[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) › [Benzodiazepines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/benzodiazepines/) › Temazepam

[Pharmacology](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/) · [Benzodiazepines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/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

- Class: [Benzodiazepines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/benzodiazepines/)
- Receptor: GABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site
- ATC code: N05CD07

◎**GABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site**Temazepam

ⓘ 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.

**Target in 3D:** GABA-A receptor, benzodiazepine site. PDB structure 6X3X (RCSB PDB, public domain). [View the structure at RCSB PDB](https://www.rcsb.org/structure/6X3X) · Drag to rotate · pinch to zoom

## 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 →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/insomnia-disorder/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Next-day drowsiness
- Dizziness and headache
- Confusion and falls in older adults

### Serious (rare, important)

- Profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death when combined with opioids
- Abuse, misuse and addiction
- Physical dependence; stopping suddenly can cause life-threatening withdrawal, including seizures
- Complex sleep behaviours such as sleep-driving, with no memory of them

## 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.

## Memory aid

Temazepam: «TEMporary sleep» – short-term insomnia, no active metabolites (one of LOT).

## 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.

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/temazepam/)

## Related drugs

- [Triazolam](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/triazolam/)
- [Oxazepam](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/oxazepam/)
- [Zolpidem](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/zolpidem/)
- [Flumazenil](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/flumazenil/)

## Related conditions

- [Insomnia disorder](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/insomnia-disorder/)

[← Back to the class: Benzodiazepines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/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](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=97afda58-4daf-4192-bd87-3ccbb000ee52) (DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=N05CD07) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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Source: https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/temazepam/
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