🩺 Main Uses
Short-term insomnia (sleep onset).
🧪 The Science & Facts
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Half‑life (t½)
3 h
How long the drug hangs around. Longer half‑life = slower changes.
Time to Peak (Tmax)
1 h
Roughly when you feel the main effect after a dose.
What it hits (receptors)
Primary:
Ultra-short half-life; rebound insomnia common.
How your body processes it (metabolism)
Strong CYP3A4 interactions; avoid azoles/macrolides.
⚠️ Warnings
- Very short-acting benzo, mostly for sleep initiation.
- High risk of amnesia, confusion, and bizarre behaviours (sleepwalking, sleep-driving).
- Dependence forms quickly.
- Withdrawal severe, even after short use.
- Rarely prescribed long-term due to risks.
Benzo detected — read this first
Benzodiazepines and Z‑drugs can cause severe dependence and withdrawal. Never stop abruptly.
Street Benzo Warning (UK)
High rates of contamination reported by WEDINOS. Fake Xanax is common.
For tapering, see the Ashton Manual and the TripSit Converter.
💊 Open Benzo Converter
⏬ Taper & Withdrawal
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If you’re reducing
Avoid long-term use; taper carefully if dependence develops.
Possible withdrawal
Rebound insomnia, agitation, seizures in abrupt withdrawal.
Info here is educational, not medical advice. Always taper with prescriber support if possible.
🧠 Trusted External Sources Last reviewed 22 Aug 2025, 21:28 by Connor O’Driscoll
🔗 Interaction Checker
Always verify drug interactions using the Drugs.com Checker.
Need Help Getting Off This?
Try your GP first. If that doesn't help, find local support services who understand tapering.
Find Support Near You →⚠️ Black Box Warning
High risk of dependence and rebound insomnia. All benzos: ↑ mortality with opioids.
This is a plain‑English summary of headline safety warnings. Talk to a clinician before changing any medication.