Noctamid (Lormetazepam) is most commonly used to treat insomnia. It decreases the time taken to fall asleep and nocturnal awakenings, as well as increasing the total amount of time spent sleeping. As lormetazepam remains active in the body for many hours, drowsiness may occur the next day.

Noctamid (Lormetazepam) belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. It acts on receptors in the brain (GABA receptors) causing the release of a chemical called GABA (gamma amino butyric acid). GABA is a major inhibitory chemical in the brain involved in inducing sleepiness and control of anxiety and fits.

Noctamid (Lormetazepam) acts by increasing the activity of GABA, thereby reducing the functioning of certain areas of the brain. This results in sleepiness, a decrease in anxiety and relaxation of muscles.

Special precautions

• This medicine is generally only suitable for short-term use. If it is used for long periods or in high doses, tolerance to and dependence upon the medicine may develop, and withdrawal symptoms may occur if treatment is stopped suddenly. For this reason, treatment with this medicine should usually be stopped gradually, following the instructions given by your doctor, in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as rebound insomnia or anxiety, confusion, sweating, tremor, loss of appetite, irritability or convulsions.

Use with caution in

• Breastfeeding
• Disease affecting the airways or lungs (respiratory disease)
• Elderly people
• History of alcoholism or drug abuse
• Kidney disease
• Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)
• Liver disease
• Muscle weakness
• Personality disorders
• Pregnancy

Not to be used in

• A sudden worsening of any underlying lung disease (acute pulmonary insufficiency)
• Abnormal muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis)
• Children
• Phobias or obsessional states
• Severe liver disease
• Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)
• Syndrome involving short spells when breathing stops during sleep (sleep apnoea syndrome)
• Treatment as a single medication for depression or chronic psychosis

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

•  Confusion

•  Addiction to the medicine (dependence)

•  Muscle weakness

•  Loss of memory (amnesia)

•  Drowsiness and lightheadedness the next day

•  Shaky movements and unsteady walk (ataxia)

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take all appointments with your doctor.

Don't let anyone else take your medicines.