Temazepam

Temazepam – Buy Online in UK / EU

Temazepam is a benzodiazepine hypnotic used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, particularly when sleep difficulty causes significant distress, daytime tiredness or reduced functioning. It has a shorter half-life than drugs like Nitrazepam, meaning it is less likely to cause prolonged next-day sedation when used correctly. For this reason, Temazepam is one of the more commonly prescribed hypnotics for sleep-onset insomnia.

Like all benzodiazepines, Temazepam must be used cautiously due to its potential for tolerance, dependence and withdrawal. Clinical guidelines generally limit its use to 2–4 weeks.

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UK & EU Brands of Temazepam

Common licensed brands and generics include:

• Restoril® (original brand, still known internationally)

• Temazepam Actavis / Accord

• Temazepam Teva

• Temazepam Mylan / Viatris

• Temazepam Aurobindo

• Crescent Pharma Temazepam

• Tillomed Temazepam

• Wockhardt / Milpharm generics

Available forms:

• Tablets (mainly 10mg & 20mg)

• Capsules (less common in the UK)

• Oral solution (restricted use)

All UK/EU versions meet MHRA/EMA regulatory requirements.

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What Is Temazepam Used For?

Primary Indication

• Short-term treatment of insomnia
  Helps with difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings and anxiety-linked sleep disruption.

Secondary Uses (specialist-guided only)

• Pre-operative sedation (hospital setting)

• Anxiety-related agitation (rare; not a first-line option)

NOT suitable for long-term or chronic sleep issues.

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How Temazepam Works

Temazepam enhances the effect of GABA, the brain’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter. This results in:

• Reduced brain activity

• Calmer mental state

• Easier sleep initiation

• Muscle relaxation

Temazepam has a short-to-intermediate half-life, making it useful for sleep onset without causing heavy next-day drowsiness (when taken at the correct dose and timing).

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Advantages of Temazepam

Effective for short-term insomnia

Quick onset helps users fall asleep more easily.

Less next-day sedation than long-acting benzodiazepines

Safer for people who need to function early in the day.

Reduces anxiety at bedtime

Can help people with mental overactivity or pre-sleep anxiety.

Available in multiple generics

Wider availability across UK/EU pharmacies.

Preferred hypnotic compared to older long-acting benzodiazepines

Often chosen for its predictable sedative profile.

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Disadvantages & Limitations

✘ Risk of tolerance, dependence and withdrawal

Common to all benzodiazepines.

✘ Not suitable for long-term insomnia

Should only be used for 2–4 weeks.

✘ Can still cause next-day impairment

Especially at higher doses or in older adults.

✘ Interacts with CNS depressants

Alcohol, opioids, pregabalin, gabapentin, sedatives → dangerous.

✘ May worsen sleep architecture if overused

Can reduce deep sleep and REM cycles over time.

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When NOT to Use Temazepam

Avoid or use only with clinician approval if:

• Allergic to benzodiazepines

• Respiratory issues (COPD, sleep apnoea, respiratory depression)

• Severe liver disorder

• Myasthenia gravis

• Pregnant or breastfeeding

• History of addiction, alcohol misuse or drug dependence

• Using alcohol, opioids or other sedatives

• Severe depression / suicidal ideation

Caution in:

• Older adults (falls, confusion risk)

• People with chronic respiratory disease

• Patients with night-shift or safety-critical jobs

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Symptoms & Side Effects

Common

• Drowsiness

• Light-headedness

• Reduced concentration

• Muscle weakness

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Dry mouth

• Memory problems (short-term)

Less Common

• Confusion

• Irritability

• Blurred vision

• Anxiety rebound

• Vivid or unusual dreams

Serious (requires urgent care)

• Severe allergic reaction

• Respiratory depression

• Hallucinations or severe confusion

• Paradoxical reactions (aggression, agitation)

• Falls or loss of consciousness

Dependence & Withdrawal Symptoms

Stopping abruptly may cause:

• Rebound insomnia

• Anxiety, tremors, irritability

• Sweating

• Seizures (rare but severe)

Always taper under medical supervision.

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FAQ: Temazepam (UK / EU)

1. How long does Temazepam last?

Effects usually last 6–10 hours, depending on dose and metabolism.

2. Will I feel drowsy the next morning?

Less likely than with long-acting benzodiazepines, but still possible.

3. Can I drink alcohol with Temazepam?

No—very dangerous combination.

4. How long can I use Temazepam for?

Typically 2–4 weeks, often fewer.

5. Is Temazepam addictive?

Yes. Psychological and physical dependence can occur.

6. Can I drive after taking Temazepam?

Driving the next morning may be unsafe depending on dose and individual response.

7. Can Temazepam be used for anxiety?

It has anxiolytic effects but is not usually prescribed for general anxiety.

8. Can I stop Temazepam suddenly?

No—withdrawal symptoms can occur. A taper is required.

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Conclusion

Temazepam is a fast-acting, reliable short-term treatment for severe insomnia, particularly when difficulty falling asleep is causing major daytime disruption. Its shorter half-life makes it less likely to produce prolonged next-day sedation compared with older benzodiazepines, but it still carries important risks—dependence, withdrawal and dangerous interactions with alcohol or opioids.

When used correctly under medical supervision, Temazepam can restore normal sleep for a short period while longer-term behavioural or non-drug approaches are put into place. It remains an effective but highly regulated option that must be taken responsibly and only as directed.