Flurazepam is indicated in the following conditions-

• Insomnia ( frequent nocturnal awakenings, 60 and/or early morning awakening)
• Poor sleeping habits

Long-term use of hypnotics is usually not recommended and should only be done in conjunction with a thorough examination of the patient.

Insomnia (Difficulty in Falling asleep)

For the best results, dosage should be tailored to the individual. Before retiring, the typical adult dose is 30 mg. In rare cases, 15 mg may be sufficient. 15 mg is usually sufficient for a therapeutic response in elderly and/or debilitated patients, and it is advised that therapy be started with this dosage.

The following side effects were reported with the use of flurazepam-

• Dizziness
• drowsiness
• light-headedness
• staggering
• ataxia and falling, particularly in elderly or debilitated persons

Severe sedation, lethargy disorientation and coma, probably indicative of drug intolerance or overdosage, 188 have been reported. 

Dizziness

Drowsiness

Staggering

Ataxia

• Because the danger of over sedation, dizziness, disorientation, and/or ataxia increases significantly with higher dosages in elderly and disabled individuals, it is recommended that the dosage be limited to 15 mg in these patients.
• If Flurazepam is administered with other medications that have been shown to have hypnotic or CNS-depressant qualities, the potential for additive effects should be taken into account.
• For severely depressed individuals or those with any evidence of latent depression, standard precautions should be taken, including the realization that suicidal tendencies may exist and that preventive measures may be required.
• Patients with poor renal or hepatic function or chronic pulmonary insufficiency should take the normal precautions.
• There have been reports of people getting out of bed after taking a sedative-hypnotic and driving their cars while not fully awake, often with no memory of the event.
•  The failure of insomnia to remit after 7 to 10 days of treatment may indicate the presents of a primary psychiatric and/or medical illness that should be evaluated.