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May 26, 2012

Dalmane

Sleep Disorder Drugs »

Sleep disorder drugs (hypnotic and sedative drugs) overview

Insomnia, a disorder of sleep, occurs occasionally in most people but usually lasts only a few days. The body then "corrects" itself naturally, and people return to a normal pattern of sleep. Insomnia may be short-term (less than three weeks) or chronic, lasting longer than three weeks. Contributing factors include, but are not limited to, poor sleeping habits, stress, jet lag, medications, disease, and depression. Chronic insomnia may warrant the use of sedative/hypnotics medications; however, it is important that the treating physician perform a complete diagnostic evaluation as well as take medication and substance abuse histories, to exclude secondary insomnia due to other conditions.

Hypnotics/sedatives medications (henceforth referred to as hypnotics) work, in general, by increasing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter in the brain. Neuro...

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Dalmane Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Dalmane

Generic Name: flurazepam (Pronunciation: flure AZ e pam)

What is flurazepam (Dalmane)?

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.

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

Dalmane 30 mg

red/yellow, imprinted with DALMANE 30 ROCHE

Flurazepam 15 mg-MYL

turquoise/white, imprinted with MYLAN 4415

Flurazepam 30 mg-MYL

turquoise, imprinted with MYLAN 4430

What are the possible side effects of flurazepam (Dalmane)?

Flurazepam may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking flurazepam and 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.

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.

Stop using flurazepam and 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; or
nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

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; or
dry mouth, increased thirst.

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.

What is the most important information I should know about flurazepam (Dalmane)?

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

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking flurazepam and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.

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, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Flurazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Flurazepam should never be shared with 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.

Contact 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.

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