Flurazepam is a prescription sleep medicine that is available in both brand-name and generic forms. It is typically prescribed for just a short period of time, but long-term use is possible. Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and lightheadedness. Conditions that you should tell your healthcare provider about before taking flurazepam include depression, lung problems or breathing problems, and any allergies.
Flurazepam (
Dalmane®) is a prescription sleep medication approved as an
insomnia treatment. It is generally recommended for short-term use, although occasionally long-term use may also be appropriate.
Flurazepam is currently made by Valeant Pharmaceuticals.
How Does Flurazepam Work?
Flurazepam is one of a group of medications known as benzodiazepines (sometimes called "benzos" for short). Benzodiazepines have a variety of different effects on the body, including:
- Causing sleepiness
- Stopping seizures
- Relaxing muscles
- Reducing anxiety
- Impairing short-term memory.
All benzodiazepine medications can have these effects to some degree, depending on the specific medication and the dose. They work in the brain by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical that is naturally calming. GABA can slow down or stop certain nerve signals in the brain. This is why flurazepam and other benzodiazepines are known as mild tranquilizers, sedatives, or central nervous system depressants (CNS depressants).
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