How should this medicine be used?
Temazepam comes as a capsule to take by mouth and may be
taken with or without food. It usually is taken before bedtime
when needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label
carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any
part you do not understand. Take temazepam exactly as
directed.
Temazepam can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose,
take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor
tells you to. Tolerance may develop with long-term or
excessive use, making the drug less effective. Do not take
temazepam for more than 5 weeks or stop taking this medication
without talking to your doctor. Stopping the drug suddenly can
cause withdrawal symptoms (anxiousness, sleeplessness, and
irritability). Your doctor probably will decrease your dose
gradually. You may experience sleeping difficulties the first
one or two nights after stopping this medication. If your
sleep problems continue, talk to your doctor, who will
determine whether this drug is right for you.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking temazepam,
* tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to
temazepam, alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium,
Librax), clonazepam (Klonopin), clorazepate (Tranxene),
diazepam (Valium), estazolam (ProSom), flurazepam (Dalmane),
lorazepam (Ativan), oxazepam (Serax), prazepam (Centrax),
triazolam (Halcion), or any other drugs.
* tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and
nonprescription medications you are taking, especially
antihistamines; cimetidine (Tagamet); digoxin (Lanoxin);
disulfiram (Antabuse); isoniazid (INH, Laniazid, Nydrazid);
medications for depression, seizures, Parkinson's disease,
pain, asthma, colds, or allergies; muscle relaxants; oral
contraceptives; probenecid (Benemid); rifampin (Rifadin);
sedatives; sleeping pills; theophylline (Theo-Dur);
tranquilizers; and vitamins. These medications may add to the
drowsiness caused by temazepam.
* tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma;
seizures; or lung, heart, or liver disease.
* tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become
pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while
taking temazepam, call your doctor immediately.
* if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell
the doctor or dentist that you are taking temazepam.
* you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not
drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug
affects you.
* remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by
this drug.
* tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette
smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue your
regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up
for a missed one.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Side effects from temazepam are common and include:
* headache
* heartburn
* diarrhea
* hangover effect (grogginess)
* drowsiness
* dizziness or lightheadedness
* weakness
* dry mouth
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do
not go away:
* constipation
* difficulty urinating
* frequent urination
* blurred vision
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call
your doctor immediately:
* jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
* slow or difficult speech
* persistent, fine tremor or inability to sit still
* fever
* difficulty breathing or swallowing
* severe skin rash
* yellowing of the skin or eyes
* irregular heartbeat
