Brand Name: Restoril, Euhypnos, Normison, Norkotral, Remestan, Temaze, Temtabs, Tenox
Generic Name: Temazepam
Manufacturer: Novartis Pharma
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM
Temazepam is a drug that is used for treating anxiety. It is in the
benzodiazepine class of drugs, the same family that includes diazepam
(Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), flurazepam
(Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan), and others. Temazepam and other
benzodiazepines act by enhancing the effects of gamma- aminobutyric acid
(GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger
that nerve cells use to communicate with each other) that inhibits many
of the activities of the brain. It is believed that excessive activity
in the brain may lead to anxiety or other psychiatric disorders and that
temazepam reduces the activity. Temazepam increases total sleep time.
PRESCRIBED FOR
Temazepam is used for the short-term (7-10 days) management of
insomnia. Insomnia is defined as difficulty falling asleep, frequent
awakening during the night after falling asleep, and/or early morning
awakening.
DOSING
The recommended dose of temazepam is 15-30 mg taken about 30 minutes
prior to bedtime. For some patients, 7.5 mg may be sufficient.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Itraconazole (Sporanox) may reduce the rate of elimination of
temazepam, increasing levels of temazepam in the blood. This can result
in excessive sleepiness. Oral contraceptives have been reported to
increase the elimination of temazepam, an effect that may result in
reduced effectiveness of temazepam. Alcohol or drugs that cause
sleepiness increase the effects of temazepam.
PREGNANCY
Temazepam and other benzodiazepines have been associated with fetal
damage, including congenital malformations, when taken by pregnant women
in their first trimester. Temazepam should be avoided during pregnancy.
NURSING MOTHERS
Use by nursing mothers has not been adequately studied.
SIDE EFFECTS
The most commonly noted side effects associated with temazepam are
excessive sleepiness, dizziness, weakness, and unsteadiness. Other side
effects include a feeling of depression, loss of orientation, headache,
and sleep disturbances. Like all benzodiazepines, temazepam can cause
physical dependence. Suddenly stopping temazepam after a few months of
daily use may be associated with a feeling of loss of self-worth,
agitation, and insomnia. If temazepam is taken continuously for longer
than a few months, stopping treatment suddenly may produce seizures,
tremors, muscle cramping, vomiting, and/or sweating. Therefore,
discontinuation usually is accomplished by slowly reducing the daily
dose.
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