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What are temazepam tablets or capsules?
TEMAZEPAM (Restoril®) is a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines belong to a group of medicines that slow down the central nervous system. Temazepam helps to treat insomnia (difficulty sleeping at night). Federal law prohibits the transfer of temazepam to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Do not share this medicine with anyone else. Generic temazepam tablets and capsules are available.What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:• an alcohol or drug abuse problem
• bipolar disorder, depression, psychosis or other mental health condition
• glaucoma
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea or other breathing difficulties
• myasthenia gravis
• Parkinson's disease
• porphyria
• seizures or a history of seizures
• shortness of breath
• snoring
• suicidal thoughts
• uncontrolled pain
• an unusual or allergic reaction to temazepam, other benzodiazepines, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take temazepam tablets or capsules by mouth. Temazepam is only for use at bedtime. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets or capsules with a drink of water. If temazepam upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. It can take up to 2 hours for drowsiness to occur; never repeat the dose before 2 hours have passed. Do not take double or extra doses.What drug(s) may interact with temazepam?
• alcohol• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions), like phenobarbital
• caffeine
• female hormones, including contraceptive or birth control pills
• herbal or dietary supplements such as kava kava, melatonin, or valerian
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam or triazolam
• medicines for depression, mental problems or psychiatric disturbances
• phenytoin
• prescription pain medicines
• probenecid
• some medicines for colds, hay fever or other allergies
• theophylline
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking temazepam?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Temazepam is for short-term periods of use. If sleep medicine is taken every night for a long time it may no longer help you to sleep. Your body can become dependent on temazepam, ask your prescriber or health care professional if you still need to take it. However, if you have been taking temazepam regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose or you may get severe side effects. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Even after you stop taking temazepam it can still affect your body for several days.You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how temazepam affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy and fainting spells, do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol may increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking temazepam.
What side effects may I notice from taking temazepam?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:• confusion
• depression
• lightheadedness or fainting spells
• mood changes, excitability or aggressive behavior
• movement difficulty, staggering or jerky movements
• muscle cramps
• tremors
• weakness or tiredness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• dizziness, drowsiness, clumsiness, or unsteadiness; a 'hangover' effect
• headache
• increased dreaming
• nausea, vomiting
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
