Flurazepam

About Flurazepam

This belongs to the group of medicines known as benzodiazepines.

Flurazepam is used to treat insomnia (difficulty sleeping).

Flurazepam is available in capsule form.

It is also sometimes known as: Dalmane. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

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 suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease)
• if you suffer from sleep apnoea (temporary stopping of breathing during sleep)
• if you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to take Flurazepam

• Always read the manufacturer’s information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take flurazepam exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Flurazepam is usually taken just before bedtime.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of flurazepam contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine 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

• Before taking any ‘over-the-counter’ medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe to take alongside flurazepam.
• Flurazepam can cause drowsiness and light-headedness, which can continue into the next day. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery, or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Alcohol will increase feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, do so only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
• Flurazepam is only recommended for short term use. The body gets used to the medicine within 3 to 14 days and after this time it is unlikely to have any effect.
• Important: If you have been taking flurazepam for a long time, you should speak with your doctor before stopping treatment. You doctor will probably want to reduce your dose gradually, as stopping suddenly can cause problems.

Can Flurazepam cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted effects, which 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.

Drowsiness, light-headedness, confusion, unsteadiness, forgetfulness and occasionally, weakness, diarrhoea, constipation, tummy ache, problems with eyesight, skin rashes, problems urinating (passing water) or sexual problems.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist.

How to store Flurazepam

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 13/05/2003