Temazepam Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 24, 2022.
Summary
More frequently reported side effects include: dizziness, insomnia, lethargy, and irritability. Continue reading for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.
Applies to temazepam: oral capsule.
Warning
Oral route (Capsule)
Risks From Concomitant Use With Opioids; Abuse, Misuse, and Addiction; and Dependence and Withdrawal ReactionsConcomitant use of benzodiazepines and opioids may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation.The use of benzodiazepines, including temazepam, exposes users to risks of abuse, misuse, and addiction, which can lead to overdose or death. Abuse and misuse of benzodiazepines commonly involve concomitant use of other medications, alcohol, and/or illicit substances, which is associated with an increased frequency of serious adverse outcomes. Before prescribing temazepam and throughout treatment, assess each patient’s risk for abuse, misuse, and addiction.The continued use of benzodiazepines, including temazepam, may lead to clinically significant physical dependence. The risks of dependence and withdrawal increase with longer treatment duration and higher daily dose. Abrupt discontinuation or rapid dosage reduction of temazepam after continued use may precipitate acute withdrawal reactions, which can be life-threatening. To reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue temazepam or reduce the dosage.
Serious side effects of Temazepam
Along with its needed effects, temazepam may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking temazepam:
Less common
- False or unusual sense of well-being
- fear or nervousness
- mood or mental changes
Rare
- Chest tightness
- difficult or labored breathing
- fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
- large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
- loss of appetite
- loss of memory
- nightmares
- problems with memory
- seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
- shakiness and unsteady walk
- uncontrolled eye movements
- unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
- unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability
- weight loss
Incidence not known
- Muscle cramps
- seizures
- shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
- stomach cramps
- sweating
- trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
- vomiting
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking temazepam:
Symptoms of overdose
- Agitation
- blurred vision
- change in consciousness
- changes in patterns and rhythms of speech
- confusion
- decreased or absent reflexes
- difficult or trouble breathing
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- irregular, fast, slow, or shallow breathing
- loss of consciousness
- loss of strength or energy
- nightmares
- pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
- shakiness and unsteady walk
- sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
- slurred speech
- trouble speaking
- unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
- unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness
- unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability
Other side effects of Temazepam
Some side effects of temazepam may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
- Diarrhea
- dry mouth
- feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
- headache
- nausea
- sensation of spinning
- unusual dullness or feeling of sluggishness
Rare
- Backache
- burning eyes
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to temazepam: oral capsule.
General
The most commonly reported side effects included drowsiness, headache, and fatigue.[Ref]
Nervous system
Lightheadedness, slurred speech, and unsteadiness usually occur at the start of treatment and disappear with repeated doses.[Ref]
Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, drowsiness, hangover, headache, lethargy, sedation, vertigo
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Ataxia, equilibrium loss, faintness, muzziness, sciatica, taste loss, tremor
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Dysarthria
Frequency not reported: Amnesia, anterograde amnesia, coma, convulsions, daytime drowsiness, epileptic seizures, extrapyramidal symptoms, extremity tingling, horizontal nystagmus, hypersensitivity to light/noise/physical contact, impaired concentration, lightheadedness, numbness, oversedation, perceptual disturbances, reduced alertness, seizures, slurred speech, unsteadiness[Ref]
Psychiatric
Common (1% to 10%): Anxiety, confusion, depression, euphoria, nervousness, nightmares
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Decreased orgasm, disorientation, increased dreaming, irritability, libido changes, unmasking of depression, vivid dreams
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Restless sleep
Frequency not reported: Abuse, aggressiveness/aggression, agitation, broken sleep (with vivid dreams), confusional states, delusion, depersonalization, dependence, derealization, disinhibition, excitement, extreme anxiety, hallucinations, hostility, inappropriate behavior, insomnia, mood changes, numbed emotions, other adverse behavioral effects, overstimulation, physical dependence, psychological dependence, psychoses, psychotic manifestations, rage, rebound insomnia, restlessness, sexual arousal, sleep disturbance, stimulation, suicidal attempt, suicidal ideation, tension, withdrawal effects/symptoms[Ref]
Dependence and numbed emotions usually occur at the start of treatment and disappear with repeated doses.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Gastrointestinal upset, vomiting
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Salivation changes
Frequency not reported: Abdominal cramps, constipation, gastrointestinal disturbances[Ref]
Other
Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue, weakness
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Asthenia
Frequency not reported: Falls, hyperacusis, hypothermia, paradoxical reactions, rebound phenomenon, tinnitus[Ref]
Ocular
Common (1% to 10%): Blurred vision
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Burning eyes
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Visual disturbances
Frequency not reported: Diplopia/double vision, photophobia[Ref]
Double vision usually occurs at the start of treatment and disappears with repeated doses.[Ref]
Dermatologic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Allergic skin reactions, hyperhidrosis, macular rash, pruritus
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Skin reactions
Frequency not reported: Alopecia, sweating[Ref]
Hematologic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased neutrophils, leukocytosis
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Blood disorders, blood dyscrasias
Frequency not reported: Agranulocytosis, pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia[Ref]
Hepatic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased AST, increased bilirubin
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Abnormal liver function, jaundice
Frequency not reported: Increased liver enzymes[Ref]
Genitourinary
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Impotence, proteinuria
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Incontinence, urinary retention[Ref]
Cardiovascular
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Palpitations, tachycardia
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hypotension
Frequency not reported: Lowering in blood pressure, mild systolic hypertension, orthostatic hypotension[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Backache, leg cramps
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Impaired muscular function
Frequency not reported: Muscle pain, muscle weakness[Ref]
Muscle weakness usually occurs at the start of treatment and disappears with repeated doses.[Ref]
Respiratory
Respiratory depression usually occurs at the start of treatment and disappears with repeated doses.[Ref]
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Breathlessness, dyspnea
Frequency not reported: Apnea, respiratory depression, worsening of obstructive pulmonary disease, worsening of sleep apnea[Ref]
Metabolic
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anorexia, increased serum alkaline phosphatase
Frequency not reported: Hyponatremia, loss of appetite[Ref]
Renal
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased blood urea nitrogen[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Fatal anaphylaxis
Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity reactions, severe anaphylactic reaction, severe anaphylactoid reaction[Ref]
Endocrine
Frequency not reported: Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)[Ref]
More about temazepam
- Check interactions
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (434)
- Drug images
- Latest FDA alerts (2)
- Dosage information
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- Support group
- Drug class: benzodiazepines
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Patient resources
Other brands
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
References
1. "Product Information. Restoril (temazepam)." Sandoz Pharmaceuticals Corporation (2001):
2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.