What is temazepam?
Temazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). Temazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with sleep problems (insomnia).
Temazepam is used to treat insomnia symptoms, such as trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
Important information
Do not use temazepam if you are pregnant. This medicine can cause birth defects or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn.
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. Keep the medication in a secure 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.
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.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to temazepam or to other benzodiazepines (alprazolam, Xanax, Valium, or others).
To make sure temazepam is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing disorder;
kidney or liver disease;
a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior;
a history of drug or alcohol
Do not use temazepam if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. This medicine can cause birth defects. Your baby could also become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking temazepam
Temazepam can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
The sedative effects of temazepam may last longer in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking this medicine.
Temazepam is not approved for use by How should I take temazepam?
Take temazepam exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Never use in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in treating your symptoms.
Temazepam may be habit-forming. 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.
You should not even share this medicine with another person who has the same symptoms you have. younger than 18 years old.
Temazepam should be used for only a short time to treat insomnia. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 to 10 nights of treatment, or if this medicine seems to stop working as well in helping you fall asleep and stay asleep.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Your insomnia symptoms may also return when you stop using the medicine. Ask your doctor how to safely stop taking temazepam.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Temazepam is a drug of abuse and you should be aware
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since this medicine is taken only at bedtime, you will not be on a frequent dosing schedule. Never take this medicine if you do not have at least 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again. Do not take extra medicine to make up a missed dose.What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of temazepam can be fatal, especially if taken with alcohol. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, or loss of consciousness and coma.
Temazepam side effects
Temazepam may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking temazepam and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; nausea, vomiting; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
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 this medicine and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.
confusion, agitation, hostility, hallucinations;
anxiety, memory problems;
depressed mood; or
thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.
Common temazepam side effects may include:
day-time drowsiness or "hangover" feeling;
headache;
dizziness, tiredness;
nausea; or
feeling nervous.