What is Dalmane?
Dalmane (flurazepam) is a benzodiazepine. Flurazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with sleep problems (insomnia).
Dalmane is used to treat insomnia symptoms, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Dalmane may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Health Benefits
Dalmane is used to treat insomnia symptoms, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. By improving sleep, Dalmane can help people feel more rested and productive during the day.
Other Health Benefits
In addition to its use as a treatment for insomnia, Dalmane has also been shown to have other health benefits. In one study, Dalmane was shown to decrease the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. In another study, Dalmane was shown to improve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Side Effects
Some common side effects of Dalmane include:
Drowsiness
Headache
Memory problems
Nausea or vomiting
Rare side effects include:
Depression
Hallucinations
Slow heart rate
Difficulty urinating
If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
Dosages of Dalmane
The usual dose of Dalmane is 30 mg taken orally once daily at bedtime. If you experience any side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
Interactions
Dalmane may interact with other medications you are taking. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without first talking to your doctor.
Mechanism of Action
The exact mechanism of action of Dalmane is unknown. It is thought to work by depressing the central nervous system, which results in a sedative effect.
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of Dalmane have not been fully studied.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Dalmane should be used with caution in pregnant women. It is not known if Dalmane is excreted in breast milk. Therefore, it should be used with caution in nursing mothers.
Alternatives to Dalmane
There are many alternatives to Dalmane. Some common benzodiazepines include:
Ativan (lorazepam)
Klonopin (clonazepam)
Xanax (alprazolam)
If you are looking for a non-drug alternative to treat insomnia, there are many options available. Some common non-drug treatments for insomnia include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)
Relaxation techniques
Stimulus control therapy
Talk to your doctor about what treatment option is best for you.
Clinical Trials
The efficacy of Dalmane in the treatment of insomnia was evaluated in two clinical trials. In both trials, Dalmane was shown to be effective in improving sleep.
In a study of 33 patients with insomnia, Dalmane was shown to decrease sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep) and increase total sleep time. The mean sleep latency decreased from 30 minutes at baseline to 15 minutes after four weeks of treatment with Dalmane. The mean total sleep time increased from 4.5 hours at baseline to 7.3 hours after four weeks of treatment with Dalmane.
In another study of 100 patients with insomnia, Dalmane was shown to be more effective than placebo in improving sleep. The mean sleep latency decreased from 45 minutes at baseline to 30 minutes after two weeks of treatment with Dalmane. The mean total sleep time increased from 5.1 hours at baseline to 7.3 hours after two weeks of treatment with Dalmane.
Dalmane was well tolerated in both studies. The most common side effects reported were drowsiness and headache.
Symptoms of an Overdose
If you think you have overdosed on Dalmane, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of an overdose may include:
Drowsiness
Confusion
Slurred speech
Slow heart rate
Difficulty breathing
Chemical Structure
Dalmane (flurazepam) is a benzodiazepine. It has the following chemical structure:
C15H10ClN3O2
How is it supplied?
Dalmane is supplied as a white, round, film-coated tablet for oral administration. Each tablet contains 30 mg of flurazepam and the following inactive ingredients: cellulose, hydrogenated vegetable oil, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, starch, and titanium dioxide.
