Drug lookup
Drug reference

Temazepam

Benzodiazepine · Sedative-hypnotic

BenzodiazepineSedative-hypnotic
CDSCO approvedSchedule H
EXCRETION
not curated
INTERACTIONS
12 major
SEVERE in our sources
PREGNANCY
[MHRA/CHM advice]. . Multiple sclerosis p. 893 and Nausea and labyrinth
FDA category + note
Top interactionssee all 12
  • MethylnaltrexoneSevereTextbookG&G 14e
  • NalmefeneSevereTextbookG&G 14e
  • NaloxoneSevereTextbookG&G 14e
  • NaltrexoneSevereTextbookG&G 14e

Mechanism

Benzodiazepines exert their effects by binding to the GABAA receptor, enhancing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) neurotransmission. This interaction increases the frequency of chloride channel opening, leading to neuronal depression at various levels of the neuraxis. The benzodiazepine antagonist flumazenil can reverse or prevent these effects by competing for GABAA receptor binding.

Indications

Insomniasleep onset difficultyfor individuals who react unfavourably to unfamiliar surroundings or unusual timings of sleep

Dosing

Adult
Insomnia: 10-20 mg at bedtime; 30-40 mg in exceptional circumstances only.
Max dose
40 mg at bedtime

Pharmacokinetics

Duration
Free of residual effects. Accumulation can occur on daily ingestion.
Half-life
11 ± 6
Bioavailability
Absorption is slow in tablet form but fast when used in soft gelatin capsule
Metabolism
Metabolized mainly by conjugation
Excretion
Crosses placenta

Contraindications

  • obstructive sleep apnoea

Side effects

Common
dizzinessvertigoataxiadisorientationamnesiaprolongation of reaction time (impairment of psychomotor skills)hangover (less common than with barbiturates)weaknessblurring of visiondry mouthurinary incontinence
Serious
  • Potentially fatal respiratory depression
  • Allergic reactions
  • Hepatotoxic reactions
  • Hematologic reactions

Pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy

[MHRA/CHM advice]. . Multiple sclerosis p. 893 and Nausea and labyrinth

Lactation

Secreted in milk

Drug interactions

Methylnaltrexone
Severe
Textbook

Increased rates of accidental overdose and death.

Caution is advised, especially for patients with a history of drug abuse.

Source: G&G 14e

Nalmefene
Severe
Textbook

Increased rates of accidental overdose and death.

Caution is advised, especially for patients with a history of drug abuse.

Source: G&G 14e

Naloxone
Severe
Textbook

Increased rates of accidental overdose and death.

Caution is advised, especially for patients with a history of drug abuse.

Source: G&G 14e

Naltrexone
Severe
Textbook

Increased rates of accidental overdose and death.

Caution is advised, especially for patients with a history of drug abuse.

Source: G&G 14e

Other Cns Depressants
Severe
Textbook

Typically fatal if combined in overdose.

Use with extreme caution; avoid if possible.

Source: G&G 14e

Alfentanil
Severe
Database

Increased rates of accidental overdose and death.

Caution is advised, especially for patients with a history of drug abuse.

Source: DDInter

Benzhydrocodone
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Buprenorphine
Severe
Database

Increased rates of accidental overdose and death.

Caution is advised, especially for patients with a history of drug abuse.

Source: DDInter

Butorphanol
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy

Source: DDInter

Clozapine
Severe
Database

Drug interaction classified as: synergy.

Source: DDInter

Codeine
Severe
Database

Increased rates of accidental overdose and death.

Caution is advised, especially for patients with a history of drug abuse.

Source: DDInter

Dextropropoxyphene
Severe
Database

Clinical effect not specified

Source: DDInter

Related guidelines

Other Benzodiazepine drugs

Ask House about Temazepam

Continue into a citation-backed clinical answer with the drug context already attached.

Sources: KD Tripathi 7e, Goodman & Gilman 14e, Harrison 22e, BNF·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team