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Temazepam Withdrawal - how long until normal sleep pattern is established?

Posted , 5 users are following.

Potty_P
Potty_P

I was prescribed temazepam over 3 years ago as I had severe insomnia following PTSD coupled with anxiety disorder and depression. Under my GPs supervision, I have reduced my dose gradually, 10mg per month, and am now free of the drug after 3 years.

Now I have no problems getting off to sleep most nights, but find that I wake many times in the night, sleeping for 2 hour periods maximum. This is ridiculous considering that life is great : loving my job, happy with my husband and friends, looking forward to my holiday etc. I actually have no worries. So, why can't I sleep properly?

I know that temazepam is meant for short term relief, and I've been on it for a long time at a maintenance dose. I know also that it can take quote "Days or months" for your body to re-establish its natural sleep patern after withdrawal. I've resisted the temptation to substitute the drug with a herbal remedy or any other drugs as I shouldn't be needing them. I just need my body to reset itself. It's VERY frustrating.

HOW LONG HAS IT TAKEN YOU TO GET BACK TO NORMAL?

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • john_k_p
    john_k_p

    Posted

    I have taken Temazepam in the past but only for 4 weeks maximum at a time; I was always told when coming of of it the best way was to reduce the dosage by 1/2 for the 3rd week then 1/2 again for the 4th week. I found this worked fine for me and usually my body adjusted itself within a few days.

    I can't understand why you were prescribed Temazepam for so long. If you take a look at this NHS web site

    http://www.nhs.uk/medicine-guides/pages/MedicineOverview.aspx?condition=Insomnia&medicine=Temazepam

    You will see it states " Other information about Temazepam: this medicine should only be used for four weeks at most your prescriber will try to find the lowest dose of your medicine which can control your condition " If I was you I would go back to your GP and tell them what is happening. You may need further help

    One thing I would say though is as long as you are getting some sleep and you are managing OK then don't get upset about it as this in itself can cause you worry which can cause sleep problems.

    Hope this of some help to you.

  • dd58
    dd58

    Posted

    I was put on 10mg Nitrazepam in November 2009 and am still told that I need to take them,it has now got to the stage where they no longer work,but my psychiatrist will not believe me.I also do not sleep right through the night.I am also on lithium and mirtazapine,I am not happy at all taking this combination of tablets.
  • Potty_P
    Potty_P

    Posted

    Potty P here again.

    John - thanks for your sound advice. I think my GP gave temazepam to me for 3 years because I was quite traumatised and now, it seems, I have developed a mood disorder. He wouldn't have taken the meds off me, only my husband and I are planning a pregnancy and need to be drug free. I will have a mooch at the website you quoted and see what they say too. I can survive on little sleep just now, but I teach and go back to work in September. I won't cope then.

    dd58 - I guess, as you're on lithium, you are of a similar nature to myself. I stopped my carbamazepine a few days ago which could be causing the sleep problems as I've been gradually reducing the dose of that too. Still on SSRI though which should aid sleep.

    I just want a decent night's sleep! I have booked a telephone consultation with my GP, as you suggested, and am seeing my psychiatrist anyway tomorrow. Maybe they can shed some light on the matter too.

    Thanks guys for your helpful input. Potty P x

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