Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Som Pam (Flurazepam).
HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY
October 30, 2020
Health Canada has issued new restrictions concerning the use of benzodiazepines and benzodiazepine-like prescription drugs. To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.
Behaviour changes: Som Pam (Flurazepam) may cause changes in behavior. If you experience aggressiveness and extroversion, confusion, restlessness, or hallucinations, or notice these changes in a family member who is taking this medication, contact your doctor.
Complex sleep behaviour: There have been reports of people sleepwalking and performing more complex activities after having taken Som Pam (Flurazepam), but not being aware of what they were doing. People have been reported as driving, leaving the house, making and eating food, and not remembering doing so the next morning.
Performing these activities puts yourself and others at risk. If you are made aware of these sleep-behaviours, let your doctor know as soon as possible.
Confusion: Som Pam (Flurazepam) affects mental efficiency, e.g., concentration, attention, and vigilance. The risk of confusion is greater for seniors and for people with brain injury.
Depression: Som Pam (Flurazepam), like other benzodiazepines, has been known to cause mood swings and symptoms of depression. If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how Som Pam (Flurazepam) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Som Pam (Flurazepam), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking Som Pam (Flurazepam), contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Som Pam (Flurazepam) may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Som Pam (Flurazepam) affects you.
Memory disturbance: Medications such as Som Pam (Flurazepam) can cause memory loss (amnesia). Amnesia of varying severity has been reported following normal doses of Som Pam (Flurazepam). Elderly patients are at particular risk.
Substance abuse: People with a history of substance or alcohol abuse may be more likely to become dependent on Som Pam (Flurazepam). Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the risks of using Som Pam (Flurazepam) if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse.
Withdrawal: Som Pam (Flurazepam) can become habit-forming. Withdrawal symptoms similar to those occurring with other benzodiazepines as well as alcohol have been observed after stopping Som Pam (Flurazepam) suddenly after having taken it regularly over a period of time. These symptoms include:
- abdominal cramps
- agitation
- confusion
- Diarrhea
- extreme anxiety
- headache
- irritability
- memory impairment
- muscle pain
- nervousness
- restlessness
- sleep problems
- tension
- tremors
- vomiting
Pregnancy: Som Pam (Flurazepam) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Som Pam (Flurazepam), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: The safety of using Som Pam (Flurazepam) while breast-feeding has not been established. Therefore, it should not be taken by nursing mothers.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of Som Pam (Flurazepam) have not been established for children younger than 15 years of age.
Seniors: Seniors should use the smallest possible effective dose of this medication. Inappropriate, heavy sedation may result in accidents and falls for seniors.
