Sleep is an essential part of our lives. But sometimes, for various reasons, not being able to sleep at night is a problem for many people. This type of sleeplessness is called 'insomnia'. In such cases, a doctor may prescribe a sleeping pill for you to use for a short period of time. One such pill is Flurazepam. So today, let's talk about what you need to know about this medicine.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, Flurazepam is a medication used to treat insomnia. It helps you fall asleep quickly and stay asleep throughout the night.
But remember, this is usually only prescribed by doctors for a short period of time . It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. This medication can sometimes be used for other conditions, so if you have any questions about this, it's best to ask your doctor.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
It is very important that your doctor is fully aware of your health condition before prescribing this medicine to you. Be sure to tell him/her if you have any of the conditions below.
| Illness or other condition | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma disease | This medicine can affect eye pressure. |
| A history of drug or alcohol addiction | This medicine also has some addictive potential. |
| Kidney or liver disease | The process of removing medication from the body may be affected. |
| Lung or breathing diseases (e.g. asthma) | This medicine can make breathing slightly difficult. |
| Mental illness (especially depression) | Sometimes it can affect the mood. |
| Myasthenia gravis or Parkinson's disease | These symptoms are likely to worsen. |
| If you or someone in your family has had suicidal thoughts | This is very important information. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | This medicine may be harmful to an unborn baby and may also pass into breast milk. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or dyes | To check if you are allergic to this medicine. |
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine should be used exactly as your doctor has told you. Take the pill with a glass of water. Follow the instructions on the medicine label. Never take more than the prescribed dose. Also, do not stop taking it suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause a serious reaction.
What if I overdose?
If you have any suspicion that you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Treat this as an emergency.
Another thing is, this medicine is prescribed for you only. So even if your friend has the same problem as you, never share this medicine with others .
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Flurazepam is a drug that can interact with other medications and alcohol, so it's important to be aware of this as well.
- Especially do not take together with these things:
- Some cough painkillers (opioid-type medications)
- Sodium oxybate
- You should also be very careful when using it with these things:
- Alcohol
- Medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines)
- Other medications for mental calm or sleep
- Medications for depression (e.g. amitriptyline, fluoxetine)
- Antifungals (e.g. ketoconazole)
- Medicines for epilepsy (e.g. carbamazepine)
- Anesthetic drugs used in surgery
- Opioid pain medication
This list is not exhaustive. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements). Don't forget to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
When using this medicine, be aware of these points to ensure your safety and get the most out of it.
Possible drowsiness the next day
After taking this medicine, you should plan to get at least 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep . Even if you do, you may still feel sleepy the next morning.
Therefore, avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
Abnormal sleep behaviors
This is very important. Some people, after taking this medicine, do many things in their sleep, but don't remember any of it the next day. For example:
- Sleep walking
- Driving while asleep
- Cooking and eating while sleeping
- Making phone calls in your sleep
If you find out that you have done something like this, stop taking the medication immediately and talk to your doctor.
Behavioral changes
If you or your family notice any changes in your behavior (e.g., increased agitation, depression, suicidal thoughts, memory loss), also inform your doctor immediately.
Possible side effects of this medicine
Like any medication, flurazepam can cause side effects.
| Types of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Decreased nervous system function (CNS depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, unconsciousness, confusion. |
| Changes in behavior and mood | Anxiety, restlessness, depression, suicidal thoughts. |
| Abnormal sleep behaviors | Activities you don't remember, such as sleep-driving and eating. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dizziness | Feeling dizzy. |
| Drowsiness that persists the next day | Feeling sleepy even after waking up in the morning. |
| Loss of balance | Stumbling when walking or standing. |
How should you store your medicine?
Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children and pets. Since this medicine can be addictive, it is important to keep it in a place that can be protected from theft.
If you have unused pills left over, crush them, mix them with used coffee grounds, cat litter, etc., and put them in a tightly sealed container and throw them away. Do not use any medicine that has passed its expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- Flurazepam is a short-term treatment for insomnia.
- Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Do not drink alcohol, drive, or do anything that requires attention after taking this medicine.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take and any medical conditions you have.
- If you notice unusual sleep behavior or severe mood changes, notify your doctor immediately.
- Always keep this medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children and others.
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