- Insomnia Pictures: 10 Tips to Avoid Insomnia
- Sleep Slideshow: Foods That Help or Harm Your Sleep
- Quiz: Suffer From Insomnia?
- 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.
What 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.
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).
Summary
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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Treatment & Diagnosis
- Restless Leg Syndrome RLS FAQs
- Medication Disposal
- Dangers of Mixing Medications
- Drugs: The Most Common Medication Errors
- How To Reduce Your Medication Costs
- Pharmacy Visit, How To Get The Most Out of Your Visit
- Indications for Drugs: Approved vs. Non-approved
- Drugs: Buying Prescription Drugs Online Safely
- Trouble Sleeping? Insomnia May Be Why
- 10 Tips to Avoid Insomnia and Get a Good Night's Sleep
- Generic Drugs, Are They as Good as Brand-Names?
Medications & Supplements
- Benzodiazepines (Benzodiazepine Drug Class)
- alprazolam (Xanax, Xanax XR, Niravam) Anti-Anxiety Drug
- clonazepam (Klonopin)
- lorazepam (Ativan)
- diazepam (Valium, Diastat, Acudial, Diastat Pediatric, Diazepam Intensol)
- Drugs: Questions to Ask Your Doctor or Pharmacist about Your Drugs
- Drug Interactions
- Hypnotics (for Sleep)
Prevention & Wellness
- Sleeping Pills May Spell Trouble for Older Drivers
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- Sleeping Pills Called 'as Risky as Cigarettes'
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.
Top temazepam Related Articles
alprazolam
Alprazolam is a member of the benzodiazepine family, which are sedatives that cause dose-related depression of the central nervous system. Alprazolam is used for the treatment of anxiety disorders and panic attacks, which cause unrealistic worry and apprehension, restlessness, aches, trembling, shortness of breath, smothering sensation, palpitations, sweating, cold clammy hands, lightheadedness, flushing, exaggerated startle responses, problems concentrating, and insomnia.It is important to be aware of the drug interactions related to alprazolam, effects on pregnancy and nursing mothers, as well as common side effects on the user.
benzodiazepines (sleep-inducing)-oral
Benzodiazepine is the name of a class of drugs in the US. They belong to a class of man-made drugs prescribed to treat:
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Panic attacks
- Seizures
- Muscle spasms
- Insomnia
Here is a list of examples of brand and generic names of benzodiazepines available in the US.
- alprazolam (Xanax)
- clobazam (Onfi)
- clonazepam (Klonopin)
- clorazepate (Tranxene)
- chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
- diazepam (Valium)
- estazolam (Prosom)
- lorazepam (Ativan)
- oxazepam (Serax)
- temazepam (Restoril)
- triazolam (Halcion)
These drugs are habit forming and patients may become addicted to them even at prescribed doses. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, storage, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
clonazepam
Clonazepam (Klonopin) is an prescription medication used to treat panic disorder, certain types of seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and the short-term relief of anxiety. Side effects include
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Rash
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
Drug interactions, dosage, pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
diazepam
Diazepam (Valium, Diastat Acudial, Diastat, Diazepam Intensol) is a drug prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders; and agitation, tremors, delirium, seizures and hallucinations that result from alcohol withdrawal. Side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lightheadedness
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Rash
Multiple drug interactions, dosage, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions occur frequently. Get facts about the types of drug interactions, what substances or other things that may interact with drugs such as OTC drug and prescription drugs, vitamins, food(s) (grapefruit), and laboratory tests. Find out how to protect yourself from potential drug interactions.Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs
Important information about your drugs should be reviewed prior to taking any prescription drug. Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precauctions, dosage, what the drug is used for, what to do if you miss a dose, how the drug is to be stored, and generic vs. brand names.Anxiety Slideshow
Learn about generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). See if your worries are normal or something more by learning about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments of anxiety disorders.Hypnotics Drug Class Side Effects
Hypnotics are sleep medications used to treat different types of insomnia. There are a variety of hypnotic drugs, and they are grouped into five types. Benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepines, selective melatonin agonists (these three drug types are classified as sedatives), antidepressants, and an orexin receptor agonist. Some hypnotics can be addictive and may cause withdrawal symptoms if discontinued abruptly.
The side effects of hypnotics depend upon the drug used, but they may include:- Drowsiness
- Hallucinations
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Rebound insomnia
Other side effects may include:- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Hair loss
- Dry skin
- Upset stomach
- Abnormal dreams
- Fatigue
Hypnotics may have serious side effects and adverse effects, for example:- Abnormal thinking
- Suicidal thinking
- Sleep paralysis
- Anemia
- Sleep driving and other complex behavior
- Exfoliate dermatitis
Hypnotic drugs available over-the-counter (OTC) include diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and doxylamine (Unisom). Natural herbal supplements used for insomnia are melatonin and Valerian.
Do not drink alcohol while taking hypnotic drugs. Stimulants like caffeine or amphetamines reduce the effect of insomnia medications.
Your doctor or other health care professional will recommend the type of hypnotic drug for you depending upon the type of sleep problem you have, your current lifestyle habits, other medications you are taking, and any other medical problems you may have.
REFERENCES:
FDA. "Sleep Disorder (Sedative-Hypnotic) Drug Information." Updated: Jun 13, 2017.
Chawala, J, MD. "Insomnia Medication." Medscape. Updated: Aug 01, 2016.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.lorazepam
Lorazepam (Ativan) is a prescription drug used for the management of anxiety disorders, short-term relief of anxiety, or anxiety associated with depression. Ativan is effective for insomnia, panic attacks, and is used for treatment and prevention of alcohol withdrawal.
Side effects include amnesia, loss of orientation, headache, and sleep disturbances.
It is important to be aware of the drug interactions related to lorazepam (Ativan) and the effects on pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Migraine
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.
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.Take the RLS Quiz
Restless leg syndrome (RLS), an annoying, sometimes painful disorder that keeps millions of people awake at night. What are the symptoms of restless le syndrome? Take the quiz to find out!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.
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.
