Temazepam

Use:
Benzodiazepine hypnotic. Short-term (i.e. 7-10 consecutive days) insomnia therapy. Use for more than 2-3 consecutive weeks requires complete re-evaluation of the patient. Adults, 15-30 mg before retiring. Elderly and debilitated patients: Initial dose before retiring should not exceed 15 mg.

Contraindications:
Myasthenia gravis, sleep apnea syndrome, previous paradoxical reactions to alcohol and/or sedative medications. Pregnancy, nursing mothers.

Precautions:
Efficacy not established in patients < 18 years of age. Not recommended for use in individuals prone to alcohol or substance abuse. Exercise caution in severely depressed patients, elderly and debilitated patients, impaired renal and/or hepatic function, severe pulmonary insufficiency. Avoid abrupt discontinuation of temazepam.

Side effects:
Dizziness, lethargy, drowsiness, confusion, euphoria, staggering, ataxia, falling. Infrequent paradoxical reactions (e.g. excitement, stimulation, hyperactivity, hallucinations).

Interactions:
Hepatic enzyme-inhibiting agents (e.g. cimetidine, erythromycin) may enhance the activity of temazepam.

Patient tips:
Warn against concomitant use of alcohol and other CNS depressants. Caution re drowsiness, dizziness (NB driving).