Flunitrazepam - Oral

Flunitrazepam is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia (difficulty sleeping).

Take Flunitrazepam exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with or without food before going to bed.

Do not take this medicine for a longer period of time than instructed by your doctor. Inform your doctor if this medicine does not seem to help you.

Do not stop taking Flunitrazepam suddenly as it may worsen your condition. Your doctor will gradually reduce the dose before stopping it completely. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
• sleep apnoea (sleep disorder that causes interrupted breathing during sleep)
• severe lung or breathing problems
• severe liver disease

as Flunitrazepam may not be suitable for you.

Do not give this medicine to children unless instructed by the doctor.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• heart problems
• lung disease e.g. respiratory depression (slow or ineffective breathing)
• increased pressure in the eye
• epilepsy (fits or seizures)
• history of alcohol or drug abuse
• mental health problems
• mild to moderate liver disease
• kidney disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Flunitrazepam to the elderly or debilitated individual (physically or mentally weak, usually due to illness or old age). Elderly people and debilitated individuals may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Practice good sleeping habits to reduce reliance on sleeping pills. These are some good sleeping habits which you should follow:

• Try to relax before bedtime. Do not engage in strenuous activities.
• Try to go to bed at about the same time every night.
• Have a light dinner. A heavy dinner may disturb your sleep.
• Avoid caffeine in the evening. Caffeine-containing food and drinks include coffee, tea, certain soft drinks and even chocolate.
• Avoid drinking alcohol before bedtime.
• Keep your bedroom quiet, dark and airy.
• Avoid taking naps, especially in the late afternoon.

Flunitrazepam may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

This medicine may cause abnormal activities during sleep, such as driving, cooking, eating and walking while you are still asleep. Alert your doctor quickly if this happens.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, stomach upset, dry mouth, and tiredness.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• excessive movements, agitation, irritability, mood changes, confusion, memory loss
• rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, or throat
• fits or seizures

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:

• strong painkillers
• other medicines for sleep disorder
• medicines to treat depression
• medicines for mood disorders
• medicines for cold or allergy
• medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures)
• disulfiram (medicine used to help in the management of alcohol dependence)
• cimetidine (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Flunitrazepam.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Flunitrazepam.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.