Insomnia is a common sleep disorder where individuals find it difficult to fall or stay asleep. A person having insomnia has trouble sleeping and wakes up too early. The cause of insomnia can range from anxiety and depression to chronic health conditions or the use of certain medications. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), nearly 30 to 35% adults have brief symptoms of insomnia. This sleep disorder causes fatigue, mood swings, and inability to concentrate. Insomnia can be treated using medicines. One such effective and potent medicine that is used to treat insomnia in the short-term is Nitrest 5 mg.
Nitrest 5 mg belongs to a group of medicines known as ‘sedative (non-benzodiazepine) hypnotics’. This medicine has sedative, hypnotic, and anticonvulsant properties. Nitrest 5 mg provides short-term relief from insomnia and helps in managing the symptoms of sleep disorder and waking up at midnight.
Understanding the working of Nitrest 5 mg
Here is how Nitrest 5 mg works for short-term treatment of insomnia.
- The main chemical ingredient in Nitrest 5 mg is Zolpidem.
- This active ingredient functions in the brain to help a person feel calm and peaceful.
- The Melatonin hormone produced by the pineal gland regulates the sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythms.
- Zolpidem enhances the activity of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical messenger in the brain.
- Zolpidem acts as a sedative and slows down the activity of the nerve cells in the brain producing a calming effect.
- A slowdown of the activity of the nerve cells in the brain allows an individual to fall asleep and sleep for extended periods.
- The active ingredient in this medicine blocks the GABA receptors, thus inhibiting the action potential of the cell membrane in the brain. This induces sleep..
- Intake of Nitrest 5mg minimizes the sleep onset time and regularly waking up at night.
- This medication improves sleep maintenance and ensures good, sound sleep for individuals suffering from insomnia.
Advantages of Nitrest 5 mg
Nitrest 5 mg is one of the best and most effective medicines available in the market for treatment of insomnia in the short-term. Its advantages are:
- Soothing effect on the brain
- Allows an individual to go to sleep
- Enhances the quality of sleeps
- Allows an individual to feel relaxed and more energetic
Administration of Nitrest 5 mg
- Nitrest 5 mg should be taken according to the dosage prescribed by the doctor.
- The tablet should be taken as a whole with water without chewing, biting, or crushing it in the mouth.
- Long-term use of this medicine is not advisable as it can be addictive.
- The medicine should be taken at the same time everyday to maintain constant levels in the blood.
- Ideally, Nitrest 5 mg should be consumed empty stomach before going to bed.
Other Dosage : Nitrest 10 mg
Possible side effects of Nitrest 5 mg
Just like any other medicine, Nitrest 5 mg may produce certain side effects. However, in most cases, these are mild and go away on their own.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Agitated behavior
- Strange/confused behavior
- Back pain
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Hallucinations
Uncommon side effects
- Tiredness or weakness
- Muscle pain
- Back spasms
- Blurred vision
- Excessive sweating
- Skin rash or irritation
- Lack of concentration
- Aggressiveness
- Restlessness
In case a patient experiences allergic reactions or faces difficulty in breathing, he/she must stop taking the Nitrest 5 mg and seek medical attention immediately.
Precautions and Safety Advice
Liver disease
Nitrest 5 mg is not recommended for persons suffering from liver disease.
Kidney problems
Individuals having impaired kidney function or those who are suffering from renal disease must use Nitrest 5 mg with caution.
Individuals with liver or kidney disease must consult their doctor before taking Nitrest 5 mg tablets.
Respiratory disorders
Nitrest 5 mg is not advisable for patients who suffer from respiratory illnesses, breathing problems, or sleep apnoea.
Cardiac diseases
Nitrest 5 mg should be used with caution in patients who are suffering from a heart disease or even a mild cardiac condition such as slow or uneven heart beat.
Pregnancy
Nitrest 5 mg is not recommended for pregnant women. This drug may interfere with the fetal growth and development.
Breastfeeding
Nitrest 5 mg is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women. The drug may pass through milk into the baby.
Both pregnant and breastfeeding women must consult their doctor prior to taking this tablet.
Alcohol
It is not safe to consume alcohol with Nitrest 5 mg tablets. With alcohol, a person may find it difficult to breath or walk.
Driving
Patients should not drive after taking Nitrest 5 mg tablets since it may induce drowsiness, feeling of confusion, blurred vision, and reduced alertness.
Others
Nitrest 5 mg tablets are not recommended for individuals if they are suffering from myasthenia gravis, depression, mental illness, or have suicidal thoughts or tendencies. It is also not recommended for use in children who are below 18 years of age.
When it comes to managing insomnia in the short-term, Nitrest 5 mg is a great and highly effective medication. However, it is not a long-term treatment for insomnia. The dosage and duration of the treatment should not exceed that given by the doctor. Prolonged use after 2-4 weeks may rest in addiction towards this hypnotic drug.