Pharmacology · Benzodiazepines
Temazepam !
A benzodiazepine used for a short time to treat insomnia. It has no active metabolites; like other hypnotics it can cause sleep-driving.
Updated 2026-11-01
The figure shows diazepam, a benzodiazepine that occupies the same site, bound to the human GABA-A receptor (α1β2γ2) with GABA; no structure with temazepam is available.
Mechanism of action
Temazepam binds the benzodiazepine site of the GABA-A receptor and makes GABA open the chloride channel more often, which shortens the time to fall asleep and reduces awakenings. It is conjugated to an inactive product.
- Binds the benzodiazepine site of the GABA-A receptor
- GABA opens the chloride channel more often
- Sleep comes sooner and lasts longer
Pharmacokinetics
- Metabolism
- Conjugated to an inactive O-conjugate
- Half-life
- Mean about 9 hours (range about 3.5 to 18)
Indications
- Short-term treatment of insomnia Insomnia disorder →
Adverse effects
Common
- Next-day drowsiness
- Dizziness and headache
- Confusion and falls in older adults
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to temazepam
Key interactions
- Opioids
- Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death
- Alcohol and other central nervous system depressants
- Additive sedation and breathing depression
- Diphenhydramine
- Possible added sedation
What is monitored
- Sleep pattern and need to continue
- Next-day alertness and falls
- Unusual night-time behaviours
Administration and safety
- Given by mouth at bedtime, only when a full night of sleep is possible
- Controlled medicine; short courses
Nursing care
- Before each dose, check level of alertness, breathing rate and oxygen saturation
- Ask about opioids, alcohol and other sedatives
- Prevent falls, especially in older adults (unsteadiness, confusion)
- Teach not to drive or drink alcohol and not to stop the medicine suddenly
- Ask about sleepwalking or sleep-driving episodes
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Use late in pregnancy can cause sedation and withdrawal symptoms in the newborn, who is watched after birth.
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
What is temazepam used for?
Short-term treatment of insomnia.
Which unusual night-time behaviour is a warning with temazepam?
Complex sleep behaviours such as sleep-driving.
Does temazepam have active metabolites?
No; it is conjugated to an inactive product.
Related drugs
Related conditions
← Back to the class: Benzodiazepines
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: DailyMed - TEMAZEPAM capsule (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).
Spotted a mistake?We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it.Report a mistake
Representative model, for educational purposes only.