What are the long term effects of taking temazepam?

Temazepam: Tolerance, or loss of effect. Risk of withdrawal. Risk of dependence is some people, especially if history of addiction or emotional instability. Not normally recommended for long term use.

Dependence: You could develop dependence and tolerance to this medication.

Not much to report : Am a psychiatrist and am also a boarded sleep medicine specialist. I have been in my current practice for 21 years. I worry more about ambien, (zolpidem) because of the number of people I have seen develop amnesia on it. I have never seen anyone develop amnesia on temazepam, even at 60 mg doses. 20% of my psych patients have sleep apnea, so I am vigilant about sleeping issues in my practice. I don't think that anyone is comfortable having people on long-term benzodiazepines. However, many people simply need long-term benzodiazepine management. You do have a lot of years ahead of you. Since we really don't know the long-term liability of benzodiazepine use on the memory, it is always best whenever possible to convert to something that might be less of concern. Trazodone comes to mind as a potentially good option. Seroquel is a good sleep drug but it carries more liability long-term then temazepam. Discuss other options with your psychiatrist please.