Benzodiazepines associated with anterograde amnesia. May cause CNS depression. Postmarketing studies indicated that use of hypnotic/sedative agents for sleep associated with hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis as well as angioedema. Paradoxical reactions, including hyperactive or aggressive behavior, reported with benzodiazepines, particularly in adolescent/pediatric or psychiatric patients. Increased risk for hazardous sleep-related activities such as sleep-driving; cooking and eating food, and making phone calls while asleep also noted. Use caution in depression, particularly if suicidal risk may be present, and in history of drug abuse or acute alcoholism. Potential for drug dependency exists. Tolerance, psychological and physical dependence may occur with prolonged use. Use with caution in hepatic and renal impairment, in impaired gag reflux, in respiratory disease, and in patients receiving other CNS depressants or psychoactive medication. Effects with other sedative drugs or ethanol may be potentiated. Use with caution in debilitated patients, in the elderly and in patients who are at risk of falls; (benzodiazepines associated with falls and traumatic injury). Does not have analgesic, antidepressant, or antipsychotic properties. Failure of sleep disturbance to resolve after 7-10 days may indicate psychiatric or medical illness. Rebound or withdrawal symptoms may occur following abrupt discontinuation or large decreases in dose. Flumazenil may cause withdrawal in patients receiving long-term benzodiazepine therapy.