What is ProSom?
ProSom (flurazepam) is a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which are medicines that slow down the nervous system.
ProSom is used to treat insomnia. Insomnia is difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
ProSom may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Health Benefits
The main health benefit of ProSom is that it can help people with insomnia fall asleep and stay asleep. It does this by slowing down the nervous system, which has a calming effect.
ProSom may also have other benefits, such as reducing anxiety or helping people with seizure disorders. However, more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of ProSom are:
drowsiness
lightheadedness or dizziness
muscle weakness
Less common side effects include:
nausea or vomiting
diarrhea
constipation
memory problems
trouble concentrating
rare side effects include:
confusion
depressed mood
thinking problems
aggression or hostility
hallucinations
unusual risk-taking behavior
ProSom can also cause rebound insomnia, which is when insomnia symptoms return once the person stops taking the medication. This can happen because ProSom causes changes in brain chemistry, and it may take some time for the brain to adjust when the drug is stopped.
Dosage
ProSom is available in tablet form. It is usually taken before bedtime. The recommended dosage for adults is 1-2 mg before bedtime.
For children and adolescents, the dosage depends on body weight. The usual starting dose is 0.25 mg/kg (about 11 mg for a child who weighs 50 pounds).
ProSom should not be taken for more than two weeks. If symptoms persist, talk to your doctor about other treatment options.
Interactions
ProSom can interact with other medications, herbs, or vitamins you may be taking. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well.
To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications, herbs, and vitamins you are taking. To find out how this drug might interact with something else you’re taking, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Examples of drugs that can cause interactions with ProSom include:
barbiturates
such as phenobarbital
blood thinners
such as warfarin
CNS depressants
such as alcohol, zolpidem, and other benzodiazepines
Herbs and supplements
such as valerian, kava kava, and St. John’s wort
Mechanism of Action
ProSom works by binding to GABA receptors in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate nerve activity. When ProSom binds to GABA receptors, it increases the effects of GABA and causes a sedative effect.
This action slows down the nervous system, which has a calming effect and can help people with insomnia fall asleep and stay asleep.
Pharmacokinetics
ProSom is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and reaches peak levels in the blood within 1-2 hours. The half-life of ProSom is 18-26 hours, which means it stays in the body for a long time.
ProSom is metabolized in the liver and then excreted by the kidneys. Some of the metabolites of ProSom can be active and may contribute to the sedative effects of the drug.
Alternatives to ProSom
There are other medications that can be used to treat insomnia. These include:
antihistamines
such as diphenhydramine
antidepressants
such as trazodone
melatonin
talk to your doctor about which medication is right for you.
Pregnancy and ProSom
ProSom is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Benzodiazepines can cause birth defects or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. If you become pregnant while taking ProSom, stop taking the drug and call your doctor right away.
It is not known whether ProSom passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breastfeed while taking ProSom.
