Temazepam

About Temazepam

This belongs to the group of medicines known as benzodiazepines.

Temazepam is used to treat insomnia (difficulty sleeping).

Temazepam is available in tablet and oral liquid form.

Before Taking Temazepam

Before taking any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• if you suffer from any respiratory (breathing) problems
• if you suffer from liver or kidney problems
• if you suffer from myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease)
• if you suffer from sleep apnoea (temporary stopping of breathing during sleep)
• if you suffer from porphyria (a blood disorder)
• if you have ever had a problem with drug or alcohol abuse
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Temazepam

• Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Temazepam is usually taken just before bedtime.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Temazepam contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Temazepam can cause drowsiness and light-headedness, which can continue into the next day. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery, or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Alcohol will increase drowsiness while you are taking Temazepam. If you do drink alcohol, drink only a little and be aware of its effects on you.
• Temazepam is only recommended for short term use. The body gets used to the medicine within 3 to 14 days and after this time it is unlikely to have any effect.
• Important: If you have been taking Temazepam for a long time, you should speak with your doctor before stopping treatment. Your doctor will probably want to reduce your dose gradually, as stopping suddenly can cause problems.

Can Temazepam cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Drowsiness, light-headedness, confusion, unsteadiness, forgetfulness and occasionally; weakness, diarrhoea, constipation, tummy ache, problems with eyesight, skin rashes, problems urinating (passing water) or sexual problems.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Temazepam

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 12/05/2005