Nitrazepam (NZP)

Nitrazepam is a hypnotic drug used in the treatment of moderate to severe insomnia which has sedative and motor impairing properties, as well as anxiolytic, amnestic, anticonvulsant, and skeletal muscle relaxant properties. As with other benzodiazepines, tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal can occur, and there is a potential for drug abuse and overdose. Nitrazepam is not suitable for use in the elderly, children, pregnant women, or those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and should be used with caution in individuals with comorbid psychiatric disorders or those who are driving or operating machinery. Nitrazepam should be avoided in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially during acute exacerbations of COPD, because serious respiratory depression may occur in patients who are receiving hypnotics.