flurazepam

(flure AH zeh pam)
Dalmane

What is the most important information I should know about flurazepam?

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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Flurazepam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. Take flurazepam only when you are ready to get into bed.

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Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking flurazepam.

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Flurazepam may be habit forming. Physical and/or psychological dependence can occur, and withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is stopped suddenly after prolonged or high-dose treatment. Do not stop taking flurazepam suddenly without first talking to your doctor if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose.

What is flurazepam?

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Flurazepam is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Flurazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause insomnia or anxiety.

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Flurazepam is used to induce sleep and cause relaxation.

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Flurazepam may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking flurazepam?

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Do not take flurazepam without first talking to your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Flurazepam may worsen this condition.

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Before taking flurazepam, tell your doctor if you

have kidney disease;

have liver disease;

have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another respiratory disease; or

are depressed or have suicidal thoughts.

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You may not be able to take flurazepam, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

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Flurazepam is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not take flurazepam if you are pregnant or are or could become pregnant during treatment.

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It is not known whether flurazepam passes into breast milk. Do not take flurazepam without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from flurazepam. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take flurazepam?

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Take flurazepam exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

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Take each dose with a full glass of water.

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Take flurazepam just before you get into bed. Flurazepam will cause drowsiness, and falling could occur if the dose too long before getting into bed.

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Do not take more than is prescribed for you.

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Store flurazepam at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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Since flurazepam is usually taken as needed, missing a dose is not usually a problem.

What happens if I overdose?

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Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

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Symptoms of a flurazepam overdose may include sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, a slow heart beat, difficulty breathing, difficulty walking and talking, the appearance of being drunk, and unconsciousness.

What should I avoid while taking flurazepam?

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Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking flurazepam.

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Flurazepam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness or dizziness, including antidepressants, alcohol, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants, and antihistamines. Do not drink alcohol and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor while taking flurazepam.

What are the possible side effects of flurazepam?

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If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking flurazepam and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives);

sores in the mouth or throat;

yellowing of the skin or eyes;

a rash;

hallucinations or severe confusion; or

changes in vision.

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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take flurazepam and talk to your doctor if you experience

drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness;

depression;

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;

difficulty urinating;

vivid dreams;

headache;

dry mouth;

decreased sex drive; or

changes in behavior.

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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect flurazepam?

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Flurazepam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness or dizziness, including antidepressants, alcohol, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants, seizure medicines, and antihistamines. Do not drink alcohol and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor while taking flurazepam.

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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with flurazepam. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

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Your pharmacist has additional information about flurazepam written for health professionals that you may read.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.