Temazepam is a prescription medication in the benzodiazepine class of drugs. Its primary, FDA-approved use is for the short-term treatment of insomnia, but it is sometimes prescribed “off-label” for severe anxiety. This means a doctor prescribes it for a condition other than its official approval based on their professional judgment.
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Since prescribing temazepam for anxiety is an off-label use, specific dosage guidelines are not as rigidly defined as they are for insomnia. Physicians initiate treatment at a lower dose to gauge the patient’s response and minimize potential side effects. For anxiety, a starting dose may be similar to the low end of the insomnia range, often beginning with 7.5 mg to 15 mg. This approach allows the doctor to carefully assess the therapeutic effect on anxiety symptoms.
In contrast, the standard dosage for its approved use, insomnia, starts at 15 mg taken at bedtime, with a maximum recommended dose of 30 mg. The lower starting point for anxiety reflects a cautious approach to managing a condition for which the medication is not primarily indicated. Patients must follow their healthcare provider’s instructions precisely and should never alter their dosage without direct medical consultation.
Factors That Influence Dosage
A doctor’s decision on the appropriate temazepam dosage is highly individualized and considers several patient-specific factors. These include:
- A person’s age, as elderly patients often receive a lower dose, such as 7.5 mg, to reduce the risk of over-sedation and falls.
- Liver and kidney function, because the body’s ability to process the medication is carefully evaluated before a prescription is finalized.
- The severity of the anxiety being treated, as a person with more intense symptoms might require a different dosage.
- A patient’s current medication regimen, which is reviewed to avoid harmful interactions with other central nervous system depressants like opioids or alcohol.
Risks of Incorrect Dosage and Long-Term Use
Taking an incorrect or excessive dose of temazepam carries immediate risks. An overdose can manifest through symptoms such as extreme drowsiness, profound confusion, slurred speech, and significantly slowed breathing. These signs indicate central nervous system depression, a condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Beyond the immediate risks, long-term use of temazepam presents health concerns. Over time, a user may develop tolerance, meaning their body requires higher doses of the drug to achieve the same calming effect. Prolonged use also leads to physical dependence, where the body adapts to the presence of the drug and functions abnormally without it.
If the medication is stopped suddenly, a person can experience severe withdrawal symptoms. These can include a rebound of anxiety, insomnia, agitation, and in some cases, seizures. To avoid this, doctors recommend a gradual tapering of the dose when discontinuing the medication.