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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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.
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 shared with 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.
Contact your doctor if your insomnia does not improve after taking flurazepam for 7 to 10 nights, or if you have any mood or behavior changes. Insomnia can be a symptom of depression, mental illness, or certain medical conditions.

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

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.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to flurazepam
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication:

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
a history of drug or alcohol addiction; or
if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a benzodiazepine such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), temazepam (Restoril), or triazolam (Halcion)

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.

What are the possible side effects of 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.
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)

Less serious side effects may include:

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

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.

Flurazepam Interactions

What other drugs affect Flurazepam?

Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by 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)

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with 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.

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.

Flurazepam Dosage

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.
Contact your doctor if your insomnia does not improve after taking flurazepam for 7 to 10 nights, or if you have any mood or behavior changes. Insomnia can be a symptom of depression, mental illness, or certain medical conditions.
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.
Flurazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Flurazepam should never be shared with 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.
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 overdose on Flurazepam?

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.
Overdose symptoms 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 happens if I miss a dose of Flurazepam?

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.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com

Flurazepam