What is the most important information I should know about temazepam?
Temazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol.
MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.
Do not stop using temazepam without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly. Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer.
Get medical help right away if you stop using temazepam and have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or thoughts about suicide.
Some people using temazepam have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, walking, making phone calls, or having sex and later having no memory of the activity. Call your doctor if this happens to you.
What is temazepam?
Temazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) that is used short term to treat insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep).
Temazepam may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking temazepam?
You should not use temazepam if you are allergic to it.
Do not use temazepam if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. This medicine could harm the unborn baby.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- lung disease or breathing problems;
- depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts;
- alcoholism or drug addiction; or
- liver or kidney disease.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take temazepam?
Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Never use temazepam in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.
Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Take this medicine only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine.
Call your doctor if your insomnia does not improve after taking temazepam for 7 to 10 nights, or if you have any mood or behavior changes. Insomnia can be a symptom of depression, mental illness, or certain medical conditions.
Temazepam should be used for only a short time. Do not take this medicine for longer than 2 weeks without your doctor's advice.
Do not stop using temazepam without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep your medicine in a place where no one can use it improperly.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Temazepam is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Take temazepam only when you have time for several hours of sleep. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of temazepam can be fatal if you take it with alcohol, opioid medicine, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.
Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, or coma.
What should I avoid while taking temazepam?
Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.
You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking this medicine. Wait until you are fully awake before you drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Your reactions may be impaired.
What are the possible side effects of temazepam?
Temazepam may cause a severe allergic reaction. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; nausea, vomiting; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Temazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- confusion, agitation, hallucinations;
- depressed mood; or
- thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.
Some people using temazepam have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, walking, making phone calls, or having sex and later having no memory of the activity. Tell your doctor if this happens to you.
Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.
Common side effects may include:
- drowsiness, tiredness;
- dizziness;
- headache;
- nausea; or
- feeling nervous.
After you stop using temazepam, get medical help right away if you have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, suicidal thoughts or actions.
Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer after stopping this medicine suddenly. Tell your doctor if you have ongoing anxiety, depression, problems with memory or thinking, trouble sleeping, ringing in your ears, a burning or prickly feeling, or a crawling sensation under your skin.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect temazepam?
Taking temazepam with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Other drugs may affect temazepam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about temazepam.
