INFORMATION FOR CONSUMERS
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Euhypnos capsules contain temazepam. This belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines which work on the brain.
Euhypnos capsules are used for the short-term relief of sleeplessness (called insomnia).
Your doctor may have prescribed Euhypnos for another purpose. Ask your doctor if you have any questions on why Euhypnos has been prescribed for you.
In general, Euhypnos should be used for short periods only (e.g. 2-4 weeks). Continuous long-term use is not recommended unless advised by your doctor. The use of benzodiazepines may lead to a reliance on the medication.
See your doctor for a check-up before you start to use Euhypnos.
Also tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.
These medicines or alcohol may increase the effects of Euhypnos. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you what to do if you are taking any of these medicines.
Benzodiazepines may impair the mental or physical abilities required on the following day, to cope with potentially hazardous tasks such as driving, operating machinery or being a pedestrian. Discuss with your doctor such effects before taking Euhypnos.
Euhypnos capsules are for the short-term relief of sleeplessness (insomnia). They are not recommended for long-term or continuous use. Short periods of therapy, such as 2 to 4 weeks, is generally recommended.
Swallow whole Euhypnos capsules with a full glass of water
Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor
The recommended dose is 10-30mg taken half an hour before going to bed
Elderly patients may need a lower dose
Euhypnos is not recommended for children under 16 years of age.
Your doctor will decide the right dose for you.
Read the label carefully before taking Euhypnos.
Euhypnos helps you get to sleep and should be taken half an hour before going to bed. If you forget to take your dose and you still cannot get to sleep, take the dose you missed.
Do not try to make up for the dose that you missed by taking more than one dose at a time.
If you have trouble remembering when to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.
Immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (Ph 0800 POISON or 0800 764 766) for advice or have someone take you to the Accident and Emergency department of your nearest hospital if you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much Euhypnos even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Keep the telephone numbers for these places handy whilst taking Euhypnos.
Also report any other medicine or alcohol which has also been taken.
If you take too many capsules, you will probably become drowsy, tired, confused, have low blood pressure, difficulties in breathing, feel weak and you may become unconscious.
Visit your doctor regularly for a check-up and always discuss with your doctor any problems or difficulties during or after taking Euhypnos capsules.
Tell your doctor if you still cannot get to sleep whilst using Euhypnos. Take Euhypnos as your doctor has prescribed.
Keep enough Euhypnos capsules with you to last over weekends and holidays.
Before having any type of surgery, tell your doctor or anaesthetist you are taking Euhypnos.
Euhypnos will make you drowsy. Get up slowly when getting out of bed or standing up from a sitting position. Because Euhypnos makes you drowsy and can cause unsteadiness you should be very careful when moving around as you may be more likely to fall. If you are elderly or sick the dizziness and unsteadiness may be more severe.
If you drink alcohol, the drowsiness will be worse.
Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how Euhypnos affects you.
If you have been taking Euhypnos regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. Check with your doctor for the best way to slowly reduce the amount of Euhypnos you are taking before stopping completely.
Remember, Euhypnos capsules should be taken strictly according to your doctor's directions. Do not change your dose of Euhypnos capsules unless your doctor has told you to.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Euhypnos.
Euhypnos helps most people with sleeplessness, but it may have unwanted side effects in some people.
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor if you notice these or anything else that is making you feel unwell, even if it is not on this list. Some people may get other side effects while taking Euhypnos.
Benzodiazepines may lead to physical or psychological dependence. If you have any concerns you should discuss this with your doctor.
Keep your capsules in the bottle until it is time to take them. If you take the capsules out of the bottle they will not keep well.
Keep Euhypnos in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C.
Do not store Euhypnos or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink.
Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep Euhypnos where young children cannot reach it. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Do not leave Euhypnos in the car on hot days.
Return any unused medicine to your pharmacist.
As well as containing the active ingredient temazepam, Euhypnos capsules contain the inactive ingredients as follows:
Macrogol 400, Gelatin, sodium ethyl hydroxybenzoate, sodium propyl hydroxybenzoate, titanium dioxide, glycerol and water.
Please discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor or pharmacist.
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Pharmaco (NZ) Ltd
P O Box 4079
Auckland
(Date: 12.07.01)