Flurazepam Hydrochloride

Flurazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) that is used to treat insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep).

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

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to any benzodiazepine (flurazepam, alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, Valium, Xanax, Versed, Klonopin, and others).

Do not use if you are pregnant. If you use flurazepam during pregnancy, your baby could be born with life-threatening withdrawal symptoms, and may need medical treatment for several weeks. Use effective birth control while using flurazepam. Stop using flurazepam and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• drug or alcohol addiction;
• depression or mental illness; or
• suicidal thoughts or actions.

Do not breastfeed.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Never use flurazepam in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.

Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medicine where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Take this medicine 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 without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly after long-term use.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep your medicine in a place where no one can use it improperly.

Your insomnia symptoms may return when you stop using flurazepam after using it over a long period of time.

Flurazepam is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of flurazepam can be fatal if you take it with alcohol, opioid medicine, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.

Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, weak or shallow breathing, or coma.

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.

You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking this medicine. Wait until you are fully awake before you drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Your reactions may be impaired.

Daytime drowsiness may last for several days after you stop taking flurazepam. Drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; nausea and vomiting; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Flurazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• confusion, agitation, paranoia, hallucinations;
• thinking problems, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• severe daytime drowsiness; or
• new or worsening depression.

Some people using flurazepam have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, walking, making phone calls, or having sex and later having no memory of the activity. Tell your doctor if this happens to you.

Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.

Common side effects may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness, feeling light-headed;
• loss of coordination; or
• falling or staggering.

After you stop using flurazepam, get medical help right away if you have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, suicidal thoughts or actions.

Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer after stopping this medicine suddenly. Tell your doctor if you have ongoing anxiety, depression, problems with memory or thinking, trouble sleeping, ringing in your ears, a burning or prickly feeling, or a crawling sensation under your skin.

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 1-800-FDA-1088.

Using flurazepam with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may affect flurazepam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about flurazepam.