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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about temazepam?
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.
Take temazepam 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.
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).
This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby, or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Do not use temazepam if you are pregnant.
Before taking temazepam, tell your doctor if you have any breathing problems, glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, or a history of depression, suicidal thoughts, or addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Do not drink alcohol while taking temazepam. It can increase some of the side effects, and could possibly cause a fatal overdose.
Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy. They can add to sleepiness caused by temazepam.
Temazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Temazepam 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.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking temazepam?
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 need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take temazepam.
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.