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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 […]


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.
  • Dangerous effects of opioid use: Using this drug with opioid drugs, such as hydrocodone, or codeine, can cause dangerous effects. Your risk is higher if you take high doses of either drug and take them for a long time. Call your doctor right away if you or someone you’re caring for has symptoms of unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness. These symptoms can lead to coma and even death.
  • Physical dependence and withdrawal reactions: Taking this medication for several days to weeks can cause physical dependence and withdrawal reactions. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without talking with your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms, which can be life threatening.
  • Misuse and addiction: Taking this medication can lead to misuse and addiction. This can increase your risk of drug overdose and death.
Temazepam Side Effects
The most common Temazepam side effects include feeling drowsy or lightheaded and having a dry mouth. It’s not recommended to use Temazepam for longer than 4 weeks.

Temazepam Side Effects by Likelihood and Severity

Common Temazepam Side Effects

If experienced, these tend to have a severe expression:

  • Muscle Weakness

If experienced, these tend to have a Less Severe expression:

  • Indigestion
  • Drowsiness
  • Inducing Of A Relaxed Easy State
  • Dizziness
  • Loss Of Muscle Coordination
  • Slurred Speech

Infrequent Temazepam Side Effects

If experienced, these tend to have a severe expression:

  • Confusion
  • Behavioral Problems
  • Abnormal Nervous System Function Affecting Alertness

If experienced, these tend to have a less severe expression:

  • Low Energy
  • Diarrhea
  • Generalized Weakness

Temazepam Side Effects
Temazepam side effects caused a fall in systolic blood pressure and an increase in heart rate after morning administration.

Rare Temazepam Side Effects

If experienced, these tend to have a Severe expression:

  • A Type Of Blood Disorder Where The Red Blood Cells Burst Called Hemolytic Anemia
  • Low Blood Counts Due To Bone Marrow Failure
  • Anemia
  • Decreased Blood Platelets
  • Very Low Levels Of Granulocytes, A Type Of White Blood Cell
  • Low Levels Of White Blood Cells
  • Low Levels Of A Type Of White Blood Cell Called Neutrophils
  • Increased Eosinophils In The Blood
  • High Levels Of White Blood Cells
  • Mental Problems From Taking The Drug
  • Manic Behavior
  • Suicidal Thoughts
  • Addiction To A Drug
  • Depression
  • Feelings Of Hostility
  • Low Blood Pressure
  • Decreased Lung Function
  • Coma
  • Memory Loss
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • A Skin Rash
  • Apnea, A Breathing Interruption
  • Trouble Breathing
  • An Inability To Completely Empty The Bladder
  • Abnormal Liver Function Tests
  • A Significant Type Of Allergic Reaction Called Anaphylaxis
  • A Type Of Allergic Reaction Called Angioedema
  • Accidental Falls
  • A Yellowing Of The Eyes Or Skin From Buildup Of Bilirubin Called Jaundice
  • Sleepwalking

If experienced, these tend to have a Less Severe expression:

  • Over Excitement
  • Depersonalization, A Disconnection Of One’s Own Sense Of Reality Or Identity
  • Altered Interest In Having Sexual Intercourse
  • Nightmares
  • Agitation
  • Aggressive Behavior
  • Double Vision
  • Blurred Vision
  • A Change In Vision
  • Pink Eye
  • Nystagmus, A Condition With Involuntary Eye Movements
  • Excessive Saliva Production
  • Dry Mouth
  • Stomatitis, A Condition With Painful Swelling And Sores Inside The Mouth
  • A Painful, Red Or Swollen Tongue
  • Constipation
  • Problems Thinking Clearly
  • Fast Heartbeat
  • Abnormal Dreams
  • A Problem With Menstrual Periods
  • Itching
  • Hair Loss
  • Cramps
  • Difficulty Concentrating
  • Fainting
  • Sensation Of Spinning Or Whirling
  • A Sleep Disorder
  • Muscle Tremors
  • Decreased Appetite
  • Excessive Thirst
  • Headache
  • A Type Of Speech Disorder Called Dysarthria
  • Yawning
  • Hiccups
  • Nausea
  • Difficult Or Painful Urination
  • Involuntary Leakage Of Urine
  • Nervousness
  • Irritability
  • Complex Sleep Behaviors Like Eating Or Driving While Asleep

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.

Symptoms Associated With Temazepam Side Effects Withdrawal May Include:

  • Headaches
  • Convulsions
  • Trembling
  • Muscle cramps
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Sweating
  • Insomnia
  • Irritability
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Psychosis

The encouraging news is that a gradual, progressive reduction of Temazepam will limit the intensity of withdrawal until the body is completely rid of the medication.

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

What started as a well-intentioned attempt at a good night’s sleep has turned into a nightmare for you and your loved ones. The reality is that drug detoxification at either a hospital or residential substance abuse treatment facility may be your safest and most comfortable option. Here, a doctor can treat your dependency by gradually reducing Temazepam dosages.

To minimize the awful Temazepam side effects associated with withdrawal, a doctor may also prescribe medications to alleviate symptoms while highly trained staff monitor your vitals to prevent any further complications. Detox was your wake-up call, but to ensure that you remain free from sleeping pills, continued treatment at a residential substance abuse facility is highly recommended, especially for individuals with a history of addiction or alcoholism. During this stay, patients are exposed to group therapy, one-on-one counseling, educational lectures and, workshops as part of a comprehensive recovery program.

Temazepam Side Effects
 Temazepam side effects are often requiring immediate medical attention.

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.

Sources:

[1] Temazepam Side Effects – AHFS® Patient Medication Information™/ U.S. National Library of Medicine
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684003.html
[2] Temazepam/Restoril Side Effects – National Center for Biotechnology Information
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Temazepam