Nitrazepam
Nitrazepam is a central nervous system depressant belonging to the benzodiazepine family, known for its tranquilizing, sedative, and hypnotic properties. Originally synthesized in 1962, it gained popularity in the 1970s, particularly in the United Kingdom, as a sleeping aid and was viewed as a safer alternative to barbiturates. However, nitrazepam is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for abuse, though it is legally prescribed in some countries. In the United States, nitrazepam is not available for prescription.
This medication acts by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), leading to reduced anxiety and muscle relaxation, as well as inducing sleep. While it can produce feelings of relaxation and euphoria, it also carries risks, including impaired judgment and coordination, lightheadedness, and drowsiness. Long-term use may result in dependence, mental health issues, and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. Despite its therapeutic applications, the recreational use of nitrazepam, often in combination with other substances, raises concerns regarding its abuse potential and associated health risks.
Subject Terms
Nitrazepam
ALSO KNOWN AS: The don; Mogadon; moggies; moogles; nitros
DEFINITION: Nitrazepam is a central nervous system depressant and part of the benzodiazepine family of drugs. Nitrazepam is considered a tranquilizer with sedative and hypnotic properties similar to barbiturates.
STATUS: Legal by prescription in some countries worldwide; not available for legal prescription in the United States (US)
CLASSIFICATION: Schedule IV controlled substance
SOURCE: A synthetic material with no natural source; obtained through prescription
TRANSMISSION ROUTE: Oral ingestion, inhalation, intravenous injection
History of Use
Nitrazepam was first synthesized in Europe in 1962 by Hoffman-La Roche Pharmaceuticals following the synthesis of chlordiazepoxide, diazepam, and oxazepam. Nitrazepam became widely prescribed as a sleeping aid in the United Kingdom (UK) in the 1970s. Benzodiazepines were viewed as a safe and less habit-forming replacement for barbiturates. By the 1980s, these drugs had become the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world.
Nitrazepam is classified as a schedule IV controlled substance as a drug with lower abuse potential and a legitimate medical use. Marketed as Mogadon, nitrazepam was found to have an abuse profile similar to that of diazepam (Valium). It became popular as a recreational drug with polydrug users and alcoholics to enhance the effects of the primary drug, alleviate withdrawal and hangover symptoms, and relieve anxiety related to alcohol use. Although nitrazepam is no longer marketed in some countries, its abuse still remains a concern. In the US, nitrazepam is not available for prescription and is considered a controlled substance by the US Food and Drug Administration. It remains available for prescription in the UK.
Effects and Potential Risks
Nitrazepam is a central nervous system depressant with sedative and motor-impairing properties. It acts by stimulating the release and binding of gamma-aminobutyric acid, a natural nerve-calming agent, to receptors in the brain. This effect causes activity in the brain to slow, inducing sleep, reducing anxiety, and relaxing muscles.
Nitrazepam induces a mellow and peaceful feeling of relaxation and reduced anxiety. These short-term effects are attributed to its properties as a sedative and also include feeling euphoric, energetic, drunken, socially uninhibited, and talkative. Negative short-term effects include lightheadedness, vertigo, and drowsiness, and impaired judgment, speech, coordination, and balance.
Many polydrug users engage in nitrazepam abuse to enhance and prolong the high obtained from other drugs, including heroin. Users of stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamine, and ecstasy take nitrazepam as a “downer” to minimize withdrawal and hangover effects, including anxiety and insomnia.
Long-term nitrazepam use can lead to mental difficulties, depression, chronic fatigue, and aggressive behavior. Nitrazepam dependence often leads to addiction and benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome, while large doses of benzodiazepine can cause respiratory depression.
Bibliography
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