Temazepam what is it

An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be harmful or prevent the drug from working well. To help avoid interactions, your doctor should manage all of your medications carefully. Taking temazepam with certain drugs increases your risk of side effects, such as drowsiness.

Examples of these drugs include:. Taking temazepam with certain drugs puts you at serious risk of severe drowsiness, slowed breathing, coma, or death. These drugs include:. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.

Taking it again could be fatal cause death. Temazepam oral capsule causes drowsiness and may cause dizziness. This drug should be taken right before you get in bed. The use of drinks that contain alcohol can increase your risk of side effects such as drowsiness, sleepiness, confusion, and doing activities in your sleep without knowing.

Do not take temazepam if you drink alcohol. If you have been diagnosed with depression, you may be at an increased risk of worsening depression and suicidal thoughts while you take this drug. Your doctor should prescribe the lowest dosage necessary to help you with your sleep problems. For pregnant women: Temazepam is a category X pregnancy drug. Category X drugs should never be used during pregnancy. Women of childbearing age should use reliable birth control while taking this drug.

Talk to your doctor if you breastfeed your child. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication. For seniors: As you age, your body processes drugs more slowly. All possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, drug form, and how often you take the drug will depend on:. Taking a dosage higher than what your doctor prescribed increases your risk of extreme drowsiness. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages.

Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you. The GOV. UK website has a full list of foreign embassies in the UK. Using heroin or methadone with temazepam may also increase the sedative effects of both of them.

Talk to your doctor if you think you might use recreational drugs while you're taking temazepam. Do not take any medicines or herbal remedies that make you feel sleepy while taking temazepam.

Page last reviewed: 12 March Next review due: 12 March Temazepam On this page About temazepam Key facts Who can and can't take temazepam How and when to take it Side effects How to cope with side effects Pregnancy and breastfeeding Cautions with other medicines Common questions. About temazepam Temazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. It comes as tablets or as a liquid that you swallow. Temazepam is available on prescription only. Help us improve our website Can you answer a quick question about your visit today?

The most common side effects include feeling drowsy or lightheaded, and having a dry mouth. It's not recommended to use temazepam for longer than 4 weeks.

If temazepam affects your eyesight or makes you feel sleepy, dizzy or confused, do not drive or use tools or machines until you feel OK again. Do not drink alcohol when taking temazepam. Temazepam can be taken by adults over the age of It's not suitable for everyone. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor before starting temazepam if you: have had an allergic reaction to temazepam or any other medicine in the past have myasthenia gravis , a condition that causes muscle weakness have sleep apnoea , a condition that causes breathing problems when you're asleep have severe lung or liver problems have a mental health problem, such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, personality disorder or thoughts of suicide have acute narrow angle glaucoma, a condition that affects the eye are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or breastfeeding.

You'll usually take it once a day, half an hour before bedtime. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not give you the right amount. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. How much will I take? In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a higher dose of 30 to 40mg.

How long will I take it for? You'll usually take temazepam for no longer than 4 weeks. What if I forget to take it? If you forget to take it by bedtime, just start again the next night. What if I take too much? Common side effects These common side effects happen in more than 1 in people.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away: disturbed sleep such as vivid dreams feeling drowsy, tired, less alert or "hungover" the next day feeling lightheaded, unsteady or dizzy a dry mouth Serious side effects It happens rarely, but some people have serious side effects when taking temazepam. Tell a doctor straight away if you get any of the following side effects: yellow skin, or the whites of your eyes turn yellow — this can be a sign of liver problems difficulty peeing or peeing less than usual an abnormal heartbeat palpitations changes in the way you feel or act, such as feeling numb or restless, agitated, aggressive or acting inappropriately you think things that are not true delusions or you see or hear things that are not there hallucinations poor co-ordination or weak muscles slurred speech memory loss or confusion Serious allergic reaction In rare cases, temazepam may cause a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis.

You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine. Call your doctor if your insomnia does not improve after taking temazepam for 7 to 10 nights, or if you have any mood or behavior changes. Insomnia can be a symptom of depression, mental illness, or certain medical conditions.

Do not stop using temazepam suddenly or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep track of your medicine. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription. Since temazepam is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Take temazepam only when you have time for several hours of sleep. Do not use two doses at one time. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, or coma.

Health Topics. Health Tools. Temazepam Restoril. Brand Names: Restoril. Some people using temazepam have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, making phone calls, or having sex and later having no memory of the activity. Tell your doctor if this happens to you. The sedative effects of temazepam may last longer in older adults.

Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take benzodiazepines. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Taking temazepam with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures. Other drugs may affect temazepam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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