What is this medicine?
FLURAZEPAM (flure AZ e pam) is a benzodiazepine. It is used to treat insomnia. This medicine helps you to fall asleep and sleep through the night.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-an alcohol or drug abuse problem
-bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis or other mental health condition
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-lung or breathing disease
-myasthenia gravis
-Parkinson's disease
-porphyria
-seizures or a history of seizures
-suicidal thoughts
-an unusual or allergic reaction to flurazepam, other benzodiazepines, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. It is only for use at bedtime. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 15 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What if I miss a dose?
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
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Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-itraconazole
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures, like phenobarbital
-herbal or dietary supplements, like kava kava, melatonin, or valerian
-medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, like alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam or triazolam
-medicines for depression, mental problems or psychiatric disturbances
-phenytoin
-prescription pain medicines
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. This medicine is for short term periods of use. Your body can become dependent on this medicine, ask your doctor or health care professional if you still need to take it. However, if you have been taking this medicine regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may get severe side effects. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice. Even after you stop taking this medicine it can still affect your body for several days.
Do not take this medicine unless you are able to get a full night's sleep before you must be active again. You may not be able to remember things that you do in the hours after you take this medicine. Some people have reported driving, making phone calls, or preparing and eating food while asleep after taking this medicine. Take this medicine right before going to sleep. Tell your doctor if you are have any problems with your memory.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-confusion
-depression
-feeling faint or lightheaded
-mood changes, excitability or aggressive behavior
-muscle cramps
-problems with balance, speaking, walking
-tremors
-unusual activities while asleep like driving, eating, making phone calls
-unusually weak or tired
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-dizziness, drowsiness
-headache
-nausea, vomiting
-stomach pain
Where should I keep my medicine?
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Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
