Temazepam is a medication used to treat insomnia caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Dosage depends on the minimum amount needed to achieve the desired effect, and most medical professionals will begin with a low dose and gradually increase it, if needed. The age of the patient is also factored into the equation when determining the temazepam dosage, along with how frequent the insomnia is.
Most individuals are prescribed tablets of 15 mg. Temazepam can create dependency if used for too long or in too high a dosage, however, so these factors will generally be considered. For some individuals, half the usual dose is sufficient to restore the chemical balance to the brain that allows for an uninterrupted night's sleep. Some medical professionals will start the individual at this lower dose and increase it if adverse effects do not occur.
Some individuals may not respond to the standard temazepam dosage, in which case the amount can be doubled. Medical professionals will rarely administer a higher dose than this, as it can lead to a dependence on the medication for sleep. For this reason, the medication is rarely administered for more than ten days.
The prescribing medical professional will most likely request the patient keep in contact throughout the medication regimen. The temazepam dosage is frequently adjusted, depending on the effectiveness of the drug. After the ten-day cycle has been completed, the individual may be given another prescription for gradually decreasing amounts of the medication in order to prevent side effects and also to help prevent the insomnia from returning.
The age of the patient is also taken into account when prescribing a temazepam dosage. Elderly or geriatric patients are generally given a lower dose, as the medication can cause severe side effects when the full dose is given to an elderly individual. The drug may interact with other medications; in the case that an individual of any age is also taking regular antihistamines or medication for seizures, depression, or anxiety, the dosage will be adjusted accordingly.
Some individuals will suffer from serious side effects that will result in lowering the dosage or stopping the prescription. Jaundice and the development of bruises or bleeding under the skin can be a sign of a dangerous reaction to the medication. Involuntary tics, flu-like symptoms, irrational thoughts and behaviors, hallucinations, and thoughts of suicide can result in the medication being halted. Less severe side effects such as headaches, nausea, or dizziness and daytime fatigue can also result in a lowering of the temazepam dosage.