What Is Flurazepam Used For? (Cont.)

How Does Flurazepam Work?

Flurazepam is one of a group of medications known as benzodiazepines. These drugs have several different effects on the body, including:
 
  • Relaxing muscles
  • Reducing anxiety
  • Causing sleepiness
  • Stopping seizures
  • 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).
 

Is Flurazepam Used for Children?

Flurazepam is not approved for treating insomnia in children under 15 years old. Talk with your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using the drug in children.
 

Is Flurazepam Used for Off-Label Reasons?

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend flurazepam for the treatment of something other than insomnia. Currently, using the drug to treat anxiety disorders is one of these potential off-label flurazepam uses.

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;