Nitocalm 0.5mg Tablet
Manufacturer
Leeford Healthcare Ltd
Salt Composition
Etizolam (0.5mg)
Key Information
Short Description
Nitocalm 0.5mg Tablet is a prescription medicine used to treat short-term anxiety and insomnia. It binds to specific receptor sites in the brain and calms the brain.
Dosage Form
Tablet
Introduction
Nitocalm 0.5mg Tablet may be taken with or without food. However, take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor as it has a high potential of habit-forming. If you have missed any doses, take it as soon as you remember it and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. You should not stop this medication without talking to your doctor as it may cause nausea and anxiety.
Directions for Use
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Nitocalm 0.5mg Tablet may be taken with or without food but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How it works
Nitocalm 0.5mg Tablet is a benzodiazepine. It works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger (GABA) which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
Quick Tips
Take it as per dose and duration suggested by the doctor. The addiction / habit-forming potential of this medicine is less as compared to other benzodiazepines. It may cause dizziness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid consuming alcohol as it may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Do not take this medicine if you have a history of drug addiction or drug abuse.
Frequently asked questions
Does Nitocalm 0.5mg Tablet have abuse potential?
Yes, there are several reports indicating the potential for misuse and abuse of Nitocalm 0.5mg Tablet. Therefore, it should be used cautiously in patients with a history of drug or substance abuse.
What are the advantages of Nitocalm 0.5mg Tablet over other benzodiazepines (BZDs)?
Compared to other benzodiazepines, Nitocalm 0.5mg Tablet exhibits lower sedative effects, reduced potential for dependence and tolerance, and a more favorable safety profile with long-term use. However, prolonged use can diminish the efficacy of the medication and potentially lead to dependency.
What happens if you stop taking Nitocalm 0.5mg Tablet suddenly?
Sudden cessation of Nitocalm 0.5mg Tablet treatment may result in withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, insomnia, headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), appetite changes (anorexia), vomiting, nausea, tremors, weakness, excessive sweating (perspiration), irritability, and heightened sensitivity to visual and auditory stimuli. Stopping the medication abruptly can also cause palpitations, increased heart rate, and postural hypotension (sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing). In severe or rare cases of withdrawal from high doses, patients may experience seizures, mental disorders (psychosis), agitation, confusion, hallucinations.
How long does Nitocalm 0.5mg Tablet take to work?
Oral administration of Nitocalm 0.5mg Tablet typically starts showing effects within 30-60 minutes with peak effectiveness at 3-4 hours. The medication remains detectable in the body for 6-8 hours, but higher doses may extend its duration.
Is Nitocalm 0.5mg Tablet a muscle relaxant?
Like other benzodiazepines, it induces muscle relaxation, but primarily serves as an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) agent.
Is Nitocalm 0.5mg Tablet good for sleep?
Similar to other benzodiazepines, it promotes sleepiness and increases total sleep time, but decreases the proportion of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, where your eyes move rapidly from side to side. Nitocalm 0.5mg Tablet does not affect sleep latency, which is the time it takes for individuals to fall asleep after waking up.
Is Nitocalm 0.5mg Tablet an antidepressant?
No, Nitocalm 0.5mg Tablet is not an antidepressant. It is prescribed primarily for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder with depressive symptoms. However, it can affect mood.
