TEMAZEPAM
In this session, we will be discussing the consumer medication information for temazepam, trade name RestorilTM.
What it’s for & How to take
Temazepam is a sleep medication used to for short-term treatment of insomnia. This medication produces a calming effect in the brain which helps you fall asleep quicker. Temazepam may also help you sleep longer while decreasing the number of times you wake up during the night.
This medication is sometimes used to treat other conditions. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you are prescribed this medication to treat something that is not listed here.
Temazepam is usually taken within 30 minutes of bedtime, with or without food. Make sure you have time for at least 8 hours of sleep before you take temazepam. If you miss a dose, or if you wake up and cannot sleep, do not take temazepam unless you are sure you do not need to get up for at least 8 hours. This medication may not keep you asleep for a full 8 hours. However, you may be dizzy or drowsy for a full 8 hours.
Your dose is based on your age, condition, and response to treatment. If the dose you are taking is not helping you fall asleep, call your doctor. Do not increase your dose of temazepam without your doctor’s approval.
This medication is commonly used for 10 days or less. Do not take this medication for more than 10 days without your doctor’s advice.
Your doctor may prescribe this medication to be taken as-needed. If you are taking this medication as needed, only take it when you need to get a good night’s sleep. This will help keep your body from becoming dependent on the medication and will increase the chance that it will work to help you fall asleep when you need it to.
You may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if you have taken this medication on a regular basis and then stop abruptly. Talk with your doctor about this. Your doctor may gradually decrease your dose.
Most Important Warnings
- Combining this medication with opioid pain medications, such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, or morphine, may cause extreme sleepiness, significant breathing difficulties, and death.
Other Warnings & Cautions
- Rarely, this medication may cause a drug seeking or addictive behavior. This risk is increased if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse. If you follow the directions on the label and stay in communication with your doctor and pharmacist, then the chances for addiction are lower.
- Rarely, people who take temazepam have had out-of-bed sleep experiences. These activities may include eating, driving, phone calling, online shopping or other experiences. Although this is rare, it may be dangerous. If there are any signs that this is happening with you, call your doctor immediately.
- The elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medication, especially the drowsiness and dizziness. The chances of loss of balance and falling are increased. If you are elderly, get out of bed slowly in the morning to reduce the chance of becoming lightheaded and falling.
- This medication may make you dizzy, drowsy, or blur your vision. Do not drive or do any activity that requires focus and attention until you are sure you can do them safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking temazepam
- Temazepam is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding because of potential harm to the unborn baby or infant. Let your pharmacist or doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking this medication.
Interactions & Side Effects
- Tell your pharmacist or doctor all your medication allergies so they may determine if temazepam is safe for you to take.
- Avoid dangerous drug interactions. Tell your pharmacist or doctor all the other medication you are taking, including over the counter supplements, even if you don’t take them very often.
- Ask your doctor if this medication is safe to take with your current health conditions. Tell your doctor if you have a history of liver or kidney disease, breathing problems when you sleep, asthma or other lung disease, depression or other mental health disorder or any history of substance abuse.
- While taking temazepam, you may feel tired during the day, confused, depressed, forgetful or a mild dry mouth. If these or any other unwanted side effects persist, contact your doctor or pharmacist to talk about it with them.
- Call your doctor right away if you have any thoughts of hurting yourself, aggression, agitation, pounding heartbeat, trouble breathing or visual or auditory hallucinations.
If you have any questions about what you have heard, contact your pharmacist or doctor. This session does not include all the potential interactions or side effects that this medication may cause. Ask your pharmacist how your medication should be stored and how you should dispose of it when you are done taking it. Do not share your medication with anyone, ever. Remember, this is not meant to replace your counseling session with your pharmacist. In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Updated 7/20