What is tomazepam?

Not Medical Advice: Temazepam is a benzodiazepine and is chiefly used in treating insomnia. It is marketed under the brand name Restoril.

Those allergic to temazepam or other benzodiazepines should not take this drug. Other benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), and triazolam (Halcion).

Before using temazepam, patients should consult their doctor and tell them if they are using any medications that can cause drowsiness (cold/allergy medicines, muscle relaxants, narcotic pain medications, sleeping pills, or medication for anxiety, depression, or seizures). Patients should also inform their doctor if using any of these medications: ketoconazole (Nizoral), fluvoxamine (Luvox), nefazodone (Serzone), or itraconazole (Sporanox).

Common side effects of temazepam may include: amnesia, blurred vision, daytime drowsiness, depression, dry mouth, excitability, forgetfulness, headache, increase in thirst, irritability, lack of coordination/balance, muscle weakness, nausea, nervousness, numbness/burning/tingling, stomach discomfort, or vomiting. Consult an MD if any of these common symptoms are persistent.

In news published around the world on September 27, 2012, a study released by Harvard University warned that persons over the age of 65 who had used benzodiazepines (including temazepam and diazepam) to treat sleeping disorders had a 50% higher risk of acquiring dementia.