Flurazepam is officially indicated for mild to moderate insomnia and as such it is used for short-term treatment of patients with mild to moderate insomnia such as difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakening, early awakenings or a combination of each.
Flurazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) similar to Valium. Flurazepam is officially indicated for mild to moderate insomnia and as such it is used for short-term treatment of patients with mild to moderate insomnia such as difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakening, early awakenings or a combination of each.
Flurazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine and is sometimes used in patients who have difficulty in maintaining sleep. Intermediate half-life benzodiazepines are also useful for patients with difficulty in maintaining sleep (e.g. loprazolam, lormetazepam, temazepam). Flurazepam is used to treat symptoms of insomnia, such as trouble falling or staying asleep.
The recommended adult dose of flurazepam ranges from 15 mg to 30 mg and is taken before bedtime. Flurazepam should not be taken for longer than 7 to 10 consecutive days unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The recommended starting dose for seniors is 15 mg. If you take this medication on a regular basis for extended periods of time, it may become habit-forming.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones above, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor.
You should not use flurazepam if you are allergic to it, or if you are pregnant.
Flurazepam may cause breathing problems, feeding problems, and low body temperature in a newborn. Your baby could also become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking flurazepam.
It is not known whether flurazepam passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell 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.
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.
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects can occur when alcohol is combined with flurazepam.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; nausea and vomiting; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some people using this medication 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.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
Taking flurazepam with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, prescription cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Other drugs may interact with flurazepam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
View interaction reports for flurazepam and the medicines listed below.
Patients taking benzodiazepines for insomnia should not use caffeine-containing products prior to going to bed as these products may antagonize the sedative effects of the benzodiazepine.
Store this medication at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F), protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
