What is Temazepam?
Temazepam is a benzodiazepine that is used to treat anxiety. It affects brain chemicals that could be out of control in people who have sleep issues (insomnia). The medication works by slowing down the central nervous system (brain) and inducing drowsiness, allowing patients to fall asleep more easily. The medication comes in the form of a capsule which should be taken orally. It is available under the brand-name drug called Restoril. Temazepam can be used as a combination therapy which means it should be taken with other medications.
Temazepam Uses
This drug is used to treat a specific type of sleep disorder (insomnia). It can help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up less frequently at night, helping you to get a better night sleep. The drug belongs to a group of medicines known as benzodiazepines. It produces a soothing effect by acting on your brain. This drug is commonly used for brief periods of time, such as 1 to 2 weeks. If your insomnia persists, consult your doctor to see if you need further care.
Temazepam Side effects:
Some of the common side effects of Temazepam are:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
Some of the serious side effects of Temazepam are:
- Rash
- Hives
- Swelling of face and throat
- Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Depressed mood
The common side effects don’t need any medical attention and will disappear as your body gets adjusted to the dosage. But if you are facing any kind of serious or rare side effects then immediately seek medical attention.
Precautions
- Before taking Temazepam, talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product can contain some inactive ingredients which will cause very serious adverse effects. Before taking the medications talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as: Kidney disease, liver disease, breathing problem and muscle disease.
- Talk to your doctor if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products which you are using or planning to take. If you're 65 or older, speak to your doctor about the dangers and benefits of taking temazepam. Higher doses of temazepam may not be more effective in older adults, and higher doses are more likely to cause severe side effects.
How to use Temazepam?
Temazepam comes in the form of capsules which should be taken orally. This is usually taken during bedtime. Follow all the directions written on the prescriptions very carefully and ask your doctor to explain the dosage of the medications. After taking the medication you may probably feel sleepy. Try to go to bed immediately after taking the medications and sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours. Avoid taking the drug if you are not willing to sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours. You will start seeing the result in 7 to 10 days after you start taking Temazepam.
Forms and Strengths
Generic: Temazepam
Form: oral capsule (7.5 mg, 15 mg, 22.5 mg, 30 mg)
Brand:Restoril
Form: oral capsule (7.5 mg, 15 mg, 22.5 mg, 30 mg)
Adult dosage (ages 18–64 years)
Typical starting dosage is 15 mg per day which should be taken right after the bed time.
Senior dosage (65 years and older)
7.5 mg per day
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, you could not get as good a night's sleep as you might if you took the prescription. This medication should be taken right before bedtime. If you take it too soon before bedtime, you can feel tired. If you take the drug too late, you run the risk of being drowsy the next morning.
Overdose
Feeling drowsy, confused, sleeping deeply, and probably falling into coma are all signs of an overdose of medication. It may also cause muscle weakness (hypotonia), dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness. Some signs and symptoms include dizziness, loss of balance, and breathing problems.
Warnings for some serious Health Conditions
For Pregnant women
Temazepam is a pregnancy medication classified as category X. Drugs in the range X can never be used during pregnancy. When taking this medication, women of childbearing age should use effective birth control.
Breastfeeding
It is unclear whether temazepam is passed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding your infant, speak with your doctor as it can lead to some serious adverse effects.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. Exposure to medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach. Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Temazepam vs Diazepam
Temazepam |
Diazepam |
|---|---|
| Temazepam is a benzodiazepine that is used to treat anxiety. It affects brain chemicals that could be out of control in people who have sleep issues (insomnia). | Diazepam oral tablet is a controlled drug that is available as a brand name drug called Valium. Diazepam is a benzodiazepine. |
| This drug is used to treat a specific type of sleep disorder (insomnia). It can help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up less frequently at night, helping you to get a better night sleep. | Diazepam is used for the treatment of disorders with anxiety. The medication is also used for the treatment of agitation, tremors, delirium, seizures and hallucinations |
Some of the common side effects of Temazepam are:
|
Some of the common side effects of Diazepam are:
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