How do you take Flunitrazepam?

Take 0.5 mg to 1 mg (half a tablet to one tablet) by mouth at bedtime, about 30 minutes before you want to sleep. Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush or chew it. This medicine is meant for short-term use only — usually no more than 2 to 4 weeks. Your doctor will decide the right dose for you.

What are the side effects of Flunitrazepam?

Feeling very sleepy or drowsy the next morning, dizziness or unsteadiness when walking, headache, confusion or forgetfulness, muscle weakness

Who should not take Flunitrazepam?

People allergic to flunitrazepam or other benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam), people with severe breathing problems or sleep apnoea (stopping breathing during sleep), people with severe liver disease, people with myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness condition), anyone with a history of drug or alcohol addiction, children under 18, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Prescription

Benzodiazepine (sedative/sleeping medicine)

Flunitrazepam

Q: What is Flunitrazepam used for?

Severe insomnia (inability to sleep), short-term treatment of serious sleeping problems that have not responded to other treatments

Last reviewed June 2026

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Flunitrazepam is a strong sleeping medicine (sedative) that works by calming the brain and nervous system, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It is sold in Nigeria under brand names like Rohypnol, Hypnox, Swinol, and AC-Flunitrazepam.

What is it used for?

Severe insomnia (inability to sleep)short-term treatment of serious sleeping problems that have not responded to other treatments

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Anxiety & Sleep Problems

How it works

Binds to benzodiazepine receptors on GABA_A channels in the central nervous system, enhancing GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission and increasing neuronal hyperpolarization to produce sedation and sleep induction.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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What to watch out for

This is a controlled substance in Nigeria — only use it if a doctor prescribed it for you, and never share it with anyone else. Do not buy it from roadside vendors or unregistered pharmacies, as fake versions are common and dangerous. This drug can become addictive quickly — do not use it for longer than your doctor instructed, and do not suddenly stop taking it without medical guidance as withdrawal symptoms can be serious.

Common Side Effects

Feeling very sleepy or drowsy the next morning
dizziness or unsteadiness when walking
headache
confusion or forgetfulness
muscle weakness

Serious Side Effects

Difficulty breathing or very slow breathing — go to the hospital immediately. Severe confusion
hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
or unusual behaviour — stop the medicine and see a doctor right away. Signs of dependence such as needing more tablets to sleep or feeling very anxious and shaky when you stop taking it.

Drug Interactions

Do not drink alcohol while taking flunitrazepam — combining them can slow your breathing dangerously and may even cause death. Avoid taking it with other sleeping pills, strong painkillers like tramadol or codeine, or medicines for anxiety, as they increase the sedative effect. Tell your doctor if you are taking any antiretroviral (HIV) medicines, as they may interact.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Flunitrazepam is not safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding — it can harm the unborn baby and passes into breast milk, so do not use it if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Who Should NOT Take This

People allergic to flunitrazepam or other benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam)
people with severe breathing problems or sleep apnoea (stopping breathing during sleep)
people with severe liver disease
people with myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakness condition)
anyone with a history of drug or alcohol addiction
children under 18
and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid storing near windows or in hot rooms. Keep the tablets in their original packaging and far out of the reach of children. This is a very strong medicine and can be dangerous if taken by children or the wrong person.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.