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Taken Temazepam In Various Doses For The Past 10yrs And
Question: Taken Temazepam in various doses for the past 10yrs and now try to quit. Under doctor's care, gradually reduced the dose down to 7.5 mg for 1 month and now nothing for two months but struggling with sleep. My GP and VA psychiatrist want me off any Benzedrine type drug but need to sleep.
Finally the question: is Restoril safe or are the possible long term side effects dangerous?
p.s. also two other doctors, a neurologist and sleep specialist say the drug is ok...who do I believe?
Thanks for any help,
Andy
Finally the question: is Restoril safe or are the possible long term side effects dangerous?
p.s. also two other doctors, a neurologist and sleep specialist say the drug is ok...who do I believe?
Thanks for any help,
Andy
Brief Answer:
I concur with psychiatrist opinion...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Temazepam is a benzodiazepine drug. It's safety is questionable especially when we use it for long duration - it is associated with drug tolerance as well as dependance. Further there are risks of liver disease which is unwarranted. I would consider treating with melatonin with or without antidepressant drugs to help someone sleep better instead of temazepam.
Therefore I will go with the psychiatrist views about temazepam.
Hope this answered your question. Let me know if you need clarifications.
Regards
I concur with psychiatrist opinion...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Temazepam is a benzodiazepine drug. It's safety is questionable especially when we use it for long duration - it is associated with drug tolerance as well as dependance. Further there are risks of liver disease which is unwarranted. I would consider treating with melatonin with or without antidepressant drugs to help someone sleep better instead of temazepam.
Therefore I will go with the psychiatrist views about temazepam.
Hope this answered your question. Let me know if you need clarifications.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Brief Answer:
Benzodiazepine withdrawal
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Generally for someone that's been on benzodiazepine for more than 10 years, the withdrawal period is prolonged. Though temazepam is shorter acting BZD, since you have been on for such a long time, withdrawal effects may lasts for couple of months more. However, the symptoms should get better gradually. You will feel better than today in a few weeks time.
If sleeping trouble is affecting daily life, you should discuss with the treating doctor. Perhaps I might consider adding ambien for a few weeks until you get through withdrawal. Ambien has lesser withdrawal effects comparatively. So that should be easier to you.
Other sleeping aid may or may not work well to treat withdrawal effects. But you may try 1mg melatonin if deemed appropriate by your doctor.
Hope this answered your question. Let me know if you need clarifications.
Regards
Benzodiazepine withdrawal
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Generally for someone that's been on benzodiazepine for more than 10 years, the withdrawal period is prolonged. Though temazepam is shorter acting BZD, since you have been on for such a long time, withdrawal effects may lasts for couple of months more. However, the symptoms should get better gradually. You will feel better than today in a few weeks time.
If sleeping trouble is affecting daily life, you should discuss with the treating doctor. Perhaps I might consider adding ambien for a few weeks until you get through withdrawal. Ambien has lesser withdrawal effects comparatively. So that should be easier to you.
Other sleeping aid may or may not work well to treat withdrawal effects. But you may try 1mg melatonin if deemed appropriate by your doctor.
Hope this answered your question. Let me know if you need clarifications.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
yes clarification...dosage of melatonin
Brief Answer:
1mg...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
As I already mentioned, I would start with 1mg melatonin and build it to 3mg if necessary. At this age I would not go beyond 5mg for sleeplessness.
Hope this helps.
Regards
1mg...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
As I already mentioned, I would start with 1mg melatonin and build it to 3mg if necessary. At this age I would not go beyond 5mg for sleeplessness.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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