Flurazepam

About flurazepam

Flurazepam is used to treat severe insomnia (difficulty sleeping) for short periods of time. It helps overcome difficulties in getting to sleep and can help reduce waking during the night.

It works by affecting the activity in the part of the brain that controls our emotions and also by relaxing muscles.

Before taking flurazepam

Before taking flurazepam make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from any respiratory (breathing) problems.
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you have muscle weakness such as in myasthenia gravis .
• If you have porphyria (a blood disorder).
• If you suffer from a personality disorder.
• If you have ever had a problem with drug or alcohol addiction.
• If you suffer from sleep apnoea (temporary stopping of breathing during sleep).
• If you have a mental health problem.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take flurazepam

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take flurazepam exactly as directed by your doctor. Take your dose just before going to bed; however, your doctor may recommend that you take it only when it is needed rather than each night.
• Flurazepam should only be taken for a short time. This is because your body can start to rely on this medicine if it is taken for longer periods and this will lead to problems when you stop taking it.
• Flurazepam is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to avoid drinking any caffeine-containing drinks in the evening (such as cola, coffee or tea) as these can delay sleep.
• Flurazepam will make you feel drowsy. The feelings of drowsiness may last into the day afterwards.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are taking flurazepam as it will increase the feelings of drowsiness.
• Keep your appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking flurazepam.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with flurazepam.
• Important: if you have been taking flurazepam for a long time, it should not be stopped suddenly but gradually reduced to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to do this.

Can flurazepam cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store flurazepam

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Dalmane® 15 mg and 30 mg Capsules, Meda Pharmaceuticals, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2009, accessed September 2009.
• British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).