Temazepam
Temazepam is a benzodiazepine. It affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with sleep problems (insomnia).
Introduction
Generic name: Temazepam
Brand name: Restoril
Dosage form: oral capsule (15 mg; 22.5 mg; 30 mg; 7.5 mg)
Drug class: Benzodiazepines
Uses
Temazepam is used short term to treat insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep).
How it works?
Temazepam works by slowing down the central nervous system (brain), causing drowsiness which helps patients fall asleep.
Directions for use
Take temazepam exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Never use temazepam in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.
Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Take this medicine only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine.
Call your doctor if your insomnia does not improve after taking temazepam for 7 to 10 nights, or if you have any mood or behavior changes. Insomnia can be a symptom of depression, mental illness, or certain medical conditions.
Temazepam should be used for only a short time. Do not take this medicine for longer than 2 weeks without your doctor’s advice.
Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep your medicine in a place where no one can use it improperly.
Side effects
Temazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
Confusion, agitation, hallucinations
Depressed mood
Thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.
Some people using temazepam have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, walking, making phone calls, or having sex and later having no memory of the activity. Tell your doctor if this happens to you.
Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.
Common temazepam side effects may include:
Drowsiness, tiredness
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea
Neeling nervous.
What drugs will affect temazepam?
Taking temazepam with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Other drugs may interact with temazepam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Warnings
Temazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication, alcohol, or other drugs that can slow your breathing.
Never take this medicine if you do not have at least 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again.
Do not use temazepam if you are pregnant. It can cause birth defects or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking temazepam and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.
Temazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. This medicine should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.
Temazepam may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Take this medication only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine.