Generic name: temazepam [ te-MAZ-e-pam ]
Brand name: Restoril
Dosage form: oral capsule (15 mg; 22.5 mg; 30 mg; 7.5 mg)
Drug class: Benzodiazepines

Medically reviewed by Sanjai Sinha, MD. Last updated on Jul 10, 2024.

What is temazepam?

Temazepam is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). It affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with sleep problems (insomnia).

Temazepam is used short term to treat insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep).

Temazepam works by slowing down the central nervous system (brain), causing drowsiness which helps patients fall asleep.

Warnings

Temazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication, alcohol, or other drugs that can slow your breathing.

Never take this medicine if you do not have at least 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again.

Do not use temazepam if you are pregnant. It can cause birth defects or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking temazepam and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.

Temazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. This medicine should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

Temazepam may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Take this medication only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use temazepam if you are allergic to it.

Do not use temazepam if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. This medicine could harm the unborn baby.

To make sure temazepam is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• lung disease or breathing problems;

• depression, mental illness, suicidal thoughts;

• alcoholism or drug addiction; or

• liver or kidney disease.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Valtoco is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take temazepam?

Take temazepam exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Never use temazepam in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.

Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Take this medicine only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine.

Call your doctor if your insomnia does not improve after taking temazepam for 7 to 10 nights, or if you have any mood or behavior changes. Insomnia can be a symptom of depression, mental illness, or certain medical conditions.

Temazepam should be used for only a short time. Do not take this medicine for longer than 2 weeks without your doctor's advice.

Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor. You may have life-threatening withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the medicine suddenly.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep your medicine in a place where no one can use it improperly.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia:

7.5 to 30 mg orally once a day at bedtime

Comments:
-In transient insomnia, a 7.5 mg dose may be sufficient to improve sleep latency.
-In elderly or debilitated patients, therapy should be initiated at 7.5 mg until individual responses are determined.

Use: Short-term treatment of insomnia (generally 7 to 10 days)

What happens if I miss a dose?

Temazepam is used when needed. If you are on a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Take temazepam only when you have time for several hours of sleep. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of temazepam can be fatal if you take it with alcohol, opioid medicine, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, or coma.

What should I avoid while taking temazepam?

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects or death could occur.

You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking temazepam. Wait until you are fully awake before you drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Your reactions may be impaired.

Temazepam side effects

Temazepam may cause a severe allergic reaction. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; nausea, vomiting; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Temazepam can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication or alcohol. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• confusion, agitation, hallucinations;

• depressed mood; or

• thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.

Some people using temazepam have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, walking, making phone calls, or having sex and later having no memory of the activity. Tell your doctor if this happens to you.

Drowsiness or dizziness may last longer in older adults. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury.

Common temazepam side effects may include:

• drowsiness, tiredness;

• dizziness;

• headache;

• nausea; or

• feeling nervous.

After you stop using temazepam, get medical help right away if you have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, suicidal thoughts or actions.

Some withdrawal symptoms may last up to 12 months or longer after stopping this medicine suddenly. Tell your doctor if you have ongoing anxiety, depression, problems with memory or thinking, trouble sleeping, ringing in your ears, a burning or prickly feeling, or a crawling sensation under your skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

What other drugs will affect temazepam?

Taking temazepam with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with temazepam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

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Further information

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

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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