Flurazepam
Description
Flurazepam is used in the treatment of insomnia, a condition characterized by difficulty falling and staying asleep. This medicine is not recommended for use in children under the age of 15 years.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Flurazepam
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Weakness
- Nervousness
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Chills
- Sore throat
- Sweating
- Loss of consciousness
Uses of Flurazepam
What is it prescribed for?
- Insomnia
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is approximately 15 to 45 minutes.
- Duration of effectThe time until which this medicine remains active in the body is 7 to 8 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?It is advised not to consume alcohol while taking Flurazepam due to the increased risk of central nervous system side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness like driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery if you consume alcohol during treatment with this medicine.
- Is it habit forming?This medicine may become habit forming if used for a prolonged period of time.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to flurazepam or any other benzodiazepines.
Severe respiratory depression
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with severe respiratory depression due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Psychotic reactions
Flurazepam is not recommended for use in patients with a known history of psychological disorders due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women.
General warnings
Concomitant Use with Opioids
This medicine should be used with extreme caution due to the increased risk of side effects such as profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. This risk is especially higher if this medicine is used along with opioids. Close monitoring of the patient for any severe side effects is recommended during treatment with this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
CNS depression
This medicine should be used with extreme caution due to the increased risk of central nervous system depression. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of any unusual symptoms. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Withdrawal Syndrome
This medicine may cause withdrawal syndrome after discontinuation of therapy. This risk is especially higher if the treatment is discontinued abruptly. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of any unusual symptoms such as extreme anxiety, irritability, muscle pain, confusion, restlessness, etc. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. It is advised that you do not take this medicine during the daytime. If it is daytime, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule at bedtime. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
It is advised not to consume alcohol while taking Flurazepam due to the increased risk of central nervous system side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness like driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery if you consume alcohol during treatment with this medicine.
Interaction with Medicine
Amitriptyline
Clozapine
Captopril
Alprazolam
Pentazocine
Disease interactions
Closed-Angle Glaucoma
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known history of acute angle-closure glaucoma or untreated open-angle glaucoma due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Replacement with a suitable alternative should be done under your doctor's supervision.
Renal/Liver Disease
Flurazepam should be used with caution in patients with a known history of renal and hepatic diseases due to the increased risk of severe side effects. Close monitoring of hepatic and liver functions is necessary during treatment with this medicine. Appropriate dose adjustments should be done based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Respiratory Depression
Flurazepam is not recommended for use in patients with a known history of respiratory depression due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Replacement with a suitable alternative should be done under your doctor's supervision.
Seizures
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients with a known history of seizures disorder due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Flurazepam at bedtime. Do not take in larger amounts than prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable effects. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor. Abrupt discontinuation of this medicine may cause severe withdrawal symptoms.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Flurazepam works by decreasing the brain activity to induce sleep.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Benzodiazepines
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 18 August 2017]. Available from:
DailyMed - FLURAZEPAM- flurazepam hydrochloride capsule [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 18 August 2017]. Available from:
Flurazepam: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2017 [cited 18 August 2017]. Available from:
Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 18 August 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 30 Aug 2017
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.