FLURAZEPAM - ORAL

FLURAZEPAM - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (flur-AZ-e-pam)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Dalmane

GENERIC NAME(S): flurazepam HCl

Uses

USES: This medication is used to treat a certain sleep problem (insomnia). It may help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and lessen how often you wake up during the night, so you can get a better night's rest. Flurazepam belongs to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics. It acts on your brain to produce a calming effect. Use of this medication is usually limited to treatment periods of 1 to 2 weeks or less. If your insomnia continues for a longer time, talk to your doctor to see if you need other treatment.


How to use FLURAZEPAM - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking flurazepam and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually just before you get into bed. The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to treatment. Although unlikely, this drug can rarely cause temporary short-term memory loss. To lessen the chance of this, do not take a dose of this drug unless you have time for a full night's sleep of at least 7 to 8 hours. If you have to wake up before that, you may have some memory loss. This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, flushing, stomach cramps, nervousness, shakiness) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions right away. When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well. Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Tell your doctor if your condition persists after 7 to 10 days, or if it worsens. You may have trouble sleeping the first few nights after you stop taking this medication. This is called rebound insomnia and is normal. It will usually go away after 1 or 2 nights. If this effect continues, contact your doctor.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Dizziness or difficulty with coordination may occur. If either of these effects persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness or falling, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. This medication may make you sleepy during the day. Tell your doctor if you have daytime drowsiness. Your dose may need to be adjusted. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: memory loss, mental/mood/behavior changes (such as new/worsening depression, abnormal thoughts, thoughts of suicide, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, aggressive behavior, anxiety). Rarely, after taking this drug, people have gotten out of bed and driven vehicles while not fully awake ("sleep-driving"). People have also sleepwalked, prepared/eaten food, made phone calls, or had sex while not fully awake. Often, these people do not remember these events. This problem can be dangerous to you or to others. If you find out that you have done any of these activities after taking this medication, tell your doctor right away. Your risk is increased if you use alcohol or other medications that can make you drowsy while taking flurazepam. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking flurazepam, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, lung/breathing problems (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, sleep apnea), mental/mood problems (such as depression, thoughts of suicide), personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol), personal or family history of sleepwalking, a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis). Since this drug makes you drowsy, do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more drowsy. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness, confusion, unsteadiness, and excessive drowsiness. These side effects can increase the risk of falling. Flurazepam must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. If you are a woman of childbearing age, use a reliable form of birth control while taking this drug. If you are planning pregnancy, do not take this medication. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. This medication may pass into breast milk and have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also Warning section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. A product that may interact with this drug is: sodium oxybate. The risk of serious side effects (such as slow/shallow breathing, severe drowsiness/dizziness) may be increased if this medication is taken with other products that may also cause drowsiness or breathing problems. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana, other drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include slowed breathing or a deep sleep from which you cannot be awakened.

Images

FLURAZEPAM 15 MG CAPSULE

color
white
shape
oblong
imprint
MYLAN 4415, MYLAN 4415
FLURAZEPAM 30 MG CAPSULE

color
powder blue
shape
oblong
imprint
MYLAN 4430, MYLAN 4430

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Faq for FLURAZEPAM - ORAL

Flurazepam is an oral medication that belongs to the class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. It works by enhancing the effects of a natural chemical in the body called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps to calm the brain and nerves.

Flurazepam is primarily used to treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). It is a short-term solution for sleep problems and is usually prescribed for a few weeks or less.

Flurazepam should be taken exactly as directed by your doctor. Typically, it is taken shortly before bedtime, as it may cause drowsiness. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and not exceed it, as it can lead to dependence or other adverse effects.

Common side effects of Flurazepam may include drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, blurred vision, and dry mouth. These side effects are usually temporary and may improve after a few days of treatment. However, if they persist or worsen, it is important to consult your healthcare provider.

Yes, Flurazepam has the potential to be addictive if used for a prolonged period or in higher doses than prescribed. Taking it for an extended period may lead to tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal symptoms when discontinued. It is essential to follow your doctor's instructions and not exceed the recommended duration of treatment.

Yes, there are some precautions and warnings associated with Flurazepam. It is not recommended for use in children, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding. It may also interact with certain medications, so it is crucial to inform your doctor about all the drugs you are taking. Flurazepam may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery, so caution should be exercised.

Flurazepam is generally not recommended for long-term use due to its potential for dependence and tolerance. It is intended for short-term relief of insomnia symptoms. If you continue to have sleep problems, it is advisable to consult your doctor to explore other treatment options.

Flurazepam may not be safe for everyone, especially individuals with a history of drug abuse, certain medical conditions (such as kidney or liver disease), or allergies to benzodiazepines. It is important to discuss your medical history and any concerns with your healthcare provider before starting Flurazepam.

Mixing Flurazepam with alcohol can enhance the sedative effects and increase the risk of side effects. It is generally advised to avoid alcohol while taking Flurazepam to prevent potential complications.


Warning

WARNING: Taking flurazepam with opioid medications (such as codeine, hydrocodone) may increase your risk of very serious side effects, including death. To lower your risk, your doctor should have you take the smallest dose of flurazepam that works, and take it for the shortest possible time. Get medical help right away if any of these very serious side effects occur: slow/shallow breathing, unusual lightheadedness, severe drowsiness/dizziness, difficulty waking up.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.