Temazepam
SleepAlso known as Restoril
Temazepam is a benzodiazepine prescribed specifically for insomnia. It boosts GABA, your brain's calming chemical, to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Because it's a benzodiazepine, it carries the full set of cautions: it's a controlled substance, dependence can develop even at prescribed doses, and it's meant for short stretches — usually a few weeks — not nightly use for months on end.
How to take it
When
Shortly before bed, only on nights you can give yourself a full 7-8 hours of sleep.
Food
With or without food is fine — just take it close to bedtime.
Avoid
Never mix with alcohol, opioids, or other sedatives — combined with opioids it can slow your breathing to the point of death. Don't drive until you know how it affects you, including the next morning.
Stopping
Never stop suddenly after taking it regularly — withdrawal can include seizures and rebound insomnia. Taper with your doctor. Never share it; that's illegal and dangerous.
Missed a dose?
Temazepam is only taken at bedtime, so if you forget, just skip that night. Don't take it during the night unless you still have a full night of sleep ahead. Never double up.
Common side effects
- Daytime drowsiness or a hungover feeling
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Feeling unsteady on your feet
- Grogginess or slowed thinking the next morning
Call a doctor if
- Very slow or shallow breathing, or extreme sleepiness someone can't be woken from — this is an emergency, call for help immediately
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat — this is an emergency, call for help immediately
- Doing things while not fully awake, like walking or driving — stop the medication and call your doctor right away
- Seizures or hallucinations after stopping or cutting back — get medical help right away
- New or worsening thoughts of hurting yourself — get help now