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Short-acting benzodiazepine hypnotic

Lormetazepam

Lormetazepam is a benzodiazepine hypnotic indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It potentiates the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA at the GABA-A receptor, enhancing chloride influx to produce sedative and hypnotic effects.

Prescribing in practice

  • Tolerance and dependence can develop, so prescribe the lowest effective dose for the shortest period and avoid long-term use.
  • It may cause residual next-day drowsiness and impaired performance, with additive sedation when taken with alcohol or other CNS depressants.
  • Use with caution in the elderly and withdraw gradually after regular use.

Monitoring

Review the continued need for treatment regularly and monitor for tolerance, dependence and daytime sedation.

Counselling the patient

  • Explain that the medicine is for short-term use only.
  • Avoid alcohol and take care with driving, especially the following morning.
  • Do not stop abruptly after regular use; ask for advice on tapering.

Evidence & guidelines

NICE and current prescribing references recommend restricting benzodiazepine hypnotics such as lormetazepam to short-term use because of dependence risk.

Reference: NICE TA77; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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