Introduction
Slipam 15 belongs to a class of medicines known as benzodiazepines. It is a prescription medicine used to treat insomnia. It relaxes the brain and helps to treat people who have problems with their sleeping habits.
Slipam 15 may be taken with or without food. However, take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor as it has a high potential of habit-forming.
If you have missed any doses, take it as soon as you remember it and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. You should not stop this medication without talking to your doctor as it may cause nausea and anxiety.
Some common side effects of this medicine include lightheadedness and impaired coordination. It may also cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. Talk to your doctor about potential side effects and ways you might prevent or cope with them. You may also get side effects after stopping the treatment.
Before taking the medicine you should tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Slipam 15 can usually be mixed safely with other medicines but some medicines, including antacids and alcohol, do affect the way it works and can increase the chance of side effects. If you have been taking this medicine for a long time then regular monitoring of blood and liver functions may be required.
Side effects of Slipam 15
Common
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Impaired coordination
- Lightheadedness
How to use Slipam 15
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Slipam 15 may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Slipam 15 works
Slipam 15 is a benzodiazepine. It works by increasing the action of a chemical messenger (GABA) which suppresses the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.
What if you forget to take Slipam 15?
If you miss a dose of Slipam 15, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Administration
May be taken with or without food.
Adult Dose
Oral
Short-term management of insomnia
Adult: 15-30 mg at night.
Elderly: Max: 15 mg at night.
Child Dose
Oral
Short-term management of insomnia
Child: >15 yr 15 mg at night.
Elderly: Max: 15 mg at night.
Contraindication
Hypersensitivity; porphyria. Pregnancy (3rd trimester); neonates.
Mode of Action
Flurazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine which binds to stereospecific benzodiazepine receptors on the postsynaptic GABA neuron w/in the CNS, including the limbic system, reticular formation. It enhances the inhibitory effect of GABA on neuronal excitability by increasing neuronal membrane permeability to Cl ions, thus resulting in hyperpolarisation and stabilisation.
Precaution
Chronic pulmonary insufficiency; elderly or debilitated patients; muscle weakness, impaired liver or kidney function; drowsiness may affect skilled tasks; monitor cardio-respiratory function when used for deep sedation; personality disorders or organic brain changes; history of alcohol or drug addiction. Respiratory depression and hypotension with parenteral admin. Dependence; lactation. Safety and efficacy are not proven in children <15 yr.
Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; not recommended
Side Effect
Common
Ataxia,Dizziness,Drowsiness,Lethargy,Light-headedness
Less Common
Chest pain, palpitations,Headache, irritability, nervousness, weakness,GI complaints,Myalgia,GU complaints
Rare
Elevations of AST, ALT, bilirubin (T&D), alk phos
Pregnancy Category Note
Pregnancy Category: X
Lactation: Excretion in milk unknown; not recommended
Minor tranquilizers should be avoided in 1st trimester of pregnancy due to increased risk of congenital malformations
Maternal use shortly before delivery is associated with floppy infant syndrome (good and consistent evidence)
Prenatal benzodiazepine exposure slightly increased oral cleft risk (limited or inconsistent evidence)
Interaction
May enhance CNS depressant effect w/ antidepressants, antipsychotics, general anaesth, hypnotics or sedatives, opioid analgesics. Flurazepam clearance may be reduced by cimetidine, and may be increased by rifampicin.