Flunitrazepam
Flunitrazepam is a potent benzodiazepine medication primarily used for the short-term treatment of severe insomnia and as a pre-anesthetic agent. It produces sedative, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, and amnestic effects by enhancing the activity of GABA in the central nervous system.
Flunitrazepam is a benzodiazepine sedative used for severe insomnia and anesthesia preparation.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05CD03
- RxNorm
- 4460
- Generic
- Flunitrazepam
- Class
- atc-n05
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Short-term treatment of severe, disabling, or distressing insomnia; pre-operative sedation and anesthesia induction.
Flunitrazepam enhances the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at the GABA-A receptor, leading to increased inhibitory neurotransmission, resulting in sedation, reduced anxiety, muscle relaxation, and anterograde amnesia.
Schedule IV controlled substance in the US with limited medical use; carries risks of dependence, tolerance, withdrawal, and abuse; may cause significant anterograde amnesia (memory impairment); contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, severe respiratory insufficiency, or myasthenia gravis; should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding; combination with alcohol or other CNS depressants can be life-threatening.
Official drug label
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This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy