How should this medicine be used?
Temazepam comes as a capsule to take by mouth and may be taken with or without food. It usually is taken before bedtime when needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take temazepam exactly as directed.
Temazepam can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to. Tolerance may develop with long-term or excessive use, making the drug less effective. Do not take temazepam for more than 5 weeks or stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor. Stopping the drug suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms (anxiousness, sleeplessness, and irritability). Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually. You may experience sleeping difficulties the first one or two nights after stopping this medication. If your sleep problems continue, talk to your doctor, who will determine whether this drug is right for you.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking temazepam,
* tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to temazepam, alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium, Librax), clonazepam (Klonopin), clorazepate (Tranxene), diazepam (Valium), estazolam (ProSom), flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), prazepam (Centrax), triazolam (Halcion), or any other drugs.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antihistamines; cimetidine (Tagamet); digoxin (Lanoxin); disulfiram (Antabuse); isoniazid (INH, Laniazid, Nydrazid); medications for depression, seizures, Parkinson's disease, pain, asthma, colds, or allergies; muscle relaxants; oral contraceptives; probenecid (Benemid); rifampin (Rifadin); sedatives; sleeping pills; theophylline (Theo-Dur); tranquilizers; and vitamins. These medications may add to the drowsiness caused by temazepam.
* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma; seizures; or lung, heart, or liver disease.
* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking temazepam, call your doctor immediately.
* if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking temazepam.
* you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
* remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
* tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Side effects from temazepam are common and include:
* headache
* heartburn
* diarrhea
* hangover effect (grogginess)
* drowsiness
* dizziness or lightheadedness
* weakness
* dry mouth
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
* constipation
* difficulty urinating
* frequent urination
* blurred vision
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
* jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
* slow or difficult speech
* persistent, fine tremor or inability to sit still
* fever
* difficulty breathing or swallowing
* severe skin rash
* yellowing of the skin or eyes
* irregular heartbeat
