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.
Do not give this medication to anyone younger than 15 years old.