Temazepam 20mg

£37.00£165.00

Tempazepam is used to treat sleep problems such as insomnia and it can help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and lessen how often you wake up during the night, so using Temazepam can give a better night’s rest.

Clear

SHARE

Temazepam 20mg Awareness

Important information about Temazepam

Temazepam is a prescription medicine belonging to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines.

It is used for the short-term treatment of severe insomnia when the condition is causing significant distress or is seriously affecting everyday life.

Temazepam can cause:

  • Sleepiness
  • Reduced alertness
  • Dizziness
  • Poor coordination
  • Memory problems
  • Dependence
  • Addiction
  • Withdrawal symptoms

It should only be taken exactly as prescribed.

What is Temazepam?

Temazepam is a benzodiazepine with sedative and hypnotic effects.

It works by increasing the activity of GABA, a chemical messenger in the brain that helps reduce nervous-system activity. This produces a calming and sleep-promoting effect.

Temazepam is intended for short-term use, rather than long-term treatment of insomnia.

Temazepam 20 mg

20 mg is an available tablet/capsule strength, but it is not automatically the correct dose for everyone.

The appropriate dose depends on factors including:

  • Age
  • Severity of insomnia
  • Other medicines being taken
  • Other medical conditions
  • Liver and kidney function
  • Individual response to treatment
  • Previous use of sedative medicines

For adults, UK product information commonly describes 10–20 mg taken before bedtime, with lower doses considered for older or more vulnerable people. (medicines.org.uk)

Do not increase the dose because you feel the medicine is becoming less effective.

How should Temazepam be taken?

Take Temazepam exactly as prescribed.

It should generally be taken shortly before going to bed, when you are able to have a full night’s sleep.

You should have enough time available for approximately 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep after taking it.

Do not take additional tablets during the night unless specifically instructed by your doctor.

Treatment should be kept as short as possible. Benzodiazepine hypnotics are generally intended for short-term treatment, often only for a few days or weeks. (medicines.org.uk)

Common side effects

Possible side effects include:

  • Drowsiness
  • Sleepiness
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Reduced alertness
  • Poor coordination
  • Muscle weakness
  • Blurred vision
  • Memory problems
  • Confusion

The risk of falls can be increased, particularly in older people.

Next-day effects

Temazepam can sometimes cause effects the following day.

These may include:

  • Sleepiness
  • Reduced concentration
  • Slower reactions
  • Poor coordination
  • Dizziness
  • Memory difficulties

Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel affected by temazepam.

Serious side effects

Serious reactions are uncommon but can occur.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe difficulty breathing
  • Extreme sedation
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Severe confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth or throat

Call 999 if someone cannot be woken, has collapsed or has severe breathing difficulties.

Temazepam and alcohol

Do not drink alcohol while taking temazepam.

Alcohol can significantly increase the sedative effects of temazepam.

The combination can cause:

  • Extreme sleepiness
  • Loss of coordination
  • Reduced consciousness
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Increased risk of accidents

The risk is particularly serious when alcohol is combined with opioids or other sedating medicines.

Temazepam and opioids

Extra caution is required when temazepam is taken with opioid medicines.

Examples include:

  • Morphine
  • Oxycodone
  • Codeine
  • Fentanyl
  • Buprenorphine
  • Methadone

Combining benzodiazepines with opioids can increase the risk of:

  • Severe sedation
  • Respiratory depression
  • Coma
  • Death

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take opioid medicines.

Driving and machinery

Temazepam can impair:

  • Alertness
  • Concentration
  • Reaction time
  • Coordination
  • Memory

Do not drive, cycle or operate machinery if you feel sleepy, dizzy or otherwise impaired.

The risk of impairment may be increased if you have not had a full night’s sleep after taking the medicine.

Dependence and addiction

Temazepam can cause physical and psychological dependence.

The risk increases with:

  • Higher doses
  • Longer treatment
  • Regular use
  • A previous history of alcohol or drug dependence

Dependence can occur even when the medicine is taken at prescribed doses.

Possible warning signs include:

  • Feeling that you need more medicine
  • Taking it more frequently than prescribed
  • Feeling unable to sleep without it
  • Craving the medicine
  • Increasing the dose without medical advice
  • Continuing to use it despite problems

Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about dependence.

Tolerance

Some people can develop tolerance to the effects of temazepam.

This means that the same dose may appear less effective over time.

Do not respond by increasing your dose yourself.

Taking higher doses can increase the risks of dependence, overdose and serious sedation.

Withdrawal

Do not suddenly stop taking temazepam if you have been using it regularly.

Sudden withdrawal can cause:

  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Sweating
  • Tremor
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Confusion
  • Mood changes

More serious withdrawal can include hallucinations, seizures and severe psychological symptoms.

A doctor can advise on gradually reducing the dose.

Rebound insomnia

Stopping temazepam suddenly can cause rebound insomnia, where sleep problems temporarily become worse than they were before treatment.

