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Benzodiazepine Hypnotic

Temazepam

Brand names: Normison

Temazepam is a short-acting benzodiazepine hypnotic used for the short-term treatment of insomnia that is severe, disabling or causing marked distress.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

US labelling (FDA)

Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION While the recommended usual adult dose is 15 mg before retiring, 7.5 mg may be sufficient for some patients, and others may need 30 mg. In transient insomnia, a 7.5 mg dose may be sufficient to improve sleep latency. In elderly or debilitated patients, it is recommended that therapy be initiated with 7.5 mg until individual responses are determined. Discontinuation or Dosage Reduction of Temazepam To reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions, use a gradual taper to discontinue temazepam or reduce the dosage. If a patient develops withdrawal reactions, consider pausing the taper or increasing the dosage to the previous tapered dosage level. Subsequently decrease the …

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2024-12-11. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It enhances the action of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA at the GABA-A receptor, increasing chloride conductance and producing sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic and muscle-relaxant effects.

Prescribing in practice

  • Tolerance and dependence develop with continued use, so it should be prescribed at the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time and not stopped abruptly after prolonged use.
  • It causes sedation, and in older people increases the risk of falls, daytime drowsiness, confusion and cognitive impairment.
  • It causes dangerous respiratory depression when combined with opioids or alcohol; it is a controlled drug.

Monitoring

Reassess the continued need at each review and keep treatment courses short. In older patients monitor for falls, confusion and excessive daytime sedation. Where it has been taken for a prolonged period, withdraw gradually to limit rebound insomnia and withdrawal symptoms.

Counselling the patient

  • Use this medicine for as short a time as possible — taking it regularly for more than a few weeks can lead to tolerance and dependence.
  • Do not drink alcohol or take it with strong painkillers such as opioids, as the combination can dangerously slow your breathing.
  • Do not stop suddenly if you have taken it for a while — your prescriber will reduce the dose gradually; take care with activities such as getting up at night because of the risk of falls.

Evidence & guidelines

UK guidance (NICE) recommends benzodiazepine hypnotics only for short-term use in insomnia, with particular caution in older people because of falls and confusion.

Reference: AGS Beers Criteria 2023; STOPP/START v3; NICE CG49 (Insomnia); Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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