My father is 55 years old and takes nitrosun 10 mg tablets for last 10 days. He is addicted to it and consumes more than 3 each day. How to help him ?Please suggest.

Question

Nitrosun is a sedative medication that is generally given to treat insomnia or sleeplessness. It should not be taken for more than 2-3 weeks as it has a high addiction potential. It is generally taken at bedtime around 30 mins before sleeping. Your father seems to be taking it long term as the dose cannot reach 3 tablet per day in just 10 days. Nevertheless it is advisable that he must not continue taking such high doses daily as it can affect his liver functions. But don’t stop the medications suddenly as it can cause withdrawal symptoms. It’s advised to reduce the no. Of tablets by 1 every few days. Ie e.g. If he is currently taking 3 tablets a day, then he should reduce it to 2 per day. Continue taking 2 a day for next 3-4 days. Then reduce it to 1 tablet a day and continue for another 3-4 days. I would advise to do this under the supervision of a psychiatrist. Then if he still has sleeping problems, he can be switched to other alternative medications which are not habit forming. Since it’s a sedative a prescription is required. For further assistance please consult.

Rashmi Navelkar · Accepted Answer

Nitrosun is a sedative medication that is generally given to treat insomnia or sleeplessness. It should not be taken for more than 2-3 weeks as it has a high addiction potential. It is generally taken at bedtime around 30 mins before sleeping. Your father seems to be taking it long term as the dose cannot reach 3 tablet per day in just 10 days. Nevertheless it is advisable that he must not continue taking such high doses daily as it can affect his liver functions. But don’t stop the medications suddenly as it can cause withdrawal symptoms. It’s advised to reduce the no. Of tablets by 1 every few days. Ie e.g. If he is currently taking 3 tablets a day, then he should reduce it to 2 per day. Continue taking 2 a day for next 3-4 days. Then reduce it to 1 tablet a day and continue for another 3-4 days. I would advise to do this under the supervision of a psychiatrist. Then if he still has sleeping problems, he can be switched to other alternative medications which are not habit forming. Since it’s a sedative a prescription is required. For further assistance please consult.

Saranya Devanathan · Answer

Dear Keya,
Nitrosun is addicting in few persons. Your dad has already started increasing the dose by himself. As he increases, he will not get any more benefit. Suddenly withdrawing from it, is problematic since it can cause fits apart from other withdrawal symptoms. So take him to a deaddiction centre or to a doctor of addiction medicine for gradual withdrawal and motivational enhancement therapy.

Prof. Jagadeesan M.S. · Answer

The tablet your father taking is highly addictive. You need to consult a psychiatrist and give him proper medications for his sleep and emotional problems. Safe medications will be beneficial and non addictive and they are not harmful on a longer run. Good luck.

Amita · Answer

Your father's need is for addicting will power strong's.