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What is temazepam?

Temazepam is in a group of drugs called benzodiazepines (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peens). Temazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause sleep problems (insomnia).

Temazepam is used to treat insomnia symptoms, such as trouble falling or staying asleep.

Temazepam may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Precautions

Instructions

Side-effects

Interactions

Precautions

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.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to temazepam or to other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or triazolam (Halcion).

Before taking temazepam, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), or other breathing problems;
• glaucoma;
• kidney or liver disease;
• myasthenia gravis;
• a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior; or
• a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use temazepam, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

Temazepam can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. It may also cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother takes temazepam late in pregnancy. Do not use temazepam if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.

Temazepam may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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 temazepam.

Do not give this medication to anyone under 18 years old.

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking temazepam. It can increase some of the side effects, and could possibly cause a fatal overdose.

Temazepam can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by temazepam.

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Instructions

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of temazepam can be fatal, especially if taken with alcohol.

Symptoms of a temazepam overdose may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, slurred speech, tremors, a slow heartbeat, shallow breathing, feeling light-headed, fainting, seizure (black-out or convulsions), or coma.

Since temazepam is taken as needed, you are not likely to be on a dosing schedule. Take temazepam only when you have time for several hours of sleep.

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Side-effects

Temazepam may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking temazepam 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.

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.

Stop using temazepam and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• weak or shallow breathing;
• fast or pounding heartbeats;
• confusion, slurred speech, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• hallucinations, agitation, aggression;
• thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• problems with urination; or
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Continue taking temazepam and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• daytime drowsiness (or during hours when you are not normally sleeping);
• amnesia or forgetfulness;
• muscle weakness, lack of balance or coordination;
• numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling;
• headache, blurred vision, depressed mood;
• feeling nervous, excited, or irritable;
• nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort; or
• dry mouth, increased thirst.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

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Interactions

Before taking temazepam, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• fluvoxamine (Luvox);
• itraconazole (Sporanox);
• ketoconazole (Nizoral); or
• nefazodone (Serzone).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use temazepam, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect temazepam. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

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