Mogadon is a prescription benzodiazepine that is marketed under many different names depending on where it is sought. This is a hypnotic drug that is generally indicated in the treatment of severe insomnia. The medication has sedative properties as well as skeletal muscle properties, and relaxant properties. This medication is available by prescription in both 5mg and 10mg tablets.
Because it is a benzodiazepine the medication can cause benzodiazepine dependence, which is why it is usually only prescribed for short periods of time. Tolerance of the medication will begin as early as seven days of continued treatment. The medication cannot be stopped suddenly after this period of time as it can cause benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome. Symptoms of this syndrome include anxiety, insomnia, trouble concentrating, and fatigue. These symptoms can be lessened by gradually reducing the dosage.
Mogadon should not be prescribed at more than 5mg per day as it can impair driving skills and is known to increase the risk of traffic accidents. It is also associated with an increased risk of falls and hip fractures and may affect balance. The medication has a half life of 40 hours in the elderly and 29 hours in younger adults. The medication can cause death if overdose occurs.
This is not a medication that should be taken by those who are pregnant, drug or alcohol dependent people, or those with comorbid psychiatric disorders. As is the case with all medications, Mogadon is associated with some unintended side effects such as dizziness, depression, rage, violence, headache, vertigo, ataxia, and fatigue. Other side effects may include memory problems, motor function problems, a feeling of being hung-over, slurred speech, reduced alertness, nightmares, muscle weakness, double vision, confusion, and problems with coordination. Patients should discuss side effects with their doctor as they occur to determine if this is a medication that should be continued. In some cases the benefits of the medication simply do not outweigh the risks or the side effects and the medication must be tapered down until it can be stopped completely.