Indications
Temazepam is a benzodiazepine sleeping medicine used for the short-term treatment of severe insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep) that is disabling or causing great distress. It may also be used to calm patients before an operation or procedure.
How It Works
Temazepam increases the effect of GABA, a natural calming chemical in the brain. This reduces brain activity, eases anxiety and helps you fall asleep and stay asleep. It acts fairly quickly and wears off within several hours.
Dosage and Administration
The usual adult dose is 10 to 20 mg taken just before bedtime. Elderly or frail people usually start with 10 mg. Use the lowest dose that works and for the shortest time, usually no more than 2 to 4 weeks including the time to reduce the dose, unless the doctor advises otherwise. Do not stop suddenly after regular use; the doctor will reduce the dose slowly.
Interactions
Alcohol, opioid painkillers (such as Morphine, Codeine and Tramadol), other sleeping pills, antihistamines that cause drowsiness, antidepressants, antipsychotics and anti-epileptics increase drowsiness and the risk of dangerously slow breathing. Combining Temazepam with opioids can be life-threatening.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Temazepam or other benzodiazepines.
- Severe breathing problems, sleep apnoea or myasthenia gravis.
- Severe liver disease.
- Use as the only treatment for depression or psychosis.
Side Effects
Drowsiness the next day, dizziness, unsteadiness, slowed reactions, forgetfulness and muscle weakness are common. Confusion and falls are more likely in older people. Rarely, unusual behaviour, agitation or sleep-walking and other activities without memory occur. Regular use can lead to tolerance and dependence.
Get urgent medical help for very slow or shallow breathing, extreme sleepiness or difficulty waking, confusion, or signs of allergy such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Avoid in pregnancy, especially in the first and last months, as it can affect the baby and cause breathing and withdrawal problems after birth. It passes into breast milk and may make the baby sleepy, so it is not recommended during breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
Do not drive or operate machinery the next day until you know how you are affected. Avoid alcohol. Use with care in older people, lung, liver or kidney disease, and in anyone with a history of drug or alcohol misuse. This is a controlled medicine: do not share it.
Overdose
Overdose causes deep sleep, confusion, slow breathing and low blood pressure, and is more dangerous with alcohol or opioids. Seek emergency medical help immediately.
Therapeutic Class
Hypnotic, benzodiazepine (short-acting).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light, in a secure place out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.