Flurazepam Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 27, 2024.
Applies to flurazepam: oral capsule.
Important warnings
This medicine can cause some serious health issues
Oral route (capsule)
Concomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
Reserve concomitant prescribing for patients with inadequate alternative treatment options.
Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required and follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.
Serious side effects of flurazepam
Along with its needed effects, flurazepam may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking flurazepam:
Rare side effects
- black, tarry stools
- blurred vision
- chest pain
- chills
- confusion
- cough
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- feeling like you will pass out
- fever
- large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
- painful or difficult urination
- slurred speech
- sore throat
- sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
- sweating
- swollen glands
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
Incidence not known
- change in consciousness
- clumsy movement, moving from side to side
- confusion about identity, place, and time
- falling
- fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
- loss of consciousness
- shakiness and unsteady walk
- unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
- unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness or feeling of sluggishness
Other side effects of flurazepam
Some side effects of flurazepam may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Rare side effects
- bitter taste
- blurred vision
- burning eyes
- difficulty in focusing
- discouragement
- dry mouth
- false or unusual sense of well-being
- feeling of warmth
- feeling sad or empty
- hallucinations
- increased watering of the mouth
- itching skin or skin rash
- loss of appetite
- loss of interest or pleasure
- mood or mental changes
- nightmares
- redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest
- restlessness
- sweating
- trouble concentrating
- trouble sleeping
- unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability
- weight loss
Incidence not known
- constipation
- diarrhea
- fear
- headache
- heartburn
- joint pain
- nausea
- stomach upset
- talkativeness
- vomiting
For healthcare professionals
Applies to flurazepam: oral capsule.
General adverse events
The most commonly reported side effects were headache, dizziness, muscle weakness, ataxia, and double vision.[Ref]
Psychiatric
- Common (1% to 10%): Numbed emotions
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Euphoria, depression, hallucinations
- Frequency not reported: Withdrawal syndrome, abnormal thinking, behavior changes, complex behaviors, worsening of depression, apprehension, irritability[Ref]
Other
Gastrointestinal
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Dry mouth, bitter taste, excessive salivation
- Frequency not reported: Heartburn, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, gastrointestinal pain[Ref]
Hepatic
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Elevated SGOT/SGPT, total and direct bilirubin elevations, elevated alkaline phosphatase
- Frequency not reported: Jaundice[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
- Very rare (less than 0.01%): Severe anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions[Ref]
Cardiovascular
- Frequency not reported: Palpitation, chest pain[Ref]
Dermatologic
Nervous system
- Common (1% to 10%): Reduced alertness, confusion, headache, dizziness, ataxia
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Difficulty in focusing, faintness, slurred speech, confusion, restlessness, vertigo
- Frequency not reported: CNS-depressant effects, next-day impairment, nervousness, talkativeness, drowsiness, staggering[Ref]
Genitourinary
- Frequency not reported: Genitourinary complaints, changes in libido, urinary retention[Ref]
Hematologic
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Leukopenia, granulocytopenia
- Frequency not reported: Blood dyscrasias[Ref]
Metabolic
Musculoskeletal
- Common (1% to 10%): Muscle weakness
- Frequency not reported: Body/joint pain[Ref]
Ocular
- Common (1% to 10%): Double vision
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Blurred vision, burning eyes
- Frequency not reported: Visual disturbance[Ref]
References
1. (2001) "Product Information. Dalmane (flurazepam)." Roche Laboratories
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
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Further information
Flurazepam side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.