Flurazepam

Information about Flurazepam

Flurazepam uses

Flurazepam is used in the treatment of insomnia.

How flurazepam works

Flurazepam is a benzodiazepine. It works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger (GABA) which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

Common side effects of flurazepam

Dizziness, Drowsiness, Impaired coordination, Lightheadedness

Available Medicine for Flurazepam

  • ₹47
    Micro Labs Ltd
    1 variant(s)
  • ₹36 to ₹70
    Molekule India Pvt Ltd
    2 variant(s)
  • ₹13 to ₹20
    Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd
    3 variant(s)

Expert advice for Flurazepam

  • If you are taking Flurazepam for the treatment of insomnia, it should not be used for more than 4 weeks.
  • Take it 30 to 45 minutes before bedtime and only when you have time to sleep for at least 7 hours.
  • The addiction / habit-forming potential of this medicine is very high. Take it only as per the dose and duration advised by your doctor
  • Never share your medication with any other person who also has a sleep problem.
  • It may cause dizziness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
  • Avoid consuming alcohol as it may increase dizziness and drowsiness.
  • Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or breastfeeding.
  • If you have been taking this medicine for a long time, regular monitoring of blood and liver functions may be required.
  • Stop taking medication and inform your doctor If you experience sleep-driving or memory loss.
  • Inform your doctor if you are suffering from depression, as this medicine may worsen the symptoms of depression. 
  • Do not stop taking medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as that may lead to nausea, anxiety, agitation, flu-like symptoms, sweating, tremor, and confusion.

Frequently asked questions for Flurazepam

Flurazepam

Q. How long does Flurazepam take to work?
Flurazepam starts working slowly and continues to work for a short time even after you stop taking it. You may experience more benefit from Flurazepam on the second and third nights after you start taking it. You may continue to feel the effects of Flurazepam for one to two nights after you stop taking the medication.
Q. Does Flurazepam cause addiction?
Addiction is more likely to occur in patients who are alcoholics or drug addicts. Such patients should be under careful surveillance if they have been prescribed Flurazepam.
Q. Is Flurazepam a sleeping pill?
Flurazepam is used for the short-term treatment of sleeplessness (also known as insomnia) when it is severe. It can help overcome difficulties in falling asleep and may help if you wake up frequently in the middle of the night. Flurazepam helps you to sleep but does not cure the underlying cause of your insomnia, which you should discuss with your doctor.
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Q. What if you take more than the recommended dose of Flurazepam?
Taking more than the recommended dose of Flurazepam may cause drowsiness, confusion, tiredness, difficulty in speaking, trouble in coordinating movements (ataxia), breathing difficulty, and impaired vision. Excess of Flurazepam may rarely cause coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time) and very rarely death. If you have taken too much of Flurazepam, you should immediately seek medical attention in a nearby hospital or contact your doctor.
Q. I am unable to sleep even after taking Flurazepam. Should I repeat the dose or stop it?
No, do not repeat the dose or stop taking Flurazepam by yourself. In case you are unable to sleep after taking Flurazepam, consult your doctor. Your doctor may adjust the dose of Flurazepam depending on the severity of insomnia and response to treatment.
Q. Is Flurazepam habit forming?
Flurazepam can be habit forming if you use higher than the recommended doses or for a longer period of time. It can lead to both physical and psychological dependence. This is particularly common in patients with a history of alcoholism or drug abuse or in patients with marked personality disorders. Regular monitoring in such patients is essential. Regular and repetitive use of Flurazepam should be avoided and treatment should be withdrawn gradually.
Q. What are the withdrawal effects of Flurazepam?
Abrupt discontinuation of Flurazepam may lead to withdrawal symptoms. These may include recurrence of sleep problems, depression, nervousness, extreme anxiety, tension, restlessness, and confusion. You may also experience mood changes, irritability, sweating, diarrhea, headache and muscle weakness.
Q. Will taking Flurazepam affect my performance the next day?
Flurazepam may cause side effects such as reduced alertness, confusion, tiredness, dizziness, poor muscle coordination and double vision in some patients. This may affect the patients' performance at skilled tasks (driving, operating machinery, etc.) to a varying degree depending upon dosage, administration, and sleep pattern and individual response. Discuss with your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the side effects affecting your performance.

Content on this page was last updated on 11 September, 2022, by Dr. Varun Gupta (MD Pharmacology)