This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Somnosam is considered a hypnotic benzodiazepine and is indicated for insomnia. It is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine and is sometimes used in patients who have difficulty in maintaining sleep or falling asleep. Hypnotics should only be used on a short-term basis or, in those with chronic insomnia, on an occasional basis.

How to Take

For the treatment of insomnia (trouble in sleeping): Adults - 5 to 7.5 mg at bedtime.

Older adults - 3.75 mg at bedtime; dose may be increased to 5 to 7.5 mg as determined by your doctor. Children up to 18 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Warning and Precautions

Somnosan is not recommended for the primary treatment of psychotic illness. Somnosan should not be used alone to treat depression or anxiety with depression (suicide may be precipitated in such patients). Somnosan should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Headaches, sleepiness, drowsiness, dizziness and unsteady movements can occur on the following day in particularly sensitive persons such as debilitated patients and elderly persons, and after ingestion of an excessive dose. Less commonly depression of mood and affect, disorientation or confusion and lethargy may be produced. A reciprocal intensification of effects is to be expected if Somnosan is taken with centrally depressing drugs and/or alcohol.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you suspect an overdose seek a medical attention immediately. The symptoms are: respiratory and cardiovascular depression, hypotension, drowsiness, ataxia and slurred speech.

Storage

Store at a room temperature. Protect from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects occur: confusion - more common in older adults; clumsiness or unsteadiness - more common in older adults; daytime anxiety and/or restlessness; difficulty with coordination - more common in older adults; mood or mental changes.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Somnosan. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.