Dalmane (flurazepam)

What is Dalmane (flurazepam)?

Flurazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) similar to Valium. Flurazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause sleep problems (insomnia).

Flurazepam is used to treat insomnia symptoms, such as trouble falling or staying asleep.

Flurazepam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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

Flurazepam may cause a severe allergic reaction. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Take flurazepam only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine.

Some people using this medication have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking flurazepam and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.

This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby, or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Do not use flurazepam if you are pregnant.

Before taking flurazepam, tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems, glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Flurazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person for whom it was prescribed. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Contact your doctor if your insomnia does not improve after taking flurazepam for 7 to 10 nights, or if you have any mood or behavior changes. Insomnia can be a symptom of depression, mental illness, or certain medical conditions.

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

Some people using this medication have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking flurazepam and talk with your doctor.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to flurazepam or similar medications, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clonazepam (Klonopin), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or triazolam (Halcion).

To make sure flurazepam is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems;

• glaucoma;

• kidney or liver disease;

• myasthenia gravis; or

• a history of depression, drug or alcohol addiction, or suicidal thoughts or actions.

Flurazepam may be habit forming. Never share flurazepam with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

Do not use flurazepam if you are pregnant. Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Flurazepam can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.

Flurazepam may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

The sedative effects of flurazepam may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking flurazepam.

How should I take Dalmane (flurazepam)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take flurazepam only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine.

Call your doctor if your insomnia does not improve after taking flurazepam for 7 to 10 nights, or if you have any mood or behavior changes. Insomnia can be a symptom of depression, mental illness, or certain medical conditions.

Do not stop using flurazepam suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using flurazepam.

Your insomnia symptoms may return when you stop using flurazepam after using it over a long period of time. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Flurazepam is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since flurazepam is taken as needed, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule. Take flurazepam only when you have time for several hours of sleep.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at . An overdose of flurazepam can be fatal, especially if taken with alcohol.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, weak or shallow breathing, fainting, or coma.

What should I avoid while taking Dalmane (flurazepam)?

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking flurazepam. It can increase some of the side effects, and could possibly cause a fatal overdose.

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Dalmane (flurazepam) side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• feeling like you might pass out;

• staggering walk, loss of balance or coordination;

• agitation, confusion, slurred speech, hallucinations, feelings of extreme happiness or sadness;

• chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats, feeling short of breath;

• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;

• problems with urination;

• vision problems, burning in your eyes; or

• nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness, weakness, daytime drowsiness (or during hours when you are not normally sleeping);

• headache, blurred vision, depressed mood;

• stomach pain, heartburn, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;

• feeling nervous, excited, or irritable;

• increased sweating;

• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

• mild itching or rash; or

• dry mouth, unpleasant taste in your mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at .

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Dalmane (flurazepam)?

Cold or allergy medicine, other sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by flurazepam.

Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:

• cimetidine (Tagamet);

• clozapine (Clozaril, FazaClo);

• droperidol (Inapsine);

• fluvoxamine (Luvox);

• nefazodone (an antidepressant); or

• itraconazole (Sporanox) or ketoconazole (Nizoral).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with flurazepam. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.