weeks). Continuous long-term use is not recommended unless advised by your doctor.
Do not stop suddenly as you may experience withdrawal symptoms including insomnia, dizziness, anxiety, panic attacks, palpitations, and in severe cases, convulsions or hallucinations. Your doctor will slowly reduce your dose before stopping completely.
No, do not drink alcohol while using Mogadon as alcohol increases its effects and can make you more sleepy, dizzy, or lightheaded, and may increase the risk of sleep disorders.
Elderly patients may be more susceptible to side effects like drowsiness, giddiness, unsteadiness, and confusion, which may increase fall risk. The usual elderly dose is reduced to half to 1 tablet instead of the standard 1-2 tablets.
If you forget to take Mogadon 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.