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:
It should only be taken exactly as prescribed.
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.
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:
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.
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)
Possible side effects include:
The risk of falls can be increased, particularly in older people.
Temazepam can sometimes cause effects the following day.
These may include:
Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel affected by temazepam.
Serious reactions are uncommon but can occur.
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
Call 999 if someone cannot be woken, has collapsed or has severe breathing difficulties.
Do not drink alcohol while taking temazepam.
Alcohol can significantly increase the sedative effects of temazepam.
The combination can cause:
The risk is particularly serious when alcohol is combined with opioids or other sedating medicines.
Extra caution is required when temazepam is taken with opioid medicines.
Examples include:
Combining benzodiazepines with opioids can increase the risk of:
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take opioid medicines.
Temazepam can impair:
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.
Temazepam can cause physical and psychological dependence.
The risk increases with:
Dependence can occur even when the medicine is taken at prescribed doses.
Possible warning signs include:
Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about dependence.
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.
Do not suddenly stop taking temazepam if you have been using it regularly.
Sudden withdrawal can cause:
More serious withdrawal can include hallucinations, seizures and severe psychological symptoms.
A doctor can advise on gradually reducing the dose.
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.
Temazepam should generally not be used during pregnancy unless a doctor considers it necessary.
If you are:
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.
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:
Discuss the safest option with your doctor or pharmacist before taking temazepam while breastfeeding.
Tell your doctor before taking Temazepam if you have:
Older people may be particularly sensitive to the effects of temazepam and may have an increased risk of confusion and falls.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Particular caution is needed with:
Combining medicines with sedative effects can increase the risk of excessive sedation and breathing problems.
Taking more temazepam than prescribed can be dangerous.
Possible symptoms include:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Call 999 immediately if someone taking temazepam:
For urgent but non-life-threatening medical advice in England, contact NHS 111.
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.
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