Flurazepam

Flurazepam, A benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic drug called Flurazepam is authorized for the temporary treatment of insomnia. Has anxiolytic properties (relieves anxiety), much like other benzodiazepines, although it is rarely given for this purpose. It does have an active metabolite and has an intermediate half-life of 8-12 hours. A single dosage taken at bedtime may cause sleepiness and sedation during the day for certain people.   

• Flurazepam is a short-acting benzodiazepine with a rapid onset of action that is commonly used for short-term and intermittent use in patients with recurring insomnia and poor sleeping habits.
• Both hydroxyethyl flurazepam (the major metabolite) and N-DE alkyl flurazepam are active.
• The mean apparent half-life of flurazepam is 2.3 hours.

Flurazepam usually shouldn’t be used for more than a week. Some patients may, however, occasionally require extended usage; in these situations, close monitoring is required to avoid developing a physical or psychological dependancey. Like other benzodiazepines, flurazepam is categorized as a restricted drug by federal and state legislation because of its association with dependency and misuse.

Clinically, all sleep metrics, including sleep start latency, are reported to have improved for the patients. The effectiveness of flurazepam is comparable to that of glutethimide, nitrazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, and barbiturates in a positive way. It hasn’t been contrasted in a therapeutic context with diazepam.

How does Flurazepam work?

Flurazepam works pharmacologically in the brain at certain receptor locations, which may help explain why it is such an excellent anxiety treatment. The neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in that area of the brain is facilitated in its inhibitory effect by the combined action of benzodiazepines on the receptors. 

It appears that benzodiazepines’ anxiolytic, sedative, and anticonvulsant effects are due to their interaction with GABA receptors.

Flurazepam has long-acting metabolites and has no influence on waking function after usage at night, according to studies on tolerance, metabolism, and carry-over effects. Flurazepam is a medicine that can effectively reduce most symptoms of insomnia in people for whom hypnotic treatment is recommended.

What is the recommended dose of Flurazepam?

For females, take 15 mg orally once daily at bedtime; for males, take 15 or 30 mg orally once daily at bedtime.
If more dosage is required for effectiveness, the 15 mg dose can be raised to 30 mg.
Since significant side effects are dose-related, the lowest effective dose needs to be applied.

• Patients who are elderly or disabled should not take more than 15 mg of medication each day.

   

•  Dose increases should be initiated with care.

What happens when you take an overdose of Flurazepam?

Oral benzodiazepine overdoses are rarely lethal. Benzodiazepines sometimes cause mortality when taken with other CNS depressants, particularly alcohol, narcotics, and barbiturates.   

Drowsiness, confusion, somnolence, weariness, dropped coordination, and clumsiness while walking (ataxia) and sluggish reflexes are some of the mild indications of benzodiazepine overdose.  

When taken alone, benzodiazepines hardly cause death. When some drugs participate in benzodiazepine overdose, severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, a slowing heart rate, and decreased blood pressure, lack of coordination, and loss of consciousness leading to coma and death. 

• Every potential overdose should be considered an emergency at the ER. The prescription bottle of drug along with any extra drugs linked to the overdose should also be brought, as the data shows on the prescription label can help the treating physician estimate the quantity of pills consumed.

What are the side effects of Flurazepam administration?

Sedation and drowsiness are the most often reported, particularly in the early stages of therapy. Other common symptoms include difficulty focusing and remembering things, a dissociative or “spacey” feeling, and trouble with coordination.  

• Constipation, change in appetite, and decreased interest in sexual intercourse.
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors, hyperventilation, change in consciousness, Confusion, Loss of memory, seizure and palpitations.

In some individuals, benzodiazepines may possess paradoxical effects. In susceptible individuals, the drug stimulates enthusiasm, aggression, hostility, uncontrolled behavior, and wrath rather than the expected depressive effects. These reactions are especially common in the elderly, people with brain injuries, and people with personality and impulse control difficulties.

What are the precautions taken with Flurazepam administration?

• Flurazepam, like other benzodiazepines, is categorized as a restricted substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence, according to state and federal laws. 
• The drug impairs awareness and coordination; therefore, patients should use caution when driving or performing other tasks that require alertness while taking this medicine. 

Seniors may be more vulnerable due to impaired coordination and reflexes, perhaps leading to falls and injuries. 

• Co-administration, alongside other central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as alcohol, opioids, and barbiturates may exacerbate these CNS effects. So quit drinking while taking the drug. 
• Prolonged usage of benzodiazepines such as flurazepam could end in dependence. When the medicine is abruptly stopped, the withdrawal symptoms may appear. Headaches, vomiting, decreased attention, confusion, tremors, muscle cramps, and seizures are among withdrawal symptoms. 
• Benzodiazepines such as flurazepam are systemically acting depressants that might reduce breathing. This is especially challenging for people with chronic obstructive lung disease and emphysema. The respiratory depressive effect of benzodiazepines may further suppress respiratory drive in these patients, putting them at greater risk for respiratory depression and death. 

If you miss a dose, take it right away. If it is near the next planned dose, cancel the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Avoid taking double the prescribed dose.

• Flurazepam should only be taken when needed for sleep. Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
• Flurazepam can be taken before or after meals. 
• Keep the medication in the original labeled, light-resistant container, away from heat, and moisture to avoid drug degradation by them. 
• Keep Flurazepam away from your children.

How does Flurazepam affect pregnancy and lactation? 

• Flurazepam is classified as pregnancy category D.

Benzodiazepines and their metabolites are known to cross the placenta and accumulate in the fetal circulation. 

• They are associated with a risk of congenital malformations when used during pregnancy, causing cleft lip and heart deformities in the fetus. 
• Benzodiazepines such as flurazepam should be avoided during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester. The use of benzodiazepines during pregnancy should be considered only when the need for the medication outweighs its risk and alternative therapies have failed. 

Nursing mothers should not take flurazepam, because it will pass into breast milk and be ingested by the baby. If stopping the drug is not an alternative, breastfeeding should not be started or should be discontinued.

What are the drugs contraindicated with Flurazepam?

• CNS depressants (alcohol, narcotics, barbiturates, and hypnotics) and antihistamines could affect coordination and breathing while increasing drowsiness.

• Cimetidine, fluoxetine, ketoconazole, propranolol, divalproex sodium, propoxyphene, isoniazid, and protease inhibitors: these medications may inhibit the metabolism of flurazepam, thus increasing the level and pharmacological effects of the drug and producing excessive sedation and other adverse CNS effects.