Detailed Drug Information:

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Temazepam is an anti-anxietymedication in the benzodiazepine class of drugs, the same family thatincludes diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin),flurazepam (Dalmane), lorazepam (Ativan), and others. Temazepam and otherbenzodiazepines act by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger thatnerve cells use to communicate with each other) which inhibits many of theactivities of the brain. It is believed that excessive activity in thebrain may lead to anxiety or other psychiatric disorders.

PREPARATIONS: Capsules: 7.5mg, 15mg, and 30mg

STORAGE: Capsules should be kept at room temperature, 15°to 30°C (59° to 86°F).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Temazepam is indicated for the short-termmanagement of insomnia, generally 7-10 days. Insomnia is defined asdifficulty falling asleep, frequent awakening at night after fallingasleep, and/or early morning awakening.

DOSING: The dose of temazepam is taken about 30 minutes prior toscheduled sleep time.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Itraconazole (Sporanox) may reduce the rateof metabolism of temazepam, increasing serum concentrations of temazepam.This can result in excessive sedation. Oral contraceptives have beenreported to increase the metabolism of temazepam, an effect that mayresult in reduced effectiveness of temazepam.

PREGNANCY: Temazepam and other benzodiazepines have beenassociated with fetal damage, including congenital malformations, whentaken by pregnant women in their first trimester. Temazepam is bestavoided in the first trimester, and probably throughout pregnancy.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if temazepam is secreted in breast milk.

SIDE EFFECTS: The most commonly noted side effects associatedwith temazepam are excessive sedation, dizziness, weakness, andunsteadiness. Other side effects include a feeling of depression, loss oforientation, headache, and sleep disturbance.

Like all benzodiazepines, temazepam can cause physical dependence.Suddenly stopping therapy after a few months of daily therapy may beassociated with a feeling of loss of self-worth, agitation, and insomnia.If temazepam is taken continuously for longer than a few months, stoppingtherapy suddenly may produce seizures, tremors, muscle cramping, vomiting,and/or sweating. Therefore, discontinuation usually is accomplished bytapering the dose.