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Is Temazepam The Same As Valium?

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Posted on Fri, 16 Jun 2017
Question: I have been prescribed TEMAZEPAM to aid sleep. they are 10mg in strength. In the hospital I was able to sleep.Once I had the Prescription from my GP later the tablets were different in design and had no effect whatsoever. I thought that because they were so small that I should take 2. Same result! The 3rd night I look 3. and at 2.30am was doing the washing and 0ther house cleaning that was not noisy. Iam afraid to take 4 at once so will be on my lap-top when(if ever) I feel sleepy, I have tried. no TV. NO computer no tea/coffee. Could the tablet be reacting to my other tablets? Is Temazapine the same as Valium?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (56 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Do not raise the dosage anymore, some alternatives listed.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Temazepam belongs to the same group as Diazepam, benzodiazepine class. So it should have similar efficacy.

The reason it was effective in the hospital is a little unclear. It may be because it is a different brand from another manufacturer. Technically they should be the same but in real life it happens that different manufacturers may vary in quality.

Another possibility would be tolerance. Benzodiazepines with time create tolerance, meaning a previously effective dose is not as effective anymore. That usually happens more gradually though at least a month.

A third possibility would be the fact you took Zopiclone. While not belonging to the same class Zopiclone and benzodiazepines act on the same GABA receptors, so you might be more prone to develop tolerance to benzodiazepines.

Personally I wouldn't advise Temazepam use, not for long term at least. That is because as I said before benzodiazepines develop tolerance and dependence over time, they aren't indicated for long term use. Please do not keep increasing the number of pills you are taking, the effect of a drug is not determined by size, they have dosages and 3 tablets is already the highest allowed dose (at your age actually is not recommended to go over 10 mg).

Other possibilities you could try.... I would first start with the safest products which would be Melatonin (a naturally occurring hormone, sold over the counter) or Ramelteon which acts on melatonin receptors. These would be the safest alternatives which cause no dependence.

If not enough Suvorexant would be a possible alternative.

Antihistamines like diphenhydramine or sedating antidepressants may next be considered if really necessary.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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Is Temazepam The Same As Valium?

Brief Answer: Do not raise the dosage anymore, some alternatives listed. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Temazepam belongs to the same group as Diazepam, benzodiazepine class. So it should have similar efficacy. The reason it was effective in the hospital is a little unclear. It may be because it is a different brand from another manufacturer. Technically they should be the same but in real life it happens that different manufacturers may vary in quality. Another possibility would be tolerance. Benzodiazepines with time create tolerance, meaning a previously effective dose is not as effective anymore. That usually happens more gradually though at least a month. A third possibility would be the fact you took Zopiclone. While not belonging to the same class Zopiclone and benzodiazepines act on the same GABA receptors, so you might be more prone to develop tolerance to benzodiazepines. Personally I wouldn't advise Temazepam use, not for long term at least. That is because as I said before benzodiazepines develop tolerance and dependence over time, they aren't indicated for long term use. Please do not keep increasing the number of pills you are taking, the effect of a drug is not determined by size, they have dosages and 3 tablets is already the highest allowed dose (at your age actually is not recommended to go over 10 mg). Other possibilities you could try.... I would first start with the safest products which would be Melatonin (a naturally occurring hormone, sold over the counter) or Ramelteon which acts on melatonin receptors. These would be the safest alternatives which cause no dependence. If not enough Suvorexant would be a possible alternative. Antihistamines like diphenhydramine or sedating antidepressants may next be considered if really necessary. I remain at your disposal for other questions.