Flurazepam

Flurazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) that helps treat insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep).

Flurazepam may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Never use flurazepam in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel a stronger urge to use more of this medicine.

Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medicine where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Take this medicine only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine.

Call 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.

Do not stop using flurazepam without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep your medicine in a place where no one can use it improperly.

Your insomnia symptoms may return when you stop using flurazepam after using it over a long period of time.

Flurazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol.

MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

Do not stop using flurazepam without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer.

Get medical help right away if you stop using flurazepam and have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or thoughts about suicide.

Do not use if you are pregnant.

You should not use flurazepam if you are allergic to any benzodiazepine (flurazepam, alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, Valium, Xanax, Versed, Klonopin, and others).

Do not use if you are pregnant. If you use flurazepam during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms and may need medical treatment for several weeks. Use effective birth control while using flurazepam. Stop using flurazepam and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• drug or alcohol addiction;
• depression or mental illness; or
• suicidal thoughts or actions.

Do not breastfeed.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

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.

Flurazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue-colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

Flurazepam may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• confusion, agitation, paranoia, hallucinations;
• thinking problems, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• severe daytime drowsiness; or
• new or worsening depression.

Some people using flurazepam have engaged in activities such as driving, eating, walking, making phone calls, or having sex and later have no memory of these activities. Tell your doctor if this happens to you.

Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.

Common side effects of flurazepam may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness, feeling light-headed;
• loss of coordination; or
• falling or staggering.

After you stop using flurazepam, get medical help right away if you have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, suicidal thoughts or actions.

Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer after stopping flurazepam suddenly. Tell your doctor if you have ongoing anxiety, depression, problems with memory or thinking, trouble sleeping, ringing in your ears, a burning or prickly feeling, or a crawling sensation under your skin.

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.

Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia:

15 mg orally once a day at bedtime for women and 15 or 30 mg orally once a day at bedtime for menComments:-The 15 mg dose can be increased to 30 mg if necessary for efficacy.-The lowest effective dose should be used, since important adverse effects are dose related.-Dosage should be limited to 15 mg per day in elderly or debilitated patients.Use: Treatment of insomnia

Flurazepam is used as needed. If you have a dosing schedule and miss a dose, skip that dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Taking too much flurazepam can be deadly if combined with alcohol, opioid medicine, or other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing.

Signs of an overdose may include being very sleepy, confusion, slurred speech, weak or shallow breathing, or coma.

Do not drink alcohol. This can lead to serious side effects or death.

You may still feel sleepy the day after taking flurazepam. Make sure you are fully awake before driving, using machinery, or doing anything that needs you to be alert. Your reactions may not be normal.

Feeling sleepy during the day may continue for several days after stopping flurazepam. This drowsiness can lead to falls, accidents, or serious injuries.

Using flurazepam with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can lead to dangerous side effects or death. Talk to your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may impact flurazepam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking.