Dalmane (Flurazepam) belongs to the class of medications called benzodiazepines. It is used to treat short-term sleep problems associated with difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night, or early awakenings.

Your doctor may have suggested Dalmane (Flurazepam) for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking Dalmane (Flurazepam), speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking Dalmane (Flurazepam) without consulting your doctor.

Do not give Dalmane (Flurazepam) to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take Dalmane (Flurazepam) if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The recommended adult dose of Dalmane (Flurazepam) ranges from 15 mg to 30 mg and is taken before bedtime. Dalmane (Flurazepam) should not be taken for longer than 7 to 10 consecutive days unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The recommended starting dose for seniors is 15 mg. If you take Dalmane (Flurazepam) on a regular basis for extended periods of time, it may become habit-forming (i.e., causing mental or physical dependence).

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones above, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Dalmane (Flurazepam) exactly as prescribed. Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor.

Store Dalmane (Flurazepam) at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Dalmane (Flurazepam). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Dalmane (Flurazepam) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Dalmane (Flurazepam). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• difficulty with coordination
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• lightheadedness

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Dalmane (Flurazepam).

15  mg
Each No. 2 hard gelatin capsule with ivory opaque body and medium orange opaque cap, imprinted with "Dalmane 15” on the body and the "ICN” logo on the cap, contains 15 mg of Dalmane (Flurazepam) hydrochloride. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose, cornstarch, talc, magnesium stearate, gelatin, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Yellow No. 6, titanium dioxide, FD&C Red No. 40, D & C Red No. 28.

30 mg

Each No. 2 hard gelatin capsule with ivory opaque body and red opaque cap, imprinted with "Dalmane 30” on the body and the "ICN” logo on the cap, contains 30 mg of Dalmane (Flurazepam) hydrochloride. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose, cornstarch, magnesium stearate, gelatin, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Yellow No. 6, titanium dioxide, FD&C Blue No. 1 (30mg), and FD&C Red No. 40.

Do not take Dalmane (Flurazepam) if you:

• are allergic to Dalmane (Flurazepam) or any ingredients of Dalmane (Flurazepam)
• are allergic to other benzodiazepines
• have a severe reduction in liver function
• have Myasthenia Gravis
• have Sleep Apnea or other conditions that cause breathing impairment

There may be an interaction between Dalmane (Flurazepam) and any of the following:

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Dalmane (Flurazepam). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Dalmane (Flurazepam).

Behaviour changes: Dalmane (Flurazepam) may cause changes in behavior. If you experience aggressiveness and extroversion, confusion, restlessness, or hallucinations, or notice these changes in a family member who is taking this medication, contact your doctor.

Complex sleep behaviour: There have been reports of people sleepwalking and performing more complex activities after having taken Dalmane (Flurazepam), but not being aware of what they were doing. People have been reported as driving, leaving the house, making and eating food, and not remembering doing so the next morning.

Performing these activities puts yourself and others at risk. If you are made aware of these sleep-behaviours, let your doctor know as soon as possible.

Confusion: Dalmane (Flurazepam) affects mental efficiency, e.g., concentration, attention, and vigilance. The risk of confusion is greater for seniors and for people with brain injury.

Depression: Dalmane (Flurazepam), like other benzodiazepines, has been known to cause mood swings and symptoms of depression. If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how Dalmane (Flurazepam) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Dalmane (Flurazepam), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking Dalmane (Flurazepam), contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Dalmane (Flurazepam) may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Dalmane (Flurazepam) affects you.

Memory disturbance: Medications such as Dalmane (Flurazepam) can cause memory loss (amnesia). Amnesia of varying severity has been reported following normal doses of Dalmane (Flurazepam). Elderly patients are at particular risk.

Substance abuse: People with a history of substance or alcohol abuse may be more likely to become dependent on Dalmane (Flurazepam). Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the risks of using Dalmane (Flurazepam) if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse.

Withdrawal: Dalmane (Flurazepam) can become habit-forming. Withdrawal symptoms similar to those occurring with other benzodiazepines as well as alcohol have been observed after stopping Dalmane (Flurazepam) suddenly after having taken it regularly over a period of time. These symptoms include:

• abdominal cramps
• agitation
• confusion
• Diarrhea
• extreme anxiety
• headache
• irritability
• memory impairment
• muscle pain
• nervousness
• restlessness
• sleep problems
• tension
• tremors
• vomiting

Pregnancy: Dalmane (Flurazepam) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Dalmane (Flurazepam), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: The safety of using Dalmane (Flurazepam) while breast-feeding has not been established. Therefore, it should not be taken by nursing mothers.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Dalmane (Flurazepam) have not been established for children younger than 15 years of age.

Seniors: Seniors should use the smallest possible effective dose of this medication. Inappropriate, heavy sedation may result in accidents and falls for seniors.