Drug Notes

Temazepam (By mouth)

Temazepam (tem-AZ-e-pam)

Treats insomnia.

Brand Name(s):

Restoril

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Take this medicine just before bedtime, or when you are having trouble falling asleep. You should not take this medicine if you do not have 7 to 8 hours to sleep or rest before you need to be active again.
• Call your doctor if you still have trouble sleeping after you take this medicine for 7 to 10 days. This medicine is not for long-term use.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Use this medicine only when you cannot sleep. You do not need to take it on a schedule.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• This medicine can intensify the effects of alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, and narcotic pain medicine. Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have breathing problems or lung disease, liver disease, kidney disease, a history of depression or mental illness, or if you have been addicted to alcohol or other drugs.
• This medicine can cause a serious allergic reaction.
• This medicine may cause you to do things while you are still asleep that you may not remember the next morning, such as driving a car, having sex, or eating. Tell your doctor right away if you learn that this has happened.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy, especially first thing the next morning. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Anxiety, depression, unusual behavior, or thoughts of hurting yourself
• Fast or pounding heartbeat
• Memory loss, or seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
• Seizures
• Severe confusion, drowsiness, or muscle weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Drowsiness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017