Take it about half an hour before you want to go to sleep. Do not take another if you wake up later unless specifically told to do so. They should start to work about half an hour or so after you take them. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose to suit you, if they do not work or make you too sleepy the next morning. This should be discussed with your doctor as different people respond differently.
Benzodiazepines are very safe drugs if used sensibly.
Usually this should be no longer than about one month to help you get over your problems and for other treatments to start working. If you need to take them for longer you should discuss this regularly with your doctor. Some people with long-term problems may need to take them for longer. Due to the effects that benzodiazepines have on the brain they can produce dependence or addiction in some people if taken regularly every day for more than about 4 to 6 weeks. It is best to take them only when you need them.