Generic
Temazepam
1 brands available in the market
At a glance
Temazepam is a short-acting benzodiazepine used for the short-term treatment of insomnia (typically 7-10 days) and as premedication in surgery.
Description
Temazepam binds to stereospecific benzodiazepine receptors on postsynaptic GABA neurons in the CNS, enhancing GABA's inhibitory effects. This increases neuronal membrane permeability to chloride ions, resulting in hyperpolarization and stabilization, producing sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant effects.
Indications
- Short-term treatment of insomnia (typically 7-10 days)
- Premedication in surgery
Therapeutic class
Benzodiazepine Hypnotics
Pharmacological class
Short-acting Benzodiazepine
Pharmacology
Temazepam binds to the benzodiazepine site on GABA(a) receptors, increasing GABA affinity and enhancing chloride channel opening frequency, leading to neuronal hyperpolarization. This reduces neuronal excitation and produces sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant effects.
Mechanism of action
Enhances GABA's inhibitory effects to reduce neuronal excitation.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Insomnia: 7.5-30 mg at bedtime (7-10 days); max 40 mg
- Elderly/debilitated: Start 5-7.5 mg; may increase to 10-20 mg in severe cases
- Hepatic impairment: Start 5 mg; may increase to 10-20 mg in severe cases
- Surgery premedication: 20-40 mg (adults) 30-60 minutes before procedure; elderly: 10-20 mg
Administration
- May be taken with or without food
- Taper gradually after extended therapy; do not stop abruptly
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it the next night; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects (1-10%):
- Drowsiness (9.1%), dizziness (4.5%)
- Lethargy (4.5%), hangover (2.5%)
- Diarrhea (1.7%), euphoria (1.5%)
- Weakness (1.4%), confusion (1.3%)
- Vertigo (1.2%)
Rare (<1%):
- Amnesia, angioedema
- Sleep-related behaviors (sleep driving, sleep cooking, sleep eating)
- Ataxia
Precautions & warnings
- Do not use in acute pulmonary insufficiency, respiratory depression, sleep apnea
- Caution in severe depression, chronic pulmonary insufficiency, personality disorders, alcohol/drug addiction history
- Caution in renal and hepatic impairment
- Highly unsafe in pregnancy (Category X)
Contraindications
- Acute pulmonary insufficiency
- Respiratory depression
- Sleep apnea
- Myasthenia gravis
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Pregnancy
Drug interactions
- CNS depressants (antipsychotics, tranquilizers, antidepressants, hypnotics, anesthetics, analgesics, barbiturates): Additive CNS depression
- Theophylline: Reduced effect
Food interactions
Alcohol is unsafe with Temazepam (increased CNS depression).
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Highly unsafe (Category X); evidence of fetal risk; do not use; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: X — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Unknown if excreted in human milk; caution required; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Safety and efficacy not established in children
Geriatric use
Elderly/debilitated: Start at 5-7.5 mg
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: 5 mg at bedtime; may increase to 10-20 mg in severe cases; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Start 5 mg; may increase to 10-20 mg in severe cases; contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause excessive sedation, respiratory depression, coma; flumazenil may be used as an antidote; provide symptomatic and supportive treatment.
Storage conditions
Store at 20-25°C; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Temazepam