This can make people feel that they need to restart the medicine.

Gradual reduction under medical supervision can help reduce withdrawal and rebound symptoms.

Pregnancy

Temazepam should generally not be used during pregnancy unless a doctor considers it necessary.

If you are:

  • Pregnant
  • Planning a pregnancy
  • Trying to become pregnant
  • Think you may be pregnant

speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Benzodiazepines can cross the placenta.

Use close to delivery can potentially cause sedation, reduced muscle tone, breathing difficulties and withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.

Do not suddenly stop regular temazepam because you discover you are pregnant.

Breastfeeding

Temazepam passes into breast milk.

The NHS advises speaking to a doctor before taking temazepam while breastfeeding.

Short-term use may sometimes be considered, but prolonged treatment may increase the risk of accumulation and sedation in the infant.

A breastfed baby should be monitored for:

  • Unusual sleepiness
  • Difficulty waking
  • Poor feeding
  • Reduced muscle tone
  • Breathing difficulties

Discuss the safest option with your doctor or pharmacist before taking temazepam while breastfeeding.

Who may need extra caution?

Tell your doctor before taking Temazepam if you have:

  • Breathing problems
  • Sleep apnoea
  • Severe liver problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Muscle weakness such as myasthenia gravis
  • A history of alcohol or drug dependence
  • A history of mental-health problems

Older people may be particularly sensitive to the effects of temazepam and may have an increased risk of confusion and falls.

Medicines that can interact with temazepam

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.

Particular caution is needed with:

  • Opioid painkillers
  • Other sleeping medicines
  • Other benzodiazepines
  • Sedating antihistamines
  • Some antidepressants
  • Antipsychotic medicines
  • Anaesthetic medicines
  • Other medicines that cause drowsiness

Combining medicines with sedative effects can increase the risk of excessive sedation and breathing problems.

Taking too much temazepam

Taking more temazepam than prescribed can be dangerous.

Possible symptoms include:

  • Extreme sleepiness
  • Confusion
  • Severe dizziness
  • Poor coordination
  • Reduced consciousness
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Breathing difficulties

The risk is substantially higher when temazepam is combined with alcohol, opioids or other sedating medicines.

If you have taken more than prescribed, seek urgent medical advice.

Call 999 immediately if someone cannot be woken, has collapsed, has lost consciousness or has severe difficulty breathing.

Missed dose

Temazepam is normally taken at bedtime when prescribed for insomnia.

If you forget to take it at bedtime, do not take an extra dose later unless your doctor has specifically told you to do so.

Taking it too late may leave you excessively sleepy or impaired the following day.

If you are unsure what to do, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Never share temazepam

Temazepam is prescribed for a specific person and their individual circumstances.

Never give your temazepam to another person and never take someone else’s prescription.

A dose that is safe for one person may be dangerous for another.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 20 mg of temazepam a high dose?
20 mg is an available strength and is within the adult dosing range described in UK product information, but it is not appropriate for everyone. Lower doses may be more suitable for older people or those who are particularly sensitive to sedatives. (medicines.org.uk)

Is temazepam addictive?
Yes. Temazepam can cause dependence and addiction, particularly with prolonged use or higher doses.

Can I drink alcohol with temazepam?
No. Alcohol can significantly increase sedation and can make the combination dangerous.

Can I take temazepam with opioids?
Only if specifically prescribed and monitored. The combination can cause severe sedation and potentially fatal breathing problems.

Can I drive after taking temazepam?
Temazepam can impair alertness, concentration and coordination. Do not drive if you are affected.

Can I stop temazepam suddenly?
If you have been taking it regularly, you should generally not stop suddenly. Withdrawal can be serious and may include seizures.

Can I take temazepam during pregnancy?
It should generally be avoided unless a doctor considers it necessary. Speak to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.

Can I breastfeed while taking temazepam?
Discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist. Temazepam passes into breast milk and the infant should be monitored for sedation if treatment is considered.

What happens if I take too much?
Seek urgent medical advice. Call 999 if the person cannot be woken, has lost consciousness or has serious breathing difficulties.

When to seek emergency help

Call 999 immediately if someone taking temazepam:

  • Cannot be woken
  • Has severe or abnormal breathing
  • Has collapsed
  • Has lost consciousness
  • Has a severe allergic reaction

For urgent but non-life-threatening medical advice in England, contact NHS 111.

Important disclaimer

This website provides general educational and safety information about temazepam.

It is not a substitute for advice from a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional.

Temazepam is a prescription benzodiazepine and should only be taken exactly as prescribed.

Never increase your dose, combine temazepam with alcohol or other sedating substances, or stop regular treatment suddenly without professional advice.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, concerned about dependence, experiencing side effects, or taking other medicines, speak to a healthcare professional.

In an emergency, call 999. For urgent but non-life-threatening medical advice in England, contact NHS 111.

Medical information should be reviewed regularly because prescribing guidance can change.