Flurazepam - oral

Flurazepam is a sleeping pill. It helps you to sleep if you have problems sleeping (also known as insomnia).

Take Flurazepam exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Do not take Flurazepam for a longer period of time than instructed by your doctor. See your doctor if Flurazepam does not seem to help you.

You may take Flurazepam with or without food. Take it just before you go to bed.

If you are taking Flurazepam over a certain period of time, do not stop taking it unless instructed otherwise as stopping it suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms such as headache, restlessness, confusion, depression and anxiety. Your doctor will reduce the dose of Flurazepam gradually before stopping it completely. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Flurazepam is used to help you sleep. You may not need to take it everyday. Take it only when you need it.

If you miss a dose, take it at your next scheduled dose.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

Alert your doctor if you have the following:

- an eye disease known as glaucoma
- breathing problems such as sleep apnoea
- a muscle weakness disorder called myasthenia gravis
as Flurazepam may not be suitable for you.

Do not take Flurazepam if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with Flurazepam. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not give Flurazepam to children, unless specifically instructed by the child's doctor.

Inform your doctor if you:

- kidney disease
- liver disease
- respiratory disease
- history of drug abuse or alcoholism
- depression or history of depression

Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding.

Take Flurazepam only when you need to. Try not to make a habit of relying on this medicine to help you sleep.

Practise good sleeping habits to reduce reliance on sleeping pills. These are some good sleeping habits which you should follow:

- Try to relax before bedtime. Do not engage in strenuous activities.
- Try to go to bed at about the same time every night.
- Have a light dinner. A heavy dinner may disturb your sleep.
- Avoid caffeine in the evening. Caffeine-containing food and drink include coffee, tea, certain soft drinks and even chocolate.
- Avoid drinking alcohol before bedtime.
- Keep your bedroom quiet, dark and airy.
- Avoid taking naps especially in the late afternoon.

Flurazepam may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision and unsteadiness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, lightheadedness, nausea, stomach discomfort, palpitations, body or joint pains. It may also cause abnormal activities during sleep such as driving, cooking, eating or walking while you are still asleep. Inform your doctor immediately if this happens.

Flurazepam may cause aggressiveness, hyperactivity, hallucination, restlessness and confusion in some people. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of these symptoms.

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

- medicines for mood disorders e.g. olanzapine, clozapine
- medicines for cold and allergy e.g. antihistamines
- medicine for lung infection known as tuberculosis e.g. rifampicin
- medicine for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenytoin
- HIV medicines e.g. ritonavir, saquinavir
- asthma medicine e.g. theophylline

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Flurazepam.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Avoid grapefruit juice as this may cause increased effects of Flurazepam.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.