Temazepam

How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient temazepam, which is a type of medicine called a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines are used for their sedative and anxiety-relieving effects. Temazepam works by acting on receptors in the brain called GABA receptors. This causes the release of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are stored in nerve cells in the brain and nervous system. They are involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells. GABA is a neurotransmitter that acts as a natural 'nerve-calming' agent. It helps keep the nerve activity in the brain in balance, and is involved in inducing sleepiness and reducing anxiety. As temazepam increases the activity of GABA in the brain, it increases its calming effect and results in sleepiness, a decrease in anxiety and relaxation of muscles. Temazepam is most commonly used to treat insomnia that is severe, disabling or causing extreme distress to a person. It decreases the time taken to fall asleep and waking during the night, as well as increasing the total amount of time spent sleeping. However, it is only suitable for short-term treatment of insomnia as it has a high potential for dependance and addiction. As temazepam also relieves anxiety it is often used for this purpose as a pre-med prior to minor surgery or other minor medical procedures. Benzodiazepines such as temazepam are also effective at quickly reducing the symptoms of anxiety and agitation that occur in a manic or hypomanic episode of the psychiatric illness, bipolar affective disorder. A benzodiazepine may be given as part of the initial treatment of a manic episode, though they are not licensed specifically for this purpose. Benzodiazepines help calm the individual while the main medicines for this condition (mood stabilisers) begin to take effect.

What is it used for?

Relieving anxiety and causing sedation prior to surgery or medical procedures (pre-med)

Sedative in manic episodes of bipolar affective disorder (unlicensed use)

Short-term treatment of severe insomnia

Warning!

This medicine is generally only suitable for short-term use. If it is used for long periods or in high doses, tolerance to and dependence upon the medicine may develop, and withdrawal symptoms may occur if treatment is stopped suddenly. For this reason, treatment with this medicine should usually be stopped gradually, following the instructions given by your doctor, in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as rebound insomnia or anxiety, confusion, sweating, tremor, loss of appetite, irritability or convulsions.

This medicine causes drowsiness, muscle weakness and impairs concentration and alertness. These effects may continue into the following day and are made worse by drinking alcohol. If you are affected you should avoid potentially hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinary. Avoid alcohol.

Use with caution in

Chronic disease affecting the lungs and airways

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Depression

Elderly people

History of alcoholism or drug abuse

Personality disorders

Not to be used in

A sudden worsening of any underlying lung disease (acute pulmonary insufficiency)

Abnormal muscle weakness

Allergy to benzodiazepines

Breastfeeding

Severely decreased liver function

Slow, shallow breathing (respiratory depression)

Syndrome involving short spells when breathing stops during sleep

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be avoided during pregnancy as it may be harmful to the developing baby. This is particularly important during the third trimester of pregnancy and prior to or during labour.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Women who are breastfeeding should not use this medicine. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication causes drowsiness which may continue the next day. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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