8 Temazepam Side Effects To Know About

Temazepam (Restoril) is a benzodiazepine medication. It’s prescribed to treat sleeping problems (insomnia). It works by slowing down activity in the brain, making it easier to fall asleep.

But slowing down the brain can also cause side effects. It’s a key reason why temazepam should only be taken for a short amount of time. Taking it long term increases your chance of temazepam side effects.

Temazepam side effects at a glance

Temazepam side effects are similar to side effects of other benzodiazepines. Common side effects include:

• Drowsiness

• Headache

• Weakness

• Confusion

• Dizziness

• A hangover effect

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There are also more serious risks from temazepam. Though rare, these may be more likely when temazepam is taken incorrectly, or if you take temazepam with certain other medications and substances that have similar effects. Serious but rare risks include:

• Memory problems

• “Sleep-driving” (driving while still asleep)

• Dependence and misuse

• Slowed breathing

• Overdose

• Withdrawal symptoms

Here, we’ll take a closer look at eight possible temazepam side effects.

1. Drowsiness and the hangover effect

Drowsiness is the most common side effect of temazepam, and it’s more likely with larger doses. 

Since temazepam treats insomnia, sleepiness is expected. But since temazepam is taken at night, it should wear off by the time morning rolls around. However, for some people temazepam effects linger and cause daytime drowsiness.

Drowsiness may be part of the hangover effect some people experience after taking temazepam. The “hangover” effect is when benzodiazepines taken at bedtime cause side effects the following morning. This may include reduced alertness and sleepiness.

Drowsiness can make it difficult to do certain activities, such as driving. That’s why it’s best to avoid activities that require focus when you first start temazepam or after a dose increase. After a few days of seeing how temazepam affects you, talk to your prescriber about whether certain activities like driving are OK to resume.

Let your prescriber know if you’re experiencing drowsiness or the hangover effect while taking temazepam. If your drowsiness is significantly affecting your day, they may recommend stopping temazepam.

2. Dizziness

Dizziness is another possible side effect of temazepam. This is a dose-related side effect, which means your risk for dizziness increases with higher doses.

Like sleepiness, dizziness can also make activities like driving more dangerous. So you’ll want to see how temazepam affects you before doing activities that require alertness. 

If you experience dizziness, your prescriber may recommend reducing your temazepam dose. If your dizziness is severe, they may want you to stop taking temazepam altogether.

3. Falls

Because temazepam can cause drowsiness and reduced alertness, it can also increase your risk of falls and fractures. The risk is greater with long-term use.

Falls may be especially concerning in older adults, who are more likely to experience falls in general. This is one reason benzodiazepines aren’t usually recommended in people 65 years or older.

Let your prescriber know if you feel drowsy or experience problems with coordination while taking temazepam. They may recommend stopping temazepam in order to prevent a fall.

4. ‘Sleep-driving’

“Sleep-driving” is when you get out of bed after taking a sleep medication and drive your car even though you’re not fully awake. People who have experienced sleep-driving don’t remember they did it. As you can imagine, this is extremely dangerous.

Sleep-driving is more likely if you take temazepam with alcohol or other medications that affect your brain (like opioids). Other strange behaviors are also more likely to occur. This includes making food, calling people, or having sex while you’re not fully awake.

If you experience any instances of unusual behavior like sleep-driving while taking temazepam, let your prescriber know.

5. Memory problems

Memory problems are a possible side effect of benzodiazepines, including temazepam. The risk for short-term memory loss is likely greatest during the time that you’re actively taking a benzodiazepine.

But some research also shows that taking benzodiazepines for longer periods of time (3 or more months) may cause issues with memory and functioning. This may be true even after you’ve stopped taking the benzodiazepine. However, research isn’t clear on whether benzodiazepines cause more severe memory problems, such as dementia.

Keep in mind that you may not be aware of your own memory problems unless someone else points it out. Talk with your prescriber if any memory problems arise while taking temazepam. They can ask you further questions to determine possible causes. Memory problems can also be a sign of benzodiazepine misuse or withdrawal. 

If temazepam is believed to be causing memory issues, it may be safest to stop taking it. But don’t make any changes to your medication without talking to your prescriber first.

6. Misuse

All benzodiazepines are controlled substances, and have a risk for dependence and misuse. They have a boxed warning for this risk (the most serious warning that the FDA can assign to a medication). There are also special rules for how they’re prescribed and dispensed.

Dependence happens when your body becomes so accustomed to a medication that you need it to feel normal. This isn’t the same as misuse. Dependence can occur even when you take a medication exactly as prescribed.

Misuse refers to taking medication in a way that’s different than how it’s prescribed. Misusing temazepam can lead to sedative use disorder. Signs of misuse may include difficulty controlling how much temazepam you take, cravings, and taking temazepam in risky situations. Misuse increases your risk for overdose, which we’ll talk more about in the next section.

To minimize the risk of dependence and misuse with temazepam, don’t take more than what’s prescribed. And use the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time possible. If you’re still having trouble sleeping despite taking temazepam, talk to your prescriber about whether another medication may be a better option for you. And make sure you’re following these tips for a good night’s sleep.

If you or someone you know struggles with substance use, help is available. Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 to learn about resources in your area. 

7. Overdose

Taking too much temazepam can cause an overdose. Possible symptoms of temazepam overdose include:

• Drowsiness

• Poor coordination

• Confusion

• Difficulty speaking

• Mood swings, including agitation and anxiety

More seriously, you may experience slowed breathing or coma, which are life-threatening. The risk of overdose is increased when temazepam is taken with other substances that slow your breathing. Examples include:

• Opioids, such as hydrocodone / acetaminophen, oxycodone (Oxycontin, Roxicodone), and fentanyl (Fentora, Actiq)

• Other sleep medications, such as zolpidem (Ambien)

• Alcohol

A temazepam overdose is a serious situation, even if you’re not experiencing severe symptoms. Call 911 or seek emergency care if you think you’ve taken too much temazepam.

8. Withdrawal

If you’ve been taking temazepam regularly, stopping it abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms. This may also be the case if you decrease your dose too quickly.

Temazepam is only intended for short-term use. So withdrawal may not be as likely to happen as it is with other benzodiazepines, but it can still occur. Withdrawal symptoms may include nausea, irritability, and anxiety. Withdrawal can also be more severe and cause psychosis, and seizures — but this is rare.

To reduce the risk of temazepam withdrawal, take it for the shortest amount of time possible. And no matter how long you’ve been taking it, talk to your prescriber before stopping temazepam. They can let you know whether you need to decrease your dose slowly.

When should you contact your healthcare team about temazepam side effects?

If temazepam side effects are stopping you from carrying out your daily activities, let your prescriber know. If you’re experiencing signs of misuse, such as taking more temazepam than what’s prescribed, reach out to your prescriber right away.

If you think you’ve taken too much temazepam, or you’re experiencing signs of an overdose like slowed breathing or confusion, seek emergency care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

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Written by:

Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA

Alex Brewer, PharmD, MBA, is a licensed pharmacist specializing in chronic disease and health and wellness. Upon completing his residency, he worked in the managed care field, conducting medication therapy management and adherence counseling sessions with Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance patients, before transitioning to a career in medical writing.

Edited by:

Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS

Amy Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. Amy currently holds her pharmacist license in Georgia and California.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

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