Controlled Substance Schedule IV
Pregnancy Risk Category X
How supplied
Capsules: 10 mg‡, 15 mg, 20 mg‡, 30 mg
Action
Unknown. A benzodiazepine that probably acts on the limbic system, thalamus, and hypothalamus of the CNS to produce hypnotic effects.
Indications & dosage
Insomnia--
Adults: 15 to 30 mg P.O. h.s.
Elderly: in patients over age 65, 15 mg P.O. h.s.
Adverse reactions
CNS: drowsiness, dizziness, lethargy, disturbed coordination, daytime sedation, confusion, nightmares, vertigo, euphoria, weakness, headache, fatigue, nervousness, anxiety, depression.
EENT: blurred vision.
GI: diarrhea, nausea, dry mouth.
Hepatic: increased liver function test results.
Other: physical and psychological dependence.
Interactions
Drug-drug. CNS depressants: increased CNS depression. Use together cautiously.
Drug-lifestyle. Alcohol use: increased CNS depression. Use together cautiously.
Effects on diagnostic tests
Minor changes in EEG patterns (usually low-voltage, fast activity) may occur during and after therapy.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to drug or other benzodiazepines and during pregnancy.
Nursing considerations
Patient teaching
*Liquid contains alcohol. **May contain tartrazine. †Canada ‡Australia §U.K. OTCOver the counter
Reactions may be common, uncommon, life-threatening, or COMMON AND LIFE-THREATENING