Follow your doctor's advice, and the instructions that come with your medicine.
Dosage and strength
Temazepam comes as 10mg and 20mg tablets. Temazepam liquid contains 10mg of temazepam in each 5ml.
The usual dose of temazepam for sleep problems is 10mg to 20mg, taken once a day.
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a higher dose of 30mg to 40mg.
If you're over 65 and at risk of falling over, your dose may be lower.
How to take it
You'll usually take temazepam once a day, half an hour before bedtime.
It's important to take it exactly as your doctor has told you. Your doctor may recommend taking it only 2 or 3 nights a week.
Take temazepam tablets or liquid with a drink of water. You can take it with or without food.
Liquid temazepam comes with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you take the right amount. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.
How long to take it for
You'll usually only take temazepam for a short time, from a few days to 4 weeks.
If you forget to take it
If you forget to take it by bedtime, just skip the missed dose and start again the next night.
If you take too much
Taking more than your prescribed dose of temazepam can be dangerous. It can make you very sleepy, and affect your balance and speech. You could have difficulty breathing, especially if you have taken other medicines or alcohol at the same time.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
- you take more than your prescribed dose of temazepam
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.
Take the temazepam packet or the leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine, with you.