Nitrazepam Vs. Diazepam?

Question

Which is more effective, what is the differences? Anyone got experience with nitrazepam?

Thanks x

Answer 1

Nitrazepam is heavily disfavored in the medical world due to it's reproductive problems and other weird side effects. Valium/diazepam is a far more benign drug, though mg for mg, Nitrazepam is probably more potent. In the US you aren't going to see a lot of doctors willing to use Nitrazepam these days.

Answer 2

I have taken Nitrazepam for about 30 years, it's addictive and leaves you with a slight "hangover" feeling. I wouldn't recommend it, there are better pills out there for insomnia. Diazepam is a derivative of Nitrazepam and is used as a antidepressant but again, there are more modern, non-addictive ones available now.

Answer 3

Both are benzodiazepines.  Both lead to addiction and need to be withdrawn slowly. The results of sudden withdrawal after a long period of use are unpleasant - headaches, disorientation gastric upset, anorexia, diarrhoea etc.

Nitrazepam, if prescribed, is used to treat insomnia - for a short period only.

Diazepam is more likely to be used in cases of anxiety, epilepsy, the DTs or to help, in small doses, to reduce dependence on nitrazepam.  Again it should only be used for short periods.

Answer 4

Nitrazepam is stronger and it is used more for sleep.  Diazipam is used more for anxiety and is 'gentler'. I take both periodically and Nitrazepam gives you a head like you've been smacked with an hammer in the morning. It's especially bad if you have not woken up naturally, but like anything, you have to way up the pros and cons. I only use either when absolutely necessary and I would not cope if I did not have them so the headache is a pay off.