uses
What is flurazepam used for?Flurazepam is commonly used to treat certain types of a sleep problem called insomnia, which can include symptoms like trouble falling asleep and waking up often during the night.Flurazepam may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.How does flurazepam work (mechanism of action)?Flurazepam produces a calming effect on the brain and nerves, which helps you fall asleep and stay asleep.How is flurazepam supplied (dosage forms)?Flurazepam is available in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.15 mg oral capsules30 mg oral capsulesHow should I store flurazepam?Flurazepam should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
how to use
capsule that is swallowed
drug interactions
Does flurazepam interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between flurazepam and foods or drinks.Do not drink alcohol while taking flurazepam. The risk of serious problems such as severe dizziness, sleepiness, and trouble breathing may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking flurazepam.Does flurazepam interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure to discuss if you are using any of the following before taking flurazepam.An opioid, such as oxycodone, morphine, codeine, or fentanyl, which is a medicine used for certain types of painAny other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxietyFlumazenil (Romazicon), which is a medicine used to manage benzodiazepine overdoseThis may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with flurazepam. Always check with your healthcare provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of flurazepam?The most common side effects of flurazepam are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.DizzinessFeeling lightheadedTrouble with balance or coordinationDrowsinessStaggeringFallingThere may be other side effects of flurazepam that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of flurazepam?While less common, the most serious side effects of flurazepam are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Flurazepam may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking flurazepam and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painSuicidal Thoughts and Actions. Flurazepam may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of people. If you are about to harm yourself, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.New or increased thoughts of suicide or deathSuicide attemptNew or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in mood or behavior Risk of Misuse and Addiction. Misusing flurazepam can lead to serious side effects like coma or death. Misuse means taking a medicine in a way other than how it was prescribed. Take flurazepam exactly as prescribed. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel that flurazepam is not working. Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following serious symptoms.Sudden confusion or feeling disorientedFeeling paranoidSuicidal thoughts or actionsSeizuresTrouble breathingDependence and Withdrawal Reactions. Flurazepam can cause physical dependence, which means your body relies on the medicine to function properly. If you stop flurazepam suddenly, it could lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may be life-threatening. Do not stop taking flurazepam without talking with your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will tell you how to flurazepam to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions. Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience any of the following serious symptoms.Unusual movements, responses, or expressionsSeizuresSudden and severe mental or nervous system changesSeeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear, also called hallucinationsAn extreme increase in activity or talkingLosing touch with realityRisk With Opioid Medicines. Taking flurazepam with an opioid medicine, such as codeine, morphine, and oxycodone, may lead to severe drowsiness, breathing problems, coma, and death. Get emergency help right away if you experience the following symptoms.Slow or shallow breathingBreathing stops (which may lead to the heart stopping)Excessive sleepiness or trouble staying awake Some people may experience the following symptoms of a withdrawal reaction that can last for several weeks to more than 12 months.AnxietyTrouble remembering, learning, or concentratingDepressionProblems sleepingFeeling like insects are crawling under the skinWeaknessShakingMuscle twitchingBurning or prickling feeling in the hands, arms, legs, or feetRinging in the earsDecreased Alertness or Coordination. Flurazepam can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how flurazepam affects you.Activities While Not Fully Awake. Flurazepam may cause you to get out of bed and do an activity you do not know you are doing. The next morning, you may not remember doing anything. Some people taking flurazepam reported doing the following activities they did not remember doing.Driving a car, also called “sleep drivingâ€Making and eating foodTalking on the phoneHaving sexSleep-walking
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much flurazepam?If you or someone else has used too much flurazepam, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of flurazepam?If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use flurazepam?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take flurazepam.FlurazepamDalmaneAny other medicine known as a benzodiazepineAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific flurazepam products they stock.What should I know about flurazepam before using it?Do not take flurazepam unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.Do not share flurazepam with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep flurazepam out of the reach of children. Flurazepam is a controlled substance because it can be misused or lead to dependence. Store flurazepam in a safe place to protect it from theft. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine.People who are 65 years and older can be at greater risk for some side effects of flurazepam, including dizziness, drowsiness, feeling lightheaded, staggering, trouble with balance or coordination, and falling with flurazepam. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.Flurazepam can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how flurazepam affects you.You may still feel drowsy the next day after taking flurazepam. Do not drive or do other dangerous activities after taking flurazepam until you feel fully awake.Call your healthcare provider if your insomnia worsens or is not better within 7 to 10 days of taking flurazepam. This may mean that there is another condition causing your sleep problem.What should I tell my healthcare provider before using flurazepam?Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if flurazepam is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Mental Health Problems. Tell your healthcare provider about your recent and current mental health problems, especially if you have had depression, thoughts of suicide or dying, or have ever attempted suicide.Substance Use Disorder. Flurazepam is a controlled substance and may be misused or lead to dependence. Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of a drug or alcohol disorder. Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.Lung disease or breathing problemsSleep apneaOther Medicines and Supplements. Flurazepam may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using flurazepam, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.Pregnancy. It is not known if or how flurazepam could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Taking flurazepam during the later stages of pregnancy can cause withdrawal and the following symptoms in newborns.Breathing problemsSluggishLow muscle toneJitteryFussiness or irritabilityRestlessnessShakingExcessive cryingFeeding problemsTell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take flurazepam while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications. This registry collects information about the safety of psychiatric medicines during pregnancy. You can register by calling 866-961-2388 or online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/pregnancyregistry/.Breastfeeding. Do not take flurazepam while you are breastfeeding. It is not known if flurazepam passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.