$Unique_ID{BRK01963}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{FLURAZEPAM}
$Subject{Dalmane (Roche)
flurazepam (various manufacturers)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Dalmane 15*0196301.scf
Dalmane 30*0196302.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


FLURAZEPAM
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Dalmane (Roche)
     flurazepam (various manufacturers)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Benzodiazepine sedative/hypnotic
INGREDIENT:
     flurazepam
DOSAGE FORM:
     Capsules (15 mg and 30 mg)
STORAGE:
     This medication should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
       light-resistant container.

USES

     Flurazepam is prescribed to treat insomnia (including problems in falling
asleep, waking during the night, and early morning wakefulness).  It is not
clear exactly how this medicine works, but it may relieve insomnia by acting
as a depressant of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

TREATMENT

     Flurazepam should be taken ten to 15 minutes before bedtime.  It can be
taken with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs.  Do not take
this medication with antacids, since they may slow its absorption from the
gastrointestinal tract.
     Your sleeping problem may improve the first night you take this
medication, but it may take two or three nights before the effectiveness of
flurazepam is noticed.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Bitter taste in the mouth, constipation, depression, diarrhea, dizziness,
daytime drowsiness, dry mouth, excessive salivation, fatigue, flushing,
headache, heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, sweating, or
vomiting.  As your body adjusts to the medicine, these side effects should
disappear.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise more,
and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     Dry mouth can be relieved by chewing sugarless gum or by sucking on ice
chips.
     If you feel dizzy while taking this medication, sit or lie down for a
while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on
stairs.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
blurred or double vision, chest pain, fainting, falling, fever,
hallucinations, joint pain, nightmares, palpitations, rash, severe depression,
shortness of breath, slurred speech, sore throat, uncoordinated movements,
unusual excitement, unusual tiredness, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Flurazepam interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. To prevent oversedation, this drug should not be taken with alcohol,
other sedative drugs, or central nervous system depressants (such as
antihistamines, barbiturates, muscle relaxants, pain medicines, narcotics,
medicines for seizures, phenothiazine tranquilizers) or with antidepressants.
     2. This medication may decrease the effectiveness of carbamazepine,
levodopa, and oral anticoagulants (blood thinners) and may decrease the
effects of phenytoin.
     3. Disulfiram, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), isoniazid, and
cimetidine can increase the blood levels of flurazepam, which can lead to
increased side effects.
     4. Concurrent use of rifampin may decrease the effectiveness of
flurazepam.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reactions you have had
to any medications, especially to flurazepam or other benzodiazepine
tranquilizers (such as alprazolam, chlordiazepoxide, clorazepate, diazepam,
halazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, prazepam, temazepam, and triazolam).
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had liver disease,
kidney disease, epilepsy, lung disease, myasthenia gravis, porphyria, mental
depression, or mental illness.
     * Flurazepam can cause drowsiness.  Avoid tasks that require alertness,
such as driving a car or using potentially dangerous equipment.
     * This medication has the potential for abuse and must be used with
caution.  Tolerance may develop quickly; do not increase the dosage of the
drug without first consulting your doctor.  It is also important not to stop
taking this drug suddenly if you have been taking it in large amounts or if
you have used it for several weeks.  Your doctor may want to reduce the dosage
gradually.
     * This is a safe drug when used properly.  When it is combined with other
sedative drugs or with alcohol, however, serious side effects may develop.
     * The elderly may be at increased risk for side effects, especially
daytime drowsiness or confusion.  Report any changes in mental status to your
doctor immediately.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  This type of medicine
may increase the chance of birth defects if it is taken during the first three
months of pregnancy.  In addition, too much use of this medicine during the
last six months of pregnancy may result in addiction of the fetus--leading to
withdrawal side effects at birth.  Also, use of this medicine during the last
weeks of pregnancy may cause excessive drowsiness, slowed heartbeat, and
breathing difficulties in the newborn.  Tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.  This medicine can pass into breast milk and cause
excessive drowsiness, slowed heartbeat, and breathing difficulties in nursing
infants.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
