Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Temazepam

Temazepam: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Temazepam?

Temazepam belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines. Temazepam is a short-acting benzodiazepine drug, which was first discovered as a diazepam metabolite. Temazepam is now used against insomnia (difficulty to fall asleep or stay asleep and/or continuous awakening throughout the night).  It acts by enhancing the effects of a chemical transmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid is made in the brain and has anti-anxiety and anti-seizure effects). 

Temazepam (brand name, Restoril) is also available as a generic medicine that is comparatively cheaper than the brand version.

What are the uses of Temazepam?

Temazepam is used to treat insomnia (sleeping problems). It can also be taken as a premedication before surgery or other medical/dental treatments to help calm and relax a patient.

Temazepam acts by reducing sleep onset latency and increasing sleep duration. It has sedative, hypnotic, antidepressant, and anticonvulsant properties. However, it is used only for short-term treatment (approximately 7 to 10 days). Excessive intake may cause drug abuse and lead to dependence.

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    What are the side effects of Temazepam?

    Temazepam causes a wide range of adverse nervous system effects. Common side effects include:

    • Headache.
    • Drowsiness.
    • Dizziness.
    • Nervousness.
    • Nausea.
    • Tiredness.

    Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects don’t subside within a couple of weeks, or seem to increase in severity. 

    More serious adverse effects can include:

    • Anxiety.
    • Agitation.
    • Confusion.
    • Hallucinations.
    • Nausea and vomiting.
    • Suicidal thoughts or actions.
    • Severe allergic reactions (swelling of the throat or tongue and difficulty in breathing).
    • Performing daily activities sub-consciously or with no memory of it happening.
    • Abnormal thoughts and aggressive behavior. 

    The above is not an exhaustive list of adverse effects, and others may also occur. Consult our experts at Yashoda Hospitals for medical advice about the various side effects.

    What is Temazepam

    Uses of Temazepam

    Side effects of Temazepam

    References

    1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780444537171015109
    2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1463436/pdf/brjclinpharm00160-0045.pdf
    3. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/temazepam/
    4. https://www.aspca.org/news/rest-easy-getting-facts-pet-safety-and-sleep-aids#:~:text=Temazepam%2C%20like%20hypnotic%20medications%2C%20can,or%20hyperactivity%20may%20be%20seen.
    5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1967533/#:~:text=Temazepam%20magnified%20the%20fall%20in,36%20%2B%2F%2D%2014%20mm%20Hg).

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Temazepam

    When the usual dose of Temazepam is taken (10-20 mg, 30 mins before going to bed), its action lasts for up to 8 hours. However, the drug remains in the body for an average of 5-7 days before the body eliminates it thoroughly. Prolonged use can show drug traces in urine for up to several weeks.

    No, there is no scientific evidence to prove that the use of Temazepam is associated with weight gain. However, If you think that weight gain is probable, talk to your doctor and know if you can be on a lower dose or there are other options to maintain physical fitness. Practice healthy eating and exercise habits to avoid unnecessary weight gain.

    Dosages range of 10 to 20 mg of Temazepam is usually enough to provide a good sedative effect for 8 hours. The drug takes around 30 minutes to work. Therefore, it is advisable to take the medication half an hour before going to bed. Please note that the drug may cause severe drowsiness even on the next day. Do not drive or participate in activities that require you to be alert until you are fully awake.

    Temazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines. Both benzodiazepines and narcotics (opioids) are common drugs of abuse. Therefore, taking this medication for a prolonged duration can lead to drug dependence and addiction. It may also increase the risk of overdose and death. Using Temazepam with opioid drugs (such as codeine or hydrocodone) can cause dangerous effects and even lead to coma or death.

    Temazepam may cause adverse effects in your pet (such as lethargy and unsteadiness on the feet) even if a small amount is ingested. Fortunately, these symptoms are not life-threatening. Agitation or hyperactivity may be seen in pets occasionally. Always check with your veterinarian before giving this medication to your pet.

    Overdoses of Temazepam may increase the risk of fatal conditions. Taking this medication along with certain drugs (for example, opioids) may cause severe drowsiness, slowed breathing, coma, or death. Temazepam is also harmful to the fetus, and hence this medication should be avoided if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If you are 65 years of age or older, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Temazepam.

    This drug is intended to be taken orally. Insufflation (snorting) this drug can increase the risk of overdose and may lead to addiction. It can also cause physical problems, including damage to the nose. Several psychological and behavioural problems are also associated with overuse/sudden withdrawal of this drug.

    Blood pressure regulation study in 12 healthy elderly subjects after randomized administration of Temazepam concluded that it causes a fall in systolic BP and increases heart rate. Its effect on lowering BP makes this drug helpful in treating hypertensive (high BP) patients with sleep disturbances.

    Standard doses of Temazepam (10-30mg) are safe to induce sleep for around 8 hours when used for a short duration. Residual medication effects (‘hangover’) were essentially absent with this medication, and therefore, it is prescribed for elderly patients as well.

    No, it is habit-forming and should not be used for more than 7 to 10 nights in a row.