Flurazepam is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). 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.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to estazolam or to other benzodiazepines, such as:

• alprazolam (Xanax®)
• chlordiazepoxide (Librium®)
• clorazepate (Tranxene®)
• diazepam (Valium®)
• lorazepam (Ativan®)
• temazepam (Restoril®)
• triazolam (Halcion®)

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
• a history of depression
• suicidal thoughts
• addiction to drugs or alcohol

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

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

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy. They can add to sleepiness caused by flurazepam.

Flurazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Flurazepam should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Flurazepam should be used for only a short time to treat insomnia. After 7 to 10 nights of use, talk with your doctor about whether or not you should keep taking flurazepam.

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. 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.

It may take 2 or 3 nights of taking flurazepam before it fully helps you fall asleep. Contact your doctor if this medicine seems to stop working as well in helping you fall asleep and stay asleep.

Flurazepam should be used for only a short time to treat insomnia. After 7 to 10 nights of use, talk with your doctor about whether or not you should keep taking flurazepam. Do not take this medication for longer than 4 weeks without your doctor's advice.

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.

Flurazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Flurazepam should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Store flurazepam at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep track of how many capsules have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Benzodiazepines are drugs of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to flurazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as:

• alprazolam (Xanax®)
• chlordiazepoxide (Librium®)
• clorazepate (Tranxene®)
• diazepam (Valium®)
• lorazepam (Ativan®)
• temazepam (Restoril®)
• triazolam (Halcion®)

Before taking flurazepam, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• asthma
• emphysema
• bronchitis
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
• or other breathing problems
• glaucoma
• kidney or liver disease
• myasthenia gravis
• history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior
• history of drug or alcohol addiction

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use flurazepam, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Flurazepam can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. It may also cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother takes flurazepam late in pregnancy. Do not use flurazepam if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. 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.

Do not give this medication to anyone under 15 years old.

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of flurazepam can be fatal.

Symptoms of a flurazepam overdose include:

• extreme drowsiness
• feeling light-headed
• confusion
• muscle weakness
• slurred speech
• tremors
• slow heartbeat
• shallow breathing
• feeling light-headed
• fainting
• seizure (black-out or convulsions)
• coma

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 any of these serious side effects:

• weak or shallow breathing
• fast or pounding heartbeats
• confusion, slurred speech, unusual thoughts or behavior
• hallucinations, agitation, aggression
• thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself
• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
• problems with urination
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever
• loss of appetite
• dark urine, clay-colored stools
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Continue taking flurazepam and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• daytime drowsiness (or during hours when you are not normally sleeping)
• amnesia or forgetfulness
• muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination
• numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling
• headache, blurred vision, depressed mood
• feeling nervous, excited, or irritable
• nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort
• dry mouth, increased thirst

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Before taking flurazepam, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• fluvoxamine (Luvox®)
• itraconazole (Sporanox®)
• ketoconazole (Nizoral®)
• nefazodone (Serzone®)

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use flurazepam, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect flurazepam. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.