Temazepam?

[smudge]

I haven't been sleepng very well lately & my GP as given me some Temazepam 10mg tablets, on a short term basis. Before I start dosing myself up, has anyone else taken these & what were the results?

[smudge]

*has

[andy hughes]

I was given them during a spell in a psychiatric hospital. I was given 20mg per night, but I was in a very disturbed state, so they didn;t work too well. I have since had 5mg tablets from my dentist to assist with a phobia about treatment, which worked very well as a relaxant. On that basis, 10mg should assist you in sleeping, but as they are a short-term measure, you should easily avoid addiction. Why not ask them to be dispensed in 5mg tablets, so you can reduce your dose when your doctor confirms it is advisable.

[smudge]

Thank you Andy. I really so sympathise with you. Depression is a terrible illness, which you just can't snap out of. I have been on anti-depressants before too, when my Dad died in '94 & Mum in '96. They did help, but took a long while to get off them. I really don't want to go back on them again, even thought I know I am really suffering from depression again - you know, grizzling & not sleeping, etc. The doc did say not to break them in half giving me 5mg, but I am tempted to do this. Even though I've got a very caring husband, two beautiful daughters & four gorgeous Grandchildren, the silliest things can really affect me. I'm obviously a deep thinker & this doesn't always do. I shall try 5mg tonight & let you know how I get on in a few days. Thank you again & I wish you well & peace of mind.

[andy hughes]

Hello smudge. Thank you so much for your kind words and wishes - my breakdown happened fifteen years ago, but it affeects my life every day in the same was gravity - I don;t always think about it, but it is always there. I continue to take anti-depressants, which keep me level, and I accept this in the way a diabetic accepts insulin, it's something I live with. Anyway, sorry to ramble on about me - when I suggested the 5 mg option, I meant that you should ask your pharmacist to give you your prescription in 5mg tablets, which they should be happy with if you ask. As people like us are well aware, our blessings do nothing to negate the gorilla of depression that plays with us like rag dolls as and whend it feels like it, leaving us in the corner of the cage, waiting for the bext time it fels like smashing us around for a while. Thanks again for your good wishes, echoed and returned by me to you - i shall watch this thread even when it drops off the '20', or you can re-post to keep me, and all of us caring regulars, advised of your progress. Just remember, nothing matters very much, and most things don't matter at all. Best, A x

[smudge]

Thank you so much Andy, after reading your message & an e-mail from my best friend with the same sentiments,I'm bawling even more now! I was just about to put some make-up on & go out for a walk, but my mascara won't stay on very long! I will keep you posted & wish you peace!

[smudge]

It's pouring down with rain now, but I will still go out for that walk, wth my brolly. -x-

[Cetti]

Hi smudge - I think andy has really said it all, but I too was a victim of 'the black dog' due to illness, bereavements, family feuds etc. and had it for 20 years or more. Amongst the cocktail of tablets I took was Temazepam. Now, anything in this family is going to make you feel extremely tired and also drugged, so don't go driving any forklift trucks!! Do make sure it is on a short term basis, but even then do come off them slowly ie. half one tablet for a week or so, or quarter if you feel happier, but the key is slowly, very slowly. If it's any comfort smudge I also cry at the drop of a hat - films, people suffering, animals....sometimes for no good reason. I went to a dear friend's funeral last weep, and I was the only one in tears - and felt so stupid. Waterproof mascara is always on my shopping list. Be kind to yourself - you deserve it. Love, Cetti XX

[Wisebird]

Smudge, I have posted a reply to you on my question on depression. I believe temazepan is a sedative, and can make you very drowsy. It is only for short term use. I take cipramil which is an 'antidepressant/anti anxiety' drug, which certainly does not make me drowsy and is not habit forming, although you do have to come off it slowly. Apparently, it adjusts my brain chemicals which are slightly out of order!! (more than slightly!!) Andy. Yes, I'm another one who suffers and has done for years. My GP has said that I may well have to take drugs for life, but, as you point out, he says that I musn't feel guilty about this as people with other physical illnesses have no qualms about taking drugs for life to help them. Andy, what a lovely last sentence in your message to Smudge. I shall pass that on to my son and shall try to remember it always when I am at my lowest. Thanks.

[PurplePixie]

There are some lovely people on this site. I've also been on the psychiatric-merry-go-round for a few years. Been on various medications. I've come to the conclusion that I must be one of those people that just lacks a certain brain chemical & can plummet into the depths at the drop of a hat for no apparent reason at all. I have at last found a drug that suits me & have come off sleeping pills. My experience of Temazapam is of it knocking me out (which was very necessary at the worst point) but my waking would leave me feeling as if I hadn't had any proper refreshing sleep. Coming off them (when I was ready) was OK & at last sleep became easier & I was glad to lose that muzzy feeling. Going on medication isn't an easy decision to make...but sometimes it can just lift you up long enough for you to pull yourself the rest of the way out of the blackness on your own. I didn't think I'd ever feel anywhere near as peaceful as I feel now,but I got there & so can you. All my thoughts are with you xx

[Laura-sakura]

Temazepam? You need to change your GP. If you use Benzodiazepines regularly you can become dependant - withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, sleeplessness, panic attacks, loss of appetite, nausea, tremors and sometimes even hallucinations. These symptoms can persist for weeks after stopping use of the drug. Smudge, please get a second opinion.

[smudge]

Thank you Laura, I have been concerned too, so have not taken any for three nights now. I had only been taking them for a few nights anyway, so the after affects haven't been too bad. Thank you for caring -x-