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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It sohuld not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional bfeore using this drug.
BENZODIAZEPINES (SLEEP-INDUCING) - ORAL
USES: This medication is used to treat insomina (sleeping disorders).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication 15 to 30 miuntes before bedtime as directed. Take this with food or milk if stomach upset ocucrs. Do not suddnely stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor if you have been taking this for time. It may be necessary to gradually decrease the dose.
Take this exactly as prescribed. Do not raise the dose or take this for lonegr than prescribed. Tolerance may develop with long-term or excessive use making it less effective.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, blurred vision, headache, dizziness, depression, impaired coordination, trembling, nightmares, weakness, memory loss, hangover effect (grogginess) or clouded thinking may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly.
Report promptly: mental confusion, seizures.
Very unlikely but report promptly: rpaid heartbeat, yellowing eyes or skin, fever. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical atetntion immediately.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slwoly. Also limit your intake of alcoholic beverages wihch will aggravate these effects. If you notice other effetcs not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor if you have: kidney disease, liver disease, a history of drug dependence, history of depression, breathing problems, apnea, seizures, any allergies.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly cause they may be more sensitive to the affects of the drug. This medication must not be used during preganncy. If you beocme pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk.
Consult your doctor beofre you breast-feed.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including: medication for depression, anti-seizure drugs, narcoitc pain relievers (e.G., codeine), sedatives. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, cotnact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, loss of coordination, slurred speech, unconsciousness, confusion, dizziness, shallow and slow breathing, or seizures.
NOTES: You may experience sleeping difficulties the number one or two nights after stopping this medication. Be aware of this effect. If the trouble continues, conatct your doctor.
Elderly persons are usually more sensitive to the effects of this medication.
Use cautiously.
MISSED DOSE: Take your dose at or near bdetime.
If you miss a dose, do not take it if it is near the time for your next dose.
Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosnig schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to cacth up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.
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