Medications and Drugs
Pharmacy Editor: Jay W. Marks, MD
GENERIC NAME: temazepam
BRAND NAME: Restoril
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Temazepam is a drug that is used for
treating anxiety. It is in the benzodiazepine class of drugs, the same family
that includes diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin),
flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan), and others. Temazepam and other
benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effects of gamma- aminobutyric acid (GABA)
in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger that nerve cells
use to communicate with each other) that inhibits many of the activities of the
brain. It is believed that excessive activity in the brain may lead to anxiety
or other psychiatric disorders and that temazepam reduces the activity.
Temazepam increases total sleep time.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Capsules: 7.5, 15, 22.5, and 30 mg
STORAGE: Capsules should be kept at room temperature, 20° to 25°C (68°
to 77°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Temazepam is used for the short-term (7-10 days)
management of insomnia. Insomnia is defined as difficulty falling asleep,
frequent awakening during the night after falling asleep, and/or early morning
awakening.
DOSING: The recommended dose of temazepam is 15-30 mg taken about 30
minutes prior to bedtime. For some patients, 7.5 mg may be sufficient.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Itraconazole (Sporanox) may reduce the rate of
elimination of temazepam, increasing levels of temazepam in the blood. This can
result in excessive sleepiness. Oral contraceptives have been reported to
increase the elimination of temazepam, an effect that may result in reduced
effectiveness of temazepam. Alcohol or drugs that cause sleepiness increase the
effects of temazepam.
PREGNANCY: Temazepam and other benzodiazepines have been associated
with fetal damage, including congenital malformations, when taken by pregnant
women in their first trimester. Temazepam should be avoided during pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS: Use by nursing mothers has not been adequately
studied.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most commonly noted side effects associated with
temazepam are excessive sleepiness, dizziness, weakness, and unsteadiness. Other
side effects include a feeling of depression, loss of orientation, headache, and
sleep disturbances. Like all benzodiazepines, temazepam can cause physical
dependence. Suddenly stopping temazepam after a few months of daily use may be
associated with a feeling of loss of self-worth, agitation, and insomnia. If
temazepam is taken continuously for longer than a few months, stopping treatment
suddenly may produce seizures, tremors, muscle cramping, vomiting, and/or
sweating. Therefore, discontinuation usually is accomplished by slowly reducing
the daily dose.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 12/13/2005
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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