Temazepam belongs to the class of medications called benzodiazepines. It is used for the treatment of short-term sleeping problems associated with difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, or early morning awakenings. It works by slowing down the central nervous system (CNS).

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

The recommended adult dose of temazepam ranges from 15 mg to 30 mg taken before going to bed. The lowest effective dose of medication should be used and treatment should normally not last longer than 7 to 10 consecutive days.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is the next morning, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

15 mg
Each pink and maroon, size 3 hard gelatin capsule, printed "TM15" and "G" in black, contains temazepam 15 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: D&C Red No. 28, D&C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake, gelatin, lactose, magnesium stearate, red iron oxide T3469, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, synthetic black iron oxide and titanium dioxide.

30 mg
Each deep powder blue and maroon, size 3 hard gelatin capsule, printed "TM30" and "G" in black, contains temazepam 30 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: D&C Red No. 28, D&C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake, gelatin, lactose, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, synthetic black iron oxide and titanium dioxide.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Temazepam should not be taken by anyone with:

• an allergy to temazepam or any of the ingredients of the medication or to any other benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam)
• a disease of the muscles called myasthenia gravis
• sleep apnea
• a history of paradoxical reactions (unusual excitement) to alcohol or sedatives

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

More common:

• clumsiness or unsteadiness
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• drowsiness
• slurred speech

  Less common or rare:

• abdominal or stomach cramps or pain
• blurred vision or other changes in vision
• changes in sexual desire or ability
• constipation
• diarrhea
• dryness of mouth or increased thirst
• false sense of well-being
• headache
• increased bronchial secretions or watering of mouth
• muscle spasm
• nausea or vomiting
• problems with urination
• trembling or shaking
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common:

• anxiety
• confusion
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• lack of memory (of events taking place after the medication was taken)
• depression

  Rare:

• abnormal thinking (disorientation, delusions, or loss of sense of reality)
• agitation
• behavioural changes, including:
  • aggressiveness
  • bizarre behaviour
  • decreased inhibition
  • angry outbursts
• convulsions (seizures)
• hallucinations
• hypotension (low blood pressure)
• muscle weakness
• skin rash or itching
• sore throat, fever, and chills
• trouble sleeping
• ulcers or sores in mouth or throat
• uncontrolled movements of body, including the eyes
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual excitement, nervousness, or irritability
• unusual tiredness or weakness (severe)
• yellow eyes or skin

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Addiction potential: Temazepam can become habit-forming. Withdrawal symptoms similar to those occurring with other benzodiazepines including alcohol, have been observed after stopping the medication suddenly (after having taken it regularly over a period of time). These symptoms include irritability, nervousness, sleep problems, agitation, tremors, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, memory impairment, headache, muscle pain, extreme anxiety, tension, restlessness, and confusion.

Anxiety or restlessness: An increase in daytime anxiety or restlessness has been observed during treatment with temazepam.

Confusion: This medication may affect mental efficiency (e.g., concentration, attention, and vigilance). The risk of confusion is greater for seniors and those with brain damage.

Depression or psychosis: Temazepam is not recommended for use by people with depression or psychosis.

Drowsiness and occupational hazards: You should not engage in hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness such as driving or operating machinery until the effects of this medication have worn off. Using alcohol or other drugs that cause drowsiness or sedation is not recommended.

Memory disturbance: Amnesia of varying severity has been reported following normal doses this medication.

Pregnancy: The use of temazepam during pregnancy is not recommended. If you are or may be pregnant, talk to your doctor.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if temazepam passes into breast milk. Therefore, it should not be taken by nursing mothers.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of temazepam have not been established for children below the age of 18 years.

Seniors: The sedative effects of temazepam may affect seniors more than others. Extra caution is needed, for example, when getting up during the night.

There may be an interaction between temazepam and any of the following:

• alcohol
• antihistamines (of the type that will cause drowsiness)
• anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin)
• antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline)
• antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine)
• theophyllines (e.g., aminophylline, oxtriphylline, theophylline)

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.