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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long Should Temazepam Be Taken For Insomnia?

I have started taking temazepam for insomnia. From what I read, it is for short term use. I have had insomnia for many years. This is the 3rd drug I have tried. The other two work for a short time and then do not. How long can I safely take this drug? Also, I read that you should not drink alcohol. Does that mean, no alcohol at all or can you drink moderately hours before taking the drug making sure the alcohol is out of your system? Thank you.
Fri, 25 May 2018
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Temazepam is a addictive drug so taking it for a long time will make you dependent on it. There is no safe time period of how long you should take. Usual guidelines says using it for more than a month makes you dependent on it. Alcohol use may increase the risk of dependence; moreover it is a sedating drug so with alcohol use chances of fall and injury are higher. There are various other drug available which are not habit forming. You can try sleep hygiene at home which include following: Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends. Bed is only to sleep do not read book or use phone on bed. Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature. Remove electronic devices, such as TVs, computers, and smartphones, from the bedroom. Avoid large meals, caffeine, smoking and alcohol before bedtime. Get some exercise.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Rohit Kothari
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Neurologist Dr. Olsi Taka's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.

I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.



Regarding the question about how long to take it, I would never go beyond 1 month. Even that would be in the case one predicts the issue to be transitory, in your case it seems to be a long term problem so it would be better to start a medication which doesn't create tolerance and dependence like sedating antidepressants and quit Temazepam sooner.



Hope I have answered your query.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

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How Long Should Temazepam Be Taken For Insomnia?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Temazepam is a addictive drug so taking it for a long time will make you dependent on it. There is no safe time period of how long you should take. Usual guidelines says using it for more than a month makes you dependent on it. Alcohol use may increase the risk of dependence; moreover it is a sedating drug so with alcohol use chances of fall and injury are higher. There are various other drug available which are not habit forming. You can try sleep hygiene at home which include following: Go to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning, including on the weekends. Bed is only to sleep do not read book or use phone on bed. Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark, relaxing, and at a comfortable temperature. Remove electronic devices, such as TVs, computers, and smartphones, from the bedroom. Avoid large meals, caffeine, smoking and alcohol before bedtime. Get some exercise. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Rohit Kothari