Can You Open Temazepam Capsules?
In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses whether or not temazepam capsules can safely be opened and some recommendations on tapering strategies.
I have been taking 15mg temazepam capsules for two years and I want to taper off the medication. Is it safe to divide the contents of the capsules equally into two to approximate half the 15mg dosage? Thank you.
May 03, 2023- Temazepam capsules can be opened and the powder mixed into liquid or soft food like applesauce for people who have trouble swallowing. Dividing the powder into separate doses is not recommended because it can create inconsistent dosing and the active drug may not be evenly distributed throughout the capsule. Talk to your doctor about tapering options, which may include switching to different capsule strengths rather than dividing the contents yourself.
Answer
Great question! It is possible to open temazepam (generic for Restoril) capsules and consume the drug powder. Most often this is accomplished by mixing the powder in a liquid or semi-solid food (like applesauce) and consuming immediately. This can represent an effective alternative dosing option for those with swallowing issues.
However, it generally would not be recommended for you to divide the contents of the capsules into two equal parts (to take at two separate times) as it may not be a safe and reliable way to reduce your dosage.
For one, doing so can introduce inconsistencies in dosage, especially if you are just 'eye-balling' the portions and not measuring out with the proper tools.
Additionally, there is no assurance from the manufacturer that the active drug is evenly distributed throughout the capsule, which can result in an inaccurate dose if you are taking only a portion at a time.
I recommend talking to your doctor about what your options are for tapering temazepam. As mentioned, dividing the powder in the capsules likely wouldn't be the recommendation for most people, and there are other options, including the fact that temazepam also comes in 7.5mg capsules.
Tapering Options For Temazepam
You stated you wanted to open temazepam capsules and divide the powder up to allow you to have more dosing flexibility when tapering the medication.
It certainly is true that for temazepam, it's important to taper off the medication gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms and other potential complications, especially if you have been taking it for a long time.
Stopping the medication abruptly can result in withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, agitation, headaches, and seizures.
Tapering involves slowly decreasing your dosage over time, which allows your body to adjust to the changes and minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
Your healthcare provider will typically recommend a tapering schedule that gradually reduces your dosage over several weeks.
There is no 'one-size fits all' tapering regimen as they are highly individualized. However, a typical tapering schedule generally involves reducing the dosage by no more than 25% every week.
Temazepam is available in multiple different strengths which can help facilitate your taper regimen. It is available in:
- 7.5mg capsules
- 15mg capsules
- 22.5mg capsules
- 30mg capsules
Sometimes, in addition to adjusting your dose, tapering can involve separating administration times by longer and longer intervals.
There may be cases where your doctor does recommend opening the capsules and taking a certain amount of powder, but as I've written above, there are some concerns with that. Nevertheless, be sure to follow the tapering regimen you and your doctor decide is best for you.
Final Words
Thanks so much for reaching out to us and I hope you found this helpful!
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Temazepam
- A prescription medication belonging to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, commonly used to treat insomnia.
- Dosage
- The specific amount of a medication that a person takes at one time or over a period of time.
- Tapering
- Gradually reducing the dose of a medication over time rather than stopping it all at once.
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Uncomfortable or dangerous physical and mental reactions that can occur when stopping a medication too quickly.
- Benzodiazepines
- A class of prescription drugs that work to calm the nervous system and are often used to treat anxiety and sleep problems.
- Active drug
- The main therapeutic ingredient in a medication that produces the desired medical effect.
- Seizures
- Sudden, uncontrolled electrical bursts in the brain that can cause physical convulsions or loss of consciousness.
- Abruptly
- Suddenly or without gradual transition.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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