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- What is temazepam, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
- What brand names are available for temazepam?
- Is temazepam available as a generic drug?
- Do I need a prescription for temazepam?
- What are the side effects of temazepam?
- What is the dosage for temazepam?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with temazepam?
- Is temazepam safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about temazepam?
What is temazepam, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
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. The FDA approved temazepam in February 1981.
What are the side effects of temazepam?
The most common side effects associated with temazepam are
- excessive sleepiness,
- dizziness,
- weakness, and
- unsteadiness.
Other important side effects include:
- depression,
- loss of orientation,
- headache, and
- sleep disturbances.
SLIDESHOW
Sleep Disorders: Foods That Help Sleep or Keep You Awake See SlideshowWhat is the dosage for temazepam?
The recommended dose of temazepam is 7.5 to 30 mg taken about 30 minutes prior to bedtime. For elderly patients, start with 7.5 mg until the response is determined.
Which drugs or supplements interact with temazepam?
Alcohol or drugs that cause sleepiness increase the effects of temazepam.
Latest Mental Health News
Daily Health News
More Health News »Is temazepam safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
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.
Use by nursing mothers has not been adequately studied.
What else should I know about temazepam?
What preparations of temazepam are available?
Capsules: 7.5, 15, 22.5, and 30 mg
How should I keep temazepam stored?
Capsules should be kept at room temperature, 20 C - 25 C (68 F - 77 F).
QUESTION
What is insomnia? See AnswerSummary
Temazepam (Restoril) is a drug prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and insomnia. Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and pregnancy efficacy should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.
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Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a common cause for painful legs that typically eases with motion, and becomes worse and more noticeable at rest. This characteristic nighttime worsening can frequently lead to insomnia. Treatment of the symptoms of restless leg syndrome is generally with medication as well as treating any underlying condition causing restless leg syndrome.
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Migraine Headache
Migraine headache is a type of headache associated with a sensitivity to light, smells, or sounds, eye pain, severe pounding on one side of the head, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. The exact cause of migraine headaches is not known. Triggers for migraine headaches include certain foods, stress, hormonal changes, strong stimuli (loud noises), and oversleeping. Treatment guidelines for migraines include medicine, pain management, diet changes, avoiding foods that trigger migraines, staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep, and exercising regularly. Prevention of migraine triggers include getting regular exercise, drinking water daily, reducing stress, and avoiding trigger foods.
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Sleep Disorders (How to Get a Good Night's Sleep)
A number of vital tasks carried out during sleep help maintain good health and enable people to function at their best. Sleep needs vary from individual to individual and change throughout your life. The National Institutes of Health recommend about 7-9 hours of sleep each night for older, school-aged children, teens, and most average adults; 10-12 for preschool-aged children; and 16-18 hours for newborns. There are two stages of sleep; 1) REM sleep (rapid-eye movement), and 2) NREM sleep (non-rapid-eye movement). The side effects of lack of sleep or insomnia include: Irritability Tiredness Feeling sleepy during the day Concentration or memory problems Lack of sleep and insomnia can be caused by medical conditions or diseases, medications, stress, or pain. The treatment for lack of sleep and insomnia depends upon the cause.
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Insomnia
Insomnia is the perception or complaint of inadequate or poor-quality sleep because of difficulty falling asleep; waking up frequently during the night with difficulty returning to sleep; waking up too early in the morning; or unrefreshing sleep. Secondary insomnia is the most common type of insomnia. Treatment for insomnia include lifestyle changes, cognitive behavioral therapy, and medication.
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Insomnia Treatment (Sleep Aids and Stimulants)
Insomnia is difficulty in falling or staying asleep, the absence of restful sleep, or poor quality of sleep. Insomnia is a symptom and not a disease. The most common causes of insomnia are medications, psychological conditions, environmental changes and stressful events. Treatments may include non-drug treatments, over-the-counter medicines, and/or prescription medications.
Treatment & Diagnosis
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Medications & Supplements
- Benzodiazepines (Benzodiazepine Drug Class)
- clonazepam (Klonopin)
- alprazolam (Xanax)
- Alprazolam (Xanax) vs. Temazepam (Restoril)
- diazepam (Valium, Diastat, Acudial, Diastat Pediatric, Diazepam Intensol)
- Hypnotics (for Sleep)
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- lorazepam (Ativan)
- Drug Interactions
- Klonopin (clonazepam) vs. Restoril (temazepam)
Prevention & Wellness
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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.
REFERENCE:
FDA Prescribing Information