Dalmane® (flurazepam) is a prescription sleep medication used to treat insomnia. Dalmane is a category X drug and it should not be taken during pregnancy. Dalmane is part of a group of medications known as benzodiazepines. Animal and human studies have suggested that benzodiazepine use during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects and other problems.
Dalmane and Pregnancy Category X
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category X is given to medicines that show problems to the fetus in animal studies or in women who have taken the medicine. Also, a pregnancy Category X rating is given when the potential risks of a medication outweigh any possible benefits when used during pregnancy.
Dalmane was given a pregnancy Category X rating because of problems in animal and human studies. Benzodiazepine use during early pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects, while use during later pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Since taking Dalmane is never absolutely necessary, it should not be taken during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Dalmane, let your healthcare provider know. You should not take the drug if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
