flurazepam

Pronunciation:	flure AZ e pam
Brand:	Dalmane

What is the most important information I should know about flurazepam?

Flurazepam may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking flurazepam and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Take flurazepam only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine.

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking flurazepam and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to flurazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), temazepam (Restoril), or triazolam (Halcion).

This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby, or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Do not use flurazepam if you are pregnant.

Before taking flurazepam, tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems, glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Flurazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Flurazepam should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Flurazepam should be used for only a short time to treat insomnia. After 7 to 10 nights of use, talk with your doctor about whether or not you should keep taking flurazepam.

What is flurazepam?

Flurazepam is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Flurazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause sleep problems (insomnia).

Flurazepam is used to treat insomnia symptoms, such as trouble falling or staying asleep.

Flurazepam may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking flurazepam?

Before taking flurazepam, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems;
glaucoma;
kidney or liver disease;
myasthenia gravis;
a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or
a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use flurazepam, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Flurazepam can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. It may also cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother takes flurazepam late in pregnancy. Do not use flurazepam if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.

Flurazepam may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

The sedative effects of flurazepam may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking flurazepam.

Do not give this medication to anyone under 15 years old.

How should I take flurazepam?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take flurazepam only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine.

It may take 2 or 3 nights of taking flurazepam before it fully helps you fall asleep. Contact your doctor if this medicine seems to stop working as well in helping you fall asleep and stay asleep.

Flurazepam should be used for only a short time to treat insomnia. After 7 to 10 nights of use, talk with your doctor about whether or not you should keep taking flurazepam. Do not take this medication for longer than 4 weeks without your doctor's advice.

Your insomnia symptoms may return when you stop using flurazepam after using it over a long period of time. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Store flurazepam at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep track of how many capsules have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Benzodiazepines are drugs of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since flurazepam is taken as needed, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule. Take flurazepam only when you have time for several hours of sleep.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of flurazepam can be fatal, especially if taken with alcohol.

Symptoms of a flurazepam overdose may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, slurred speech, tremors, a slow heartbeat, shallow breathing, feeling light-headed, fainting, seizure (black-out or convulsions), or coma.

What should I avoid while taking flurazepam?

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking flurazepam. It can increase some of the side effects, and could possibly cause a fatal overdose.

Flurazepam can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by flurazepam.

What are the possible side effects of flurazepam?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using flurazepam and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

weak or shallow breathing;
fast or pounding heartbeats;
confusion, slurred speech, unusual thoughts or behavior;
hallucinations, agitation, aggression;
thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
problems with urination; or
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Continue taking flurazepam and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

daytime drowsiness (or during hours when you are not normally sleeping);
amnesia or forgetfulness;
muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination;
numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling;
headache, blurred vision, depressed mood;
feeling nervous, excited, or irritable;
nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort; or
dry mouth, increased thirst.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect flurazepam?

Before taking flurazepam, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

fluvoxamine (Luvox);
itraconazole (Sporanox);
ketoconazole (Nizoral); or
nefazodone (Serzone).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use flurazepam, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect flurazepam. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has information about flurazepam written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Flurazepam is available with a prescription under the brand name Dalmane. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Dalmane 15 mg--ivory/orange capsules
Dalmane 30 mg--ivory/red capsules

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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