Dalmane

Dalmane is a sleep medicine that is available in both brand-name and generic forms. Healthcare providers usually prescribe it for short-term use, but the drug can also sometimes be used long-term. As a benzodiazepine, Dalmane has a number of effects on the body, including causing sleepiness, relaxing muscles, and reducing anxiety. Side effects can include dizziness, drowsiness, and lightheadedness.

 

What Is Dalmane?

Dalmane® (flurazepam) is a prescription sleep medication approved as an insomnia treatment. It is generally recommended for short-term use, although occasionally long-term use may also be appropriate.
 
(Click Dalmane Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Dalmane?

Dalmane is currently made by Valeant Pharmaceuticals.
 

How Does Dalmane Work?

Dalmane is one of a group of medications known as benzodiazepines (sometimes called "benzos" for short). Benzodiazepines have a variety of different effects on the body, including:
 
  • Causing sleepiness
  • Stopping seizures
  • Relaxing muscles
  • Reducing anxiety
  • Impairing short-term memory.
     
All benzodiazepine medications can have these effects to some degree, depending on the specific medication and the dose. They work in the brain by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical that is naturally calming. GABA can slow down or stop certain nerve signals in the brain. This is why Dalmane and other benzodiazepines are known as mild tranquilizers, sedatives, or central nervous system depressants (CNS depressants).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;