Products
Lormetazepam is commercially available in tablet form (Loramet). Both drugs have been approved in many countries since 1981. Noctamide is no longer marketed.
Structure and properties
Lormetazepam (C16H12Cl2N2O2, Mr = 335.18 g/mol) is an -methylated lorazepam (Temesta). It belongs to the 5-aryl-1,4-benzodiazepines.
Effects
Lormetazepam (ATC N05CD06) has antianxiety, sedative, sleep-inducing, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties. The effects are due to allosteric binding to the GABA receptor and enhancement of the effects of GABA, the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain.
Indications
Lormetazepam is used for short-term treatment of sleep disorders. It may also be used for premedication and postoperatively during surgical or diagnostic procedures. The duration of therapy should be kept as short as possible and should not usually exceed four weeks.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. The tablets are taken in the evening before bedtime for the treatment of sleep disorders.
Abuse
Like all benzodiazepines, lormetazepam can be abused as a depressant narcotic. Abuse is dangerous, especially in combination with other depressant and respiratory depressant medications and with alcohol.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Myasthenia gravis
- Severe respiratory failure
- Sleep apnea syndrome
- Acute intoxication with alcohol, sleeping pills, analgesics or psychotropic drugs.
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Lormetazepam is glucuronidated in the liver. Drug-drug interactions have been described with central depressant drugs, alcohol, and narcoanalgesics.
Adverse effects
The most common possible adverse effects include headache, angioedema, anxiety, decreased libido, weakness, sweating, indigestion, voiding dysfunction, dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, attention deficit disorder, amnesia, visual disturbances, speech disturbances, and rapid heartbeat. Lormetazepam can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms may occur with rapid discontinuation.
