Menu Close

What Are Side Effects?

Providing Trusted, Evidence-Based
Treatment for Three Decades and Counting

If you or a loved one is experiencing addiction, we’re here to help.

Couple Arguing On Sofa about drug abuseDalmane, or flurazepam, is a sedative hypnotic drug that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of insomnia.

A very potent substance, the drug is rarely prescribed for long periods of time in order to avoid increasing the risk of abuse. Though many people can take Dalmane as prescribed without suffering any negative consequences, if abused, the drug can lead to a number of health problems and risks – and even normal use can result in unwanted side effects.

Blackout Activities

Perhaps one of the most disturbing potential side effects of Dalmane use and abuse is a risk that comes with the use of any sedative-hypnotic drug. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is possible that users may get up out of bed after taking a sedative, hypnotic drug like Dalmane and engage in activities that they will not remember the following day. People who drink alcohol or take other drugs that make them drowsy while taking Dalmane may be at increased risk of engaging in activities during a blackout period while under the influence of the drug.

People have reported engaging in the following behaviors while taking Dalmane:

  • Driving a car (e.g., “sleep driving”)
  • Preparing and/or eating a meal
  • Having a conversation on the phone
  • Sleepwalking
  • Engaging in sexual activities


Blackout activities can occur even with normal use of the drug. If you find that this is problem for you, contact your doctor.

Side Effects

There are a number of common side effects reported by people who take Dalmane as directed by their doctors.

They are only a concern if they are intrusive and persist or if they grow more severe:


  • Headache
  • Drowsiness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Lack of coordination
  • Stomach cramps
  • Heartburn
  • Diarrhea


  • Constipation
  • Weakness
  • Irritability
  • Joint pain
  • Chattiness
  • Bitter taste
  • Dry mouth
  • Hives


  • Facial, throat, eye, lip and tongue swelling
  • Rash
  • Hoarse voice
  • Pounding heartbeat
  • Chest pain
  • Hard time breathing or swallowing
  • Loss of consciousness/coma



Patients who experience serious side effects are advised to report the issue to their doctor immediately.

Abuse and Addiction

Some patients who use the drug report experiencing a high or feeling of euphoria while under the influence. Though this may fade as they adjust to their dose, some people may chase that feeling and take larger and larger doses, or purposefully abuse the drug by augmenting its effects with alcohol and other sedatives. Ongoing abuse of Dalmane can lead to addiction, overdose, and deadly accidents under the influence.

Some of the signs of addiction are the withdrawal symptoms experienced after the drug has been abused for a long period of time. Though it is possible to experience withdrawal symptoms at high doses with normal use (usually rebound insomnia), this is usually managed by a slow step-down period supervised by the doctor. When addiction is in effect, professional detox is recommended to ensure the patient’s safety.

Withdrawal symptoms after high dose Dalmane abuse or addiction may include:


  • Tremors
  • Stomach cramps
  • Muscle cramps and pain


  • Vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Convulsions



Treatment for Dalmane Abuse

If use and abuse of Dalmane have turned into an addiction, treatment is available and recommended. Learn more about the treatment services that will be most appropriate for your needs or those of your loved one when you contact us at Michael’s House today at 760.548.4032.

Start the Journey Today!

760.548.4032

LIVE CHAT