Flurazepam

Brand Names

Dalmane

What is Flurazepam

Flurazepam is a medicine related to benzodiazepines. It is used to treat insomnia. Flurazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause sleep problems.

Side effects of Flurazepam

Inform your doctor if you have noticed such allergic reactions as: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat.

There is a list of severe side effects after Flurazepam intake:

• 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
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice

Indication

Flurazepam treats sleep disorders (difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakening, early awakenings or a combination of each) by depressing the central nervous system (brain).

Flurazepam can be a long acting or a short acting benzodiazepine and is sometimes used in patients who are maintaining a sleep is very difficult.

Precautions

Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these medical conditions:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods or other substances
• if you have glaucoma or a predisposition for glaucoma, kidney or liver problems, lung problems or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), muscle problems, poor health, depression, suicidal tendencies, the blood disorder porphyria or a history of substance abuse or dependence

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the followings:

• Aprepitant, clozapine, disulfiram, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), kava, nefazodone, omeprazole, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), sodium oxybate (GHB) or valproic acid because they may increase the risk of Flurazepam's side effects
• Hydantoins (e.g., phenytoin) or rifampin because they may decrease Flurazepam's effectiveness
• Clozapine, digoxin, hydantoins (e.g., phenytoin), or nondepolarizing muscle relaxants (e.g., vecuronium), because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Flurazepam

The scientists found out that sedative effects of flurazepam may last longer in older adults and may harm to anyone younger than 15 years old.

Dosage forms

Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia: 30 mg orally before retiring. In some patients 15 mg may suffice.

Usual Geriatric Dose for Insomnia: 15 mg orally before retiring.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Insomnia: less than 15 years: no dose has been established. It is not recommended by the manufacturer. Greater than 15 years: 15 mg orally before retiring.