What it's used for
- Short-term insomnia
Read about: Insomnia
How it works: Acts at the benzodiazepine site of GABA-A receptors.
Common side effects
- Bitter/metallic taste
- Next-day drowsiness
- Dependence
Tapering considerations
- Rebound insomnia usually settles within weeks.
- Some prescribers switch to diazepam for longer-term users.
For prescribers & facilitators
- Licensed for up to 4 weeks' use.
Sources
- 01Medicines associated with dependence or withdrawal symptoms (NG215)
NICE Guideline, 2022
- 02Benzodiazepines: How They Work and How to Withdraw (The Ashton Manual)
Prof. C. Heather Ashton, Newcastle University, 2002
- 03The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines
Horowitz & Taylor, Wiley-Blackwell, 2024