Drowsy

Somnubene: a powerful sleeping pill

Somnubene is a potent hypnotic, a benzodiazepine derivative, which is used for the treatment of insomnia, premedication, induction and maintenance of anesthesia. This drug is manufactured by Merkle GmbH in Austria and is one of the most effective sleep aids on the market.

Composition and release forms

The active ingredient of the drug is flunitrazepam. Somnubene is available in the form of 2 mg tablets. The international name of the drug is Flunitrazepam. The drug is also known under the synonyms Rohypnol, Rohypnol, Flunitrazepam-Teva.

Indications for use

Somnubene is used for the treatment of insomnia, premedication, induction of anesthesia and maintenance of anesthesia. However, it must be taken into account that this drug is potent and may cause side effects. Therefore, it should be taken only as prescribed by a doctor and in the recommended dose.

Contraindications and side effects

Somnubene is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to flunitrazepam, hypercapnia, severe respiratory failure, sleep apnea syndrome, severe renal and/or liver failure, myasthenia gravis, acute poisoning with ethanol, hypnotics, analgesics, antipsychotic or antidepressant drugs, lithium, drug addiction, history of chronic alcoholism, pregnancy (especially in the first trimester), breastfeeding.

When using Somnubene, side effects from the nervous system and sensory organs may occur, such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, impaired concentration, confusion, slowed physical and mental reactions, muscle weakness, paresthesia, anterograde amnesia (may be accompanied by strange behavior), disorientation upon awakening, paradoxical reactions (anxiety, hallucinations, agitation, irritability, aggressiveness, delirium, fits of rage, nightmares, psychosis), sleep disturbance, daytime sleepiness, manifestation of latent depression, fatigue, ataxia, diplopia, epileptic seizures, aftereffect phenomenon. Addiction, drug dependence, withdrawal syndrome and “recoil” are also possible.

Interaction with other drugs

Somnubene may enhance the effects of other drugs that also depress the central nervous system, such as alcohol, sleeping pills, painkillers, antidepressants and anticonvulsants. Therefore, the use of Somnubene in combination with other drugs should only be done under the supervision of a physician.

Dosage and method of administration

The dosage of Somnubene should be individualized and determined depending on the age, weight, health status of the patient and the nature of the sleep disorder. Typically, the starting dose for adults is 0.5-1 mg at bedtime. If necessary, the dose can be increased to 2 mg. For elderly patients and patients with chronic diseases, the dose should be reduced.

The drug should be taken orally, 30-40 minutes before bedtime, with a sufficient amount of water. The duration of treatment should be minimal and not exceed 2-3 weeks. If it is necessary to extend treatment, it is necessary to review the diagnosis and adjust the dose.

Conclusion

Somnubene is a potent hypnotic used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. However, the drug can cause side effects and has a number of contraindications. The dosage of Somnubene should be individualized and determined depending on the patient’s health condition and the nature of the sleep disorder. If it is necessary to extend treatment, it is necessary to review the diagnosis and adjust the dose. The use of Somnubene should be carried out only under the supervision of a physician and in accordance with his recommendations.