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Temazepam

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IMPORTANT WARNING:

Posted 03/14/2007 FDA notified healthcare professionals of its request that all manufacturers of sedative-hypnotic drug products, a class of drugs used to induce and/or maintain sleep, strengthen their product labeling to include stronger language concerning potential risks. These risks include severe allergic reactions and complex sleep-related behaviors, which may include sleep-driving. Sleep driving is defined as driving while not fully awake after ingestion of a sedative-hypnotic product, with no memory of the event. FDA also requested that each product manufacturer send letters to health care providers to notify them about the new warnings, and that manufacturers develop Patient Medication Guides for the products to inform consumers about risks and advise them of potential precautions that can be taken. For more information visit the FDA website at: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2007/safety07.htm#Sedative and http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01587.html.

Why is this medication prescribed?

See the MedWatch notification at the beginning of the monograph.

Temazepam is used on a short-term basis to help you fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

See the MedWatch notification at the beginning of the monograph.

Temazepam comes as a capsule to take by mouth and may be taken with or without food. It usually is taken before bedtime when needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take temazepam exactly as directed.

Temazepam can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to. Tolerance may develop with long-term or excessive use, making the drug less effective. Do not take temazepam for more than 5 weeks or stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor. Stopping the drug suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms (anxiousness, sleeplessness, and irritability). Your doctor probably will decrease your dose gradually. You may experience sleeping difficulties the first one or two nights after stopping this medication. If your sleep problems continue, talk to your doctor, who will determine whether this drug is right for you.

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

See the MedWatch notification at the beginning of the monograph.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Do not let anyone else take your medication.

Brand names

Restoril®

Notes:

[Watch page ]

EditText of this page (last edited February 26, 2008)