Flurazepam (By Mouth)

Flurazepam (flure-AZ-e-pam)

Treats insomnia (difficulty sleeping). Belongs to the group of drugs called benzodiazepines.

Brand Name(s):

Dalmane
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to flurazepam or other medicines that are like flurazepam (such as Valium®, Halcion®, or Restoril®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often to use it. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to..
• You may take this medicine with or without food.

If a dose is missed:

• Flurazepam should be used only when you cannot sleep. You should not need a regular dosage schedule.
• You should not use two doses at the same time. Give the drug enough time to work.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from excess heat, moisture, and light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not drink alcohol while using this medicine.
• Check with your doctor before using other medicines that could make you sleepy, such as pain medicine, tranquilizers, or cold or allergy medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before using this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have glaucoma, liver disease, kidney disease, or lung disease.
• This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions. If you continue to have problems sleeping, check with your doctor.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. You may need to use smaller and smaller doses before stopping completely.
• Older adults and children may be more sensitive to side effects.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Depression or severe confusion
• Severe drowsiness and weakness
• Unsteadiness (having a hard time standing up)
• Slow heart beat
• Trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Drowsiness, dizziness, clumsiness, or trouble concentrating
• Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
• Blurred vision or headache
• Feeling "hungover" the next morning after bedtime use

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.