What is Flurazepam?
Flurazepam, commonly referred to as Flurazepam, is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). This medication is often prescribed for treating insomnia (having difficulty falling or staying asleep). This medication guide does not list all possible uses of flurazepam.
Side effects of Flurazepam
If you experience any of the following: hives, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or nausea, seek emergency medical attention. Flurazepam may slow or stop breathing, particularly if you've recently consumed alcohol or opioid medications. If there are long pauses between breaths, blue lips or an inability to wake up, someone caring for you should seek immediate medical assistance.
Flurazepam can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Confusion, agitation, paranoia, and hallucinations;
- Thinking problems are a term used to describe unusual thinking or behavior.
- Severe daytime drowsiness;
- Depression can be new or getting worse.
Flurazepam can cause people to forget activities such as driving, eating, or walking. If this happens to you, tell your doctor. Elderly adults may suffer from persistent fatigue and dizziness that leads to falling. By acting with caution and exercising due diligence, falls can be avoided as well as accidental injuries from occurring.
Flurazepam can cause the following side effects:
- Drowsiness, dizziness, feeling light-headed;
- Loss of coordination
- Falling or staggering.
If you experience any of the following symptoms after stopping flurazepam: abnormal muscle movements, increased activity or talkativeness, sudden and severe mood or behavioral changes, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or suicidal thoughts, Flurazepam withdrawal symptoms can last for up to 12 or more months after abruptly stopping the drug. Tell your doctor about any persistent anxiety or depression, memory or thinking problems, difficulty sleeping, ringing or prickly sensations in your ears or under your skin, or trouble sleeping. There may be other side effects. Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects; alternatively, contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 - they have 24-hour reporting hotline available!
Similar/related drugs
Lorazepam, Melatonin, Zolpidem, Diphenhydramine, Ativan, and Ambien
Warnings
Flurazepam may slow or stop breathing, particularly if you've recently taken an opioid or consumed alcohol. Misuse of this MEDICINE MAY CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE OR DEATH; therefore it should be stored where others cannot get hold of it. Flurazepam should never be discontinued abruptly without consulting with your physician first, as discontinuing suddenly may lead to potentially severe withdrawal symptoms - some lasting for months at a time! Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms like abnormal muscle movements, increased activity or talkativeness, sudden and severe mood or behavioral changes, confusion, hallucinations or seizures, or thoughts of suicide. Do not use it if you are pregnant.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, or any other benzodiazepine, such as flurazepam), then you should avoid using them. Avoid using flurazepam if you're pregnant. Your baby may be born with withdrawal symptoms that are life-threatening and require medical attention for several weeks. While using flurazepam, use birth control. If you become pregnant, stop using flurazepam. Tell your doctor.
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- Drug or alcohol abuse;
- Depression or mental illness
- Suicidal thoughts and actions.
Breastfeeding is not recommended. No one under 18 may use this product.
How to take Flurazepam?
Read all the instructions or guides included with your medication carefully before beginning therapy. Flurazepam should never be used in higher doses or for longer periods than prescribed. If you are feeling a greater urge to take more flurazepam, tell your doctor. As with any medication, this one should never be shared with anyone who is known to abuse drugs.. DO NOT DISTRIBUTE THIS MEDICINE TO OTHERS. It is illegal to sell or give away this medicine. You should only take this medication when you're getting ready to go to sleep for several hours. After taking this medicine, you may find yourself falling asleep quickly. If your insomnia persists after taking flurazepam for 7–10 nights or if there are any changes in your mood or behavior, call your doctor. Insomnia is a sign of depression, mental illness, or other medical conditions. Flurazepam should not be stopped without consulting your doctor. Should you suddenly discontinue taking long-term prescription medicines suddenly and abruptly, severe symptoms could ensue that threaten life-saving processes.
Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature. Store your medication in a safe place so that no one else can misuse it. After using flurazepam for a long time, your insomnia symptoms can return.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia:
Women should take 15 mg once daily at bedtime, while men can take 15 or 30mg once a night at bedtime.
Comments:
If necessary, the 15 mg dose may be increased to 30mg.
The lowest dose effective should be used since adverse effects can be dose-related.
The maximum daily dose for elderly or debilitated individuals should not exceed 15 mg.
Use: Treatment for insomnia
What happens if I miss the dose?
Flurazepam can be used as needed. You should not take any missed doses if you have a regular dosing schedule. Never use two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Flurazepam overdoses can be deadly if taken with alcohol, opioid medicines, or other drugs that cause drowsiness and slow breathing. Overdose symptoms include drowsiness or confusion, slurred or weak speech, shallow or slow breathing, or a coma.
What should be avoided?
Don't drink alcohol. Side effects and death can occur. You might still feel sleepy in the morning if you take flurazepam. Do not drive or operate machines until you have fully woken up. You may have impaired reactions. Flurazepam can cause daytime sleepiness for up to a week after stopping use. Drowsiness may lead to accidents, falls, or serious injuries.
Interaction with other drug
Flurazepam can have dangerous side effects, including death, when taken with other drugs that make you sleepy, slow down your breathing, or cause anxiety. Flurazepam can be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.
