Before taking temazepam

Before taking temazepam make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have any breathing problems.
• If you have sleep apnoea syndrome (short periods in your sleep where you stop breathing).
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you have depression or any other mental health problem.
• If you have myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease) or any other muscle weakness.
• If you have porphyria (a blood disorder).
• If you have ever had an addiction to alcohol or drugs.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.

How to take temazepam

• Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
• Take temazepam exactly as directed by your doctor. Unless you have been told otherwise, take temazepam approximately 30 minutes before going to bed.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Temazepam is taken for short periods of time only, from a few days up to three weeks. It should not be taken for longer periods of time, as this may lead to your feeling dependent on it. If you have already been taking temazepam for longer periods of time than this, check with your doctor before stopping taking it. It must be stopped gradually as stopping suddenly can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, tremor and sleeplessness.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are taking temazepam. It will increase the drowsiness you feel.
• If you are taking temazepam before a hospital or dental outpatient procedure, make sure you have someone with you to accompany you home afterwards.
• If you buy any medicines while you are taking temazepam, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take together.
• If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking temazepam.

Can temazepam cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

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

How to store temazepam

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Temazepam 10 mg/5 ml Oral Solution, Rosemont Pharmaceuticals Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated December 2007, accessed August 2010.
• British National Formulary; 60th Edition (September 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)