A benzodiazepine for short-term insomnia

Lormetazepam

A benzodiazepine sleeping tablet for the short-term treatment of insomnia.

What is Lormetazepam?

Lormetazepam is a benzodiazepine used as a sleeping tablet for short-term insomnia. Taken just before bed, it calms the nervous system to help you fall and stay asleep. It is intended for short-term use only because dependence can develop, and it can cause next-day drowsiness.

Class: Benzodiazepines & Z-drugs

Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Lormetazepam — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review
Class: Benzodiazepines & Z-drugs →
Lormetazepam (Benzodiazepines & Z-drugs) — Meds Global Health reference card with 2D molecular structure
Lormetazepam — Benzodiazepines & Z-drugs. The image shows the active ingredient's 2D molecular structure.

What it is

Lormetazepam is a benzodiazepine used as a hypnotic (sleeping tablet). It is prescribed for short-term insomnia, usually when poor sleep is severe and distressing. Because of the risk of dependence and tolerance, it is meant to be used for a short period only, not as a long-term solution.

How it works

Lormetazepam boosts the effect of GABA, a natural calming chemical in the brain. This dampens nerve activity, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Its calming and sedating action is what makes it useful as a short-term sleeping tablet.

Company & origin

Originated / developed by: Available as a generic medicine in the UK..

Lormetazepam is a benzodiazepine used as a sleeping tablet (hypnotic) for short-term insomnia.

What it treats

Conditions Lormetazepam is used for

InsomniaPersistent difficulty falling or staying asleep that affects daytime function — treated fi…

Practical use

How to take Lormetazepam

General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.

  • Take it just before you get into bed, only on nights when you can get a full night's sleep.
  • Use it for the shortest time possible; it is not intended for long-term, nightly use.
  • Do not drink alcohol while taking it, as this increases sedation.
  • If you have taken it regularly, do not stop suddenly; ask your team about reducing gradually.
  • Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel drowsy the next day.

Weighing it up

Advantages & disadvantages of Lormetazepam

Advantages

  • Effective at helping you fall and stay asleep in the short term.
  • Useful when severe insomnia is causing significant distress.
  • Taken only at bedtime as a short course.

Disadvantages

  • Can cause dependence and tolerance, so it is only suitable short term.
  • Can leave you drowsy the next day, affecting driving and concentration.
  • Should not be stopped suddenly after regular use, as withdrawal effects can occur.

Practical use

Good to know

Lormetazepam is for short-term use only because the body can become dependent on it. Take it just before going to bed, when you can devote a full night to sleep. It can cause next-day drowsiness, so do not drive if you feel drowsy. Do not stop it suddenly after regular use.

Who should not take it / use with caution

  • People with a known allergy to lormetazepam or other benzodiazepines.
  • People with severe breathing problems, sleep apnoea or severe liver impairment.
  • Used with caution in older people because of the risk of falls and confusion.

Monitoring

  • Regular review of whether the medicine is still needed, aiming to keep use short.
  • Watch for next-day drowsiness, falls and signs of dependence.
  • Plan a gradual reduction if it has been used regularly.

Side effects

  • Next-day drowsiness, tiredness and reduced concentration.
  • Unsteadiness and an increased risk of falls, especially in older people.
  • Confusion or memory problems.
  • Dependence and rebound insomnia if used regularly and then stopped.
  • Slowed breathing, particularly if combined with other sedatives.

Key interactions

  • Alcohol increases sedation and should be avoided.
  • Strong painkillers (opioids) and other sedating medicines add to drowsiness and slowed breathing.
  • Some medicines affecting the liver can change lormetazepam levels.
  • Tell your team about all your medicines, including those bought over the counter.

Available as: Tablets.

Answers

Lormetazepam: frequently asked questions

When should I take lormetazepam?

Take it just before you get into bed, only on nights when you can allow a full night for sleep. Taking it then helps reduce next-day drowsiness.

How long can I take it for?

It is intended for short-term use only. Taking it regularly over a longer period can lead to dependence and tolerance, where it works less well.

Can I drive the next day?

Only if you feel fully alert. Lormetazepam can cause next-day drowsiness and slowed reactions, so do not drive or operate machinery if you feel drowsy.

What happens if I stop suddenly?

After regular use, stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal effects and rebound insomnia, where sleep is worse for a while. Ask your team about reducing it gradually.

Can I drink alcohol with it?

No. Alcohol adds to the sedating effect and can dangerously slow your breathing. Avoid alcohol while taking lormetazepam.

The wider class

About Benzodiazepines & Z-drugs

Lormetazepam belongs to the benzodiazepines & z-drugs class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.

Benzodiazepines and Z-drugsCalming and sleep medicines for short-term use — effective but habit-forming. DiazepamA long-acting benzodiazepine used short-term for severe anxiety, certain muscle spasms and…ZopicloneA Z-drug sleeping tablet used for short-term treatment of insomnia; it can cause next-day …LorazepamA benzodiazepine used for short-term relief of severe anxiety and a number of other situat…TemazepamA benzodiazepine used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, helping people who are hav…ZolpidemA 'Z-drug' used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, helping people fall asleep when …ClonazepamA benzodiazepine used to help control certain types of epilepsy; it can cause drowsiness a…NitrazepamA long-acting benzodiazepine sleeping tablet for short-term, severe insomnia; it can cause…OxazepamA short-acting benzodiazepine used only for the short-term relief of severe anxiety, effec…ClobazamA benzodiazepine used mainly as an add-on treatment to help control epileptic seizures, wh…ChlordiazepoxideA benzodiazepine used mainly for the short-term management of alcohol withdrawal.…ZaleplonA very short-acting Z-drug sleeping tablet for short-term insomnia.…BuspironeAn anti-anxiety medicine that eases generalised anxiety over time, without the dependence …RemimazolamA short-acting benzodiazepine given into a vein to provide sedation during procedures, und…AlprazolamA short-acting benzodiazepine sometimes used for anxiety or panic, but not a first-line UK…EszopicloneA 'Z-drug' sleeping tablet used for short-term help with insomnia.…MidazolamA short-acting benzodiazepine used for sedation during procedures, to stop prolonged seizu…TriazolamA short-acting benzodiazepine used for the short-term treatment of severe insomnia.…EstazolamA benzodiazepine sleeping tablet used for the short-term treatment of insomnia.…

Browse by body system

Mental healthConditions and medicines for mood, anxiety, psychosis, sleep and dependence — used alongsi…

Authoritative sources

  • BNF: Lormetazepam.
  • NICE CKS: Sleeping pills and minor tranquillisers.

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