What Is Flurazepam? 

Flurazepam (Dalmane®) is a prescription sleep medication approved as an insomnia treatment. It is generally recommended for short-term use, although occasionally long-term use may also be appropriate.
  
Side Effects of Flurazepam 

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with flurazepam. However, not everyone who takes the  drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor  and either require  no treatment or  can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
  
Common side effects of flurazepam include, but are not limited to: 

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Lightheadedness
• Coordination problems. 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider? 

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking flurazepam if you have: 

• A history of drug or alcohol abuse 
• Lung problems or breathing problems
• Depression
• Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives. 

Also let your healthcare provider know if you are: 

• Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant 
• Breastfeeding

You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all  of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
  
How Does It Work? 

Flurazepam is one of  a group of medications known as benzodiazepines (sometimes  called "benzos" for short). Benzodiazepines have a variety of different effects on  the body, including: 

• Causing sleepiness 
• Stopping seizures 
• Relaxing muscles 
• Reducing anxiety 
• Impairing short-term memory. 

All benzodiazepine medications can have these effects to some degree, depending on the specific medication and the dose. They work in the brain by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical that is naturally calming. GABA can slow down or stop certain nerve signals in the brain. This is why flurazepam and other benzodiazepines are known as mild tranquilizers, sedatives, or central nervous system depressants (CNS depressants). 

When and How to Take Flurazepam 

General considerations for when and how to take  the medication include  the following: 

• Flurazepam comes in  capsule form.  It is usually taken by mouth at bedtime. 
• Take it just  before you are ready to go  to bed,  as it can work rather quickly in some people. 
• It  can be taken with  or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking  it with food. 
• For the medication  to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.  It may cause serious problems if you  take it at higher dosages  or for a longer period  of time than your healthcare provider recommends 

Dosing Information 
The dose of  flurazepam that  your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on  a number of factors, including: 

• Your age 
• Other medications you  may be taking 
• Other medical  conditions you may have. 

As with  any medication, do not adjust  your dose unless  your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
  
Drug Interactions with Flurazepam 

Flurazepam can potentially interact with several other medicines 

What  If I Take an Overdose? 

People who take too much flurazepam may have  overdose symptoms that could  include:

• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Coma
• Decreased reflexes 
• Breathing problems 
• Low blood pressure (hypotension). 

If you happen to overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
  
What Should  I Do If I Miss a Dose? 

If you forget to take your flurazepam dose, skip  the missed dose (unless it is still fairly early in the night). Taking the medication in  the middle of the night or during the day can lead to daytime drowsiness.
  
Is There a Generic Version of Flurazepam? 

Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of flurazepam are licensed for sale. 

Who Makes It? 

Flurazepam is currently made by Valeant Pharmaceuticals.
  
Strengths of Flurazepam 

Flurazepam capsules are available in the following strengths: 

• Flurazepam 15 mg 
• Flurazepam 30 mg. 

Notes: Dr. Nelson Crumfield

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EditText of this page (last edited June 7, 2010)