temazepam

(the MAH zeh pam)
Restoril

What is the most important information I should know about temazepam?

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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Temazepam will cause drowsiness and may cause dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. Take temazepam only when you are ready to get into bed.

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Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking temazepam.

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Temazepam may be habit forming. Physical and/or psychological dependence can occur, and withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is stopped suddenly after prolonged or high-dose treatment. Do not stop taking temazepam suddenly without first talking to your doctor if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose.

What is temazepam?

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Temazepam is in a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Temazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause insomnia or anxiety.

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Temazepam is used to induce sleep and cause relaxation.

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Temazepam may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking temazepam?

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Do not take temazepam without first talking to your doctor if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Temazepam may worsen this condition.

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Before taking temazepam, talk to your doctor if you

have kidney disease;

have liver disease;

have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another respiratory disease; or

are depressed or have suicidal thoughts.

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You may not be able to take temazepam, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

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Temazepam must not be taken if you are pregnant. It is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not take temazepam if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

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It is not known whether temazepam passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from temazepam. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

How should I take temazepam?

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Take temazepam exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

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Take each dose with a full glass of water.

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Take temazepam just before you get into bed. Temazepam will cause drowsiness, and falling could occur if the dose too long before getting into bed.

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Do not take more than is prescribed for you.

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Store temazepam at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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Since temazepam is usually taken as needed, missing a dose is not usually a problem.

What happens if I overdose?

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Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

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Symptoms of a temazepam overdose may include sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, a slow heart beat, difficulty breathing, difficulty walking and talking, the appearance of being drunk, and unconsciousness.

What should I avoid while taking temazepam?

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Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking temazepam.

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Temazepam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness or dizziness, including antidepressants, alcohol, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants, and antihistamines. Do not drink alcohol and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor while taking temazepam.

What are the possible side effects of temazepam?

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If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking temazepam and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, face, or tongue; or hives);

sores in the mouth or throat;

yellowing of the skin or eyes;

a rash;

hallucinations or severe confusion; or

changes in vision.

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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take temazepam and talk to your doctor if you experience

drowsiness, dizziness, or clumsiness;

depression;

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation;

difficulty urinating;

vivid dreams;

headache;

dry mouth;

decreased sex drive; or

changes in behavior.

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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect temazepam?

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Temazepam may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if temazepam is taken with any of these medications. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other medicines except under the direction of your doctor.

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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with temazepam. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

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Your pharmacist has additional information about temazepam written for health professionals that you may read.

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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.