What Is Temazepam Used For?

Temazepam uses are primarily concerned with the treatment of different types of insomnia. The medication has only been approved as a short-term treatment, so it is typically not used for more than seven to ten days. It works by enhancing the effects of a naturally calming chemical in the brain. Temazepam has not been approved for use in children, and there are currently no "off-label" temazepam uses.

 

What Is Temazepam Used For? -- An Overview

Temazepam (Restoril®) is a prescription medication that is approved for use as a short-term insomnia treatment. It is part of a group of medications called benzodiazepines.
 
It is not unusual to have trouble sleeping occasionally from time to time. However, if you feel that you do not get enough sleep or cannot obtain satisfying sleep, you could possibly have a sleep disorder called insomnia.
 
Symptoms of insomnia include:
 
  • Trouble falling asleep
  • Waking up often during the night and having trouble going back to sleep
  • Waking up too early in the morning
  • Non-refreshing sleep.
     
There are several types of insomnia, based on how long the insomnia lasts and how often it occurs. These types include:
 
  • Acute insomnia (short-term)
  • Chronic insomnia
  • Transient insomnia (insomnia that comes and goes).
     
Short-term insomnia can last from one night to a few weeks. It is often caused by physical or emotional discomfort and can be related to a single specific event (see Insomnia Causes). About 60 million Americans each year experience insomnia.
 
Since temazepam is approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia only, it should generally not be used for more than seven to ten days.
 
(What Is Temazepam Used For? Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;