Flurazepam Description

Generic Name : FLURAZEPAM

Pronunciation : (flure az' e pam)

Trade Name(s) : Fluroz, Nindral-15

Why it is prescribed: Flurazepam is used on a short-term basis to treat insomnia-to help you fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.

When it is to be taken: Flurazepam is taken at bedtime when needed. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully. Flurazepam starts to work in 15 to 45 minutes and goes on working for seven or eight hours. You may have to take it several nights in a row before you feel its full effect, and you may still feel its effect for one or two nights after stopping the drug. Do not take flurazepam for more than four weeks.

How it should be taken: Flurazepam comes in the form of capsules. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Flurazepam may make you dizzy. Therefore, stay in bed after taking this drug. The dizziness may persist until the next day, and your coordination and alertness may be decreased. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
2. Flurazepam can be habit -forming; do not take more of it or take it for a longer period than as directed. To prevent an accidental overdose, do not keep more than one dose at your bedside. If you take too much flurazepam, contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
3. If you have been taking flurazepam for a long time, you may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop. Contact your doctor if you experience sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, tremors, muscle and abdominal cramps, hallucinations, or seizures. Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Side Effects :
1. Muscle incoordination, weakness, dizziness, confusion, faintness, sleepiness during the day, fatigue. Contact your doctor if these effects persist for more than a few days.
2. Talkativeness, restlessness, anxiety, excitement, trembling, muscle spasms, nightmare. Stop taking the drug and contact your doctor immediately.

Other Precautions :
1. Women who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, think they may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding should inform their doctors.
2. If you become pregnant while taking flurazepam, contact your doctor immediately.
3. Before you take this drug, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, including cimetidine, digoxin, disulfiram, levodopa, seizure medication, pain medication, medication for depression, barbiturates, tranquilizers, sedatives, antihistamines, and medication for allergies and colds.
4. Do not take other sleeping pills while taking fluarzepam.
5. Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Alcohol adds to the drowsiness and dizziness caused by this drug.
6. Do not smoke while taking flurazepam. Smoking can decrease its effectiveness.
7. If you have liver or kidney disease, tell your doctor before taking flurazepam.
8. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions : Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from light and excess heat.