Temazepam Side Effects

What is Temazepam?

Temazepam is used on a short-term basis to treat insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep). Temazepam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It goes with the brand name: Restoril. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow sleep. Temazepam may be habit-forming and may cause drug physical dependence (a condition in which unpleasant physical symptoms occur if a medication is suddenly stopped or taken in smaller doses), especially if you take it for several days to several weeks. [1]

Temazepam is a DEA-controlled drug. The active ingredient Temazepam is a DEA Schedule IV controlled substance such as benzodiazepines. Substances in the DEA Schedule IV have a low potential for abuse relative to substances in Schedule III. It is classified by the DEA as Depressants. Street names for Benzodiazepines are Benzos, Downers, Nerve Pills, and Tranks. [2]

Temazepam Side Effects Warnings

Although it is a schedule IV drug, you should be very careful taking this drug. This drug has black box warnings. The following are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

• Suicidal thinking and behavior warning: This drug can increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. This is more likely to happen during the first few months of treatment with this drug. When you or your child first starts taking this drug, your doctor and family should watch closely. They should look for changes in behavior or worsening signs of depression.

Temazepam Side Effects by Likelihood and Severity

Other Warnings

• Abnormal thoughts and behavior warning: Temazepam side effects can cause abnormal thoughts and behaviors. Some people, while taking this drug have driven, prepared and eaten food, made phone calls, or had sex at times when they were not completely conscious. Call your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms.
• Severe allergic reaction warning: This drug can cause a severe allergic reaction. Call 911 or go to the emergency room right away if you have swelling of your face, tongue, or throat or you have trouble breathing. A severe allergic reaction may cause death. You shouldn’t take this medication again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it.
• Severe drowsiness warning: Even if you take temazepam as prescribed, you may still have severe drowsiness and impairment the next day. You shouldn’t drive or do other activities for which you need to be alert until you feel fully awake.
• Withdrawal warning: You may have benzo withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking temazepam suddenly. Withdrawal symptoms can be serious and include seizures, shakiness, stomach and muscle cramps, vomiting, and sweating. Mild withdrawal symptoms can include depressed mood and trouble sleeping. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this drug.

Temazepam Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you or someone you love is experiencing Temazepam side effects and overdose. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, confusion, or coma. Symptoms of a drug overdose may include the following:

• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Fainting
• Dizziness
• Loss of consciousness
• Slow or difficult breathing

Temazepam Addiction Treatment

Typically prescribed as a short-term sleeping aid, Temazepam begins to act quickly, usually within 10-20 minutes. Temazepam is also taken to treat anxiety by reducing the level of neurotransmitter activity in the brain. However, any Temazepam prescription should not be for more than 10 days. Any dosage beyond this period may be problematic and, at the very least, habit-forming.

Like any benzodiazepine, Temazepam attaches to gamma-aminobutyric acids. These chemicals are found in the brain and throughout the nervous system. Once attached, Temazepam begins to act like a GABA by reducing neuron activity in the nervous system. As a result, the brain receives less communication, which, in turn, produces a range of sedative-hypnotic effects on the mind and body including increased levels of relaxation and sleep, reduced stress and pain, and more balanced moods.

As the brain becomes more and more accustomed to the chemical activity, the body responds when Temazepam medications are either stopped completely or reduced in terms of concentration and frequency. This is called withdrawal.

Temazepam Withdrawal Timeline

When the amount of Temazepam is either stopped abruptly or reduced, an individual who has become dependent on the benzodiazepine will experience withdrawal, typically for one to four weeks. Depending on the individual’s genetics, frequency of use, and dosage, the stages might follow a similar timeline.

Stage 1

Because Temazepam has a half-life of about nine hours, symptoms from withdrawal may surface within six to 24 hours after the last dose. For the next couple of days, symptoms might include anxiety, appetite loss, nausea and difficulty sleeping, changes in blood pressure, mood swings, depression, and cravings to return to use

Stage 2

From one to four days, physical and psychological symptoms including, nausea, anxiety, and fatigue intensify. The possibility of seizures and hallucinations should not be dismissed

Stage 3

During the next one to two weeks, symptoms gradually lessen

Stage 4

After the first two weeks, some individuals will experience the return of post-acute withdrawal symptoms, most of which may be psychological.

Temazepam Detox Benefits

Recovery at We Level Up TX

We Level Up TX’s thorough approach to rehabilitation supports several levels of care to ensure the best possible outcome for every client who enters our doors.  From an intensive and more supportive atmosphere for those in the early days of recovery to a comfortable residential-style living dynamic upon completion of detox, we are here to help guide you down the safe and results-based path to your sobriety.

To start reclaiming your life from addiction and undergo a comfortable Temazepam detox, you may contact us, and we will guide you to recovery.  Seek medical care immediately if you have taken too much Temazepam. Do not use other drugs in the hope of reversing the effects.

You’re not alone. Even if you have failed before and relapsed, we can help. Our friendly TX addiction treatment specialists won’t give up on you. If you just can’t stop using you know you need help. Now. Whenever you need someone to talk to about Temazepam side effects treatment options to suit your situation, call us. Even if we can’t help you, we’ll guide you to where you can get help. There’s never any obligation.