Temazepam
Restoril
Benzodiazepine Hypnotic (BZD)Schedule IVGeneric availableTDM data
Temazepam potentiates GABA-A receptor-mediated inhibition in the CNS, enhancing chloride ion influx and neuronal hyperpolarization. Intermediate-acting with mean half-life of 8.8 hours (range 3.5-18.4), providing both sleep-onset and sleep-maintenance effects. No active metabolites formed.
Compare Temazepam →FDA-Approved Indications
- Short-term treatment of insomnia (7 to 10 days)
Common Off-Label Uses
- Anxiety (short-term adjunct)
- Preoperative anxiolysis
What Sets This Drug Apart
- Intermediate-acting (t1/2 8.8 hrs) useful for sleep onset AND maintenance
- No active metabolites via direct glucuronidation
- Minimal first-pass metabolism (8%) — high bioavailability
- Hangover essentially absent despite intermediate half-life
- High abuse/dependence/withdrawal potential; gradual taper required
- Respiratory depression risk with opioids; limited use in pulmonary disease
Boxed Warning
Opioid co-use: profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, death risk
Boxed Warning
Abuse, misuse, addiction: can lead to overdose or death
Boxed Warning
Dependence and withdrawal: abrupt discontinuation may precipitate seizures