Flurazepam
About
Flurazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines used for short-term treatment of severe insomnia (sleeplessness). Insomnia is a disorder of sleep that causes difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep.
Flurazepam contains Flurazepam, which works by increasing the activity of GABA (a chemical messenger in the brain that acts as a natural nerve-calming agent and is involved in inducing sleep). Thereby, Flurazepam relaxes muscles, reduces anxiety and helps to fall asleep.
Take Flurazepam as prescribed. Your doctor will advise the duration of Flurazepam based on your medical condition. The most common side effects of Flurazepam include drowsiness during the day, reduced alertness, confusion, headache, tiredness, dizziness, double vision, bitter taste, muscle weakness or forgetfulness. Most of these side effects of Flurazepam do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Flurazepam or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Flurazepam is not recommended for children. Avoid taking Flurazepam if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Elderly patients using Flurazepam should take extra care when they get up at night as there is a risk of falls and, consequently, injuries, including hip fractures. Flurazepam may cause memory loss and sleepiness, might affect your concentration or make your muscles weaker. Therefore, avoid driving if you experience any of these side effects after taking Flurazepam.
Uses of Flurazepam
Medicinal Benefits
Flurazepam contains Flurazepam, which increases the activity of GABA (a chemical messenger in the brain that acts as a natural nerve-calming agent and is involved in inducing sleep). Thereby, Flurazepam relaxes muscles, reduces anxiety and helps to fall asleep. Flurazepam decreases the time taken to fall asleep and lengthens the sleep duration. It can help overcome difficulties in getting sleep and may help if you wake up frequently in the middle of the night.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Flurazepam
- Drowsiness during the day
- Reduced alertness
- Confusion
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Double vision
- Bitter taste
- Muscle weakness
- Forgetfulness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Flurazepam or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Flurazepam is not recommended for children. Avoid taking Flurazepam if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Elderly patients using Flurazepam should take extra care when they get up at night as there is a risk of falls and consequently of injuries including hip fractures. Flurazepam may cause memory loss and sleepiness, might affect your concentration or make your muscles weaker. Therefore, avoid driving if you experience any of these side effects after taking Flurazepam. Do not take Flurazepam with opioids unless advised by your doctor, as it may cause breathing problems, drowsiness, coma and may be life-threatening.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Flurazepam may interact with antibiotics (rifampicin), medicines used to treat stomach problems (cimetidine), antivirals (ritonavir), anti-allergic drugs (chlorpheniramine), medicines to treat high blood pressure, bronchodilators (theophylline, aminophylline), opioids, antidepressants, sleeping tablets, neuroleptics (antipsychotics), tranquillisers, hypnotics, or other such medicines that act on the brain and nerves, medicines used to relieve pain or anaesthetics, and anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, phenytoin).
Drug-Food Interaction: Flurazepam may interact with herbal medicines such as St. John’s Wort and valerian.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Avoid taking Flurazepam if you have severe breathing difficulties, lung disease, myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness), sleep apnoea syndrome (temporary pauses in breathing while awake or during sleep), severe liver disease, chronic psychosis, or are suffering from a personality disorder or psychiatric illness. If you have long-term lung, liver or kidney condition, or spinal and cerebellar ataxia, inform your doctor before taking Flurazepam.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption while using Flurazepam as it may increase the risk of drowsiness.
Pregnancy
unsafeFlurazepam is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. Therefore, if you are pregnant, please inform your doctor before taking Flurazepam.
Breast Feeding
unsafeFlurazepam is excreted in human milk. Therefore, it is not recommended for breastfeeding mothers.
Driving
unsafeFlurazepam may cause memory loss and sleepiness, might affect your concentration or make your muscles weaker. Therefore, avoid driving if you experience any of these side effects after taking Flurazepam.
Liver
cautionFlurazepam is not recommended for patients with severe liver disease. Inform your doctor if you have any liver problems before taking Flurazepam.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor if you have any kidney problems before taking Flurazepam so that the dose may be adjusted by your doctor according to your condition.
Children
unsafeFlurazepam is not recommended for children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Do regular exercise and maintain healthy body weight.
- Follow a regular sleep pattern. Do not take a nap during day time.
- Avoid watching TV, using mobiles or laptops just before bedtime.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol as it may increase drowsiness.
Special Advise
- Do not use Flurazepam for a prolonged time or in high doses as it may lead to dependence on Flurazepam.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Insomnia: It is a disorder of sleep that causes difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep. It may be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Acute insomnia may last from one night to a few weeks and occurs due to stress or life changes. Chronic insomnia may last from more than 3 nights per week to over 3 months. Insomnia is mostly caused by depression, stress, anxiety, jet lag, shift work, uncomfortable beds, chronic illness, caffeine, nicotine or alcohol intake or due to certain medicines.
FAQs
Flurazepam contains Flurazepam that works by increasing the activity of GABA (a chemical messenger in the brain that acts as a natural nerve-calming agent and is involved in inducing sleep). Thereby, Flurazepam relaxes muscles, reduces anxiety and helps to fall asleep.
You are not recommended to take Flurazepam with opioids as co-administration of these medicines may increase the risk of breathing problems, drowsiness or other adverse effects. However, before using Flurazepam with any other medicines, contact your doctor so that the dosage may be adjusted accordingly to use safely.
No, do not stop taking Flurazepam without consulting your doctor, as it may cause withdrawal symptoms such as depression, irritability, a recurrence of sleep problems, nervousness, sweating, diarrhoea, headaches, muscle pain, tension, extreme anxiety, restlessness, confusion, and mood changes. Take Flurazepam for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while taking Flurazepam, please consult your doctor so that the dose may be reduced gradually.