Flurazepam

Generic name: Flurazepam
Brand names: Dalmane
Dosage form: oral capsule (15 mg; 30 mg)
Drug class: Benzodiazepines

Usage of Flurazepam

Flurazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) that is used to treat insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep).

Flurazepam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Flurazepam side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; nausea and vomiting; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Flurazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

Flurazepam may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

confusion, agitation, paranoia, hallucinations;

thinking problems, unusual thoughts or behavior;

severe daytime drowsiness; or

new or worsening depression.

Some people using flurazepam have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, walking, making phone calls, or having sex and later having no memory of the activity. Tell your doctor if this happens to you.

Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.

Common side effects of flurazepam may include:

drowsiness, dizziness, feeling light-headed;

loss of coordination; or

falling or staggering.

After you stop using flurazepam, get medical help right away if you have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, suicidal thoughts or actions.

Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer after stopping flurazepam suddenly. Tell your doctor if you have ongoing anxiety, depression, problems with memory or thinking, trouble sleeping, ringing in your ears, a burning or prickly feeling, or a crawling sensation under your skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Flurazepam

You should not use flurazepam if you are allergic to any benzodiazepine (flurazepam, alprazolam, Diazepam, lorazepam, Valium, Xanax, Versed, Klonopin, and others).

Do not use if you are pregnant. If you use flurazepam during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks. Use effective birth control while using flurazepam. Stop using flurazepam and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

drug or alcohol addiction;

depression or mental illness; or

suicidal thoughts or actions.

Do not breastfeed.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

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How to use Flurazepam

Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia:

15 mg orally once a day at bedtime for women and 15 or 30 mg orally once a day at bedtime for menComments:-The 15 mg dose can be increased to 30 mg if necessary for efficacy.-The lowest effective dose should be used, since important adverse effects are dose related.-Dosage should be limited to 15 mg per day in elderly or debilitated patients.Use: Treatment of insomnia

Warnings

Flurazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol.

MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

Do not stop using flurazepam without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer.

Get medical help right away if you stop using flurazepam and have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or thoughts about suicide.

Do not use if you are pregnant.

What other drugs will affect Flurazepam

Using flurazepam with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may affect flurazepam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

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