I have been taking Temazepam for about 8 months & have found…

Hello,

Sorry to hear about your sleep problems.

Temazepam cannot be stopped suddenly. Sudden stoppage can cause withdrawal symptoms like depressed mood, sweating, abdominal cramps, muscle cramps.

It has to be tapered off gradually. This is best done under your doctor's supervision. Ask about this to your doctor. He will be best placed to guide you in this and also monitor you during the process of withdrawal.

One of the most well known methods of withdrawing from Benzodiazapines is called the Ashton method after the doctor who pioneered it - this consists of using a pill cutter to cut the pills. The dose is reduced to half and this dose is taken for two-three weeks, then it is further reduced to one-fourth for another two-three weeks and finally stopped.

This most accepted method is called the Ashton method, after a famous doctor who pioneered it.

This is something for which you should consult your doctor. If your present doctor does not seem interested in this, you should get a second opinion. You can also consult a psychiatrist for this.

It is important that you remain under a doctor's care during the process of withdrawal. This will minimize any withdrawal effects.

You should discuss about substitution of Clonazapam with Diazepam and then dose reduction with your doctor. You should also discuss about the Ashton method. This will ensure that you are advised a proper withdrawal method.

See here for the Ashton manual:
http://www.benzo.org.uk/manual/bzsched.htm

Many natural supplements are available which can be used for a good sleep.

Chamomile:

Chamomile tea is a very good sleep inducer. You should take a cup of chamomile tea every night before going to sleep.

Tryptophan:

Tryptophan is a natural amino acid which also helps in sleep.

You should take a lot of foods containing tryptophan specially at dinner. These include:
cottage cheese, peanuts, soy, brown rice, milk.

You should include at least one such food at dinner. Taking a glass of milk or nibbling at a piece of cheese in the bed is helpful.

Valerian

Valerian root can also be used as tea before dinner in place of chamomile.

Hops

Hops can also be used as a cereal to promote sleep.

Besides this, you may also consider other alternative medicine treatment like Acupuncture, Yoga, Hypnosis, etc.

A good sleep hygiene is essential, go through this site:
http://www.umm.edu/sleep/sleep_hyg.htm

Take care - consult your doctor about withdrawing from Temazepam or at least keep him informed that you are trying to do so - also try out the steps I have advised to get a good sleep.

Hope this shows you the way forward - wish you good health and a quick recovery.

I hope my answer has helped you gain more knowledge and confidence about your problem and in knowing what to discuss with your doctor.

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With regards,
Dr. P. Jyoti, MD.