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Benzodiazepine Hypnotic — Schedule 3 Controlled Drug

Temazepam

Brand names: Generic only (Temazepam) — no branded preparation

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.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It enhances the inhibitory action of GABA at the GABA-A receptor, increasing chloride conductance to produce sedative, hypnotic and anxiolytic effects.

Prescribing in practice

  • Use for the shortest possible time because tolerance and dependence develop, and it is a controlled drug subject to misuse.
  • Combining with opioids or other CNS depressants markedly increases the risk of sedation, respiratory depression and death.
  • Use cautiously in the elderly because of the risk of falls, confusion and daytime sedation, and avoid in significant respiratory impairment.

Monitoring

No routine laboratory monitoring is required; review ongoing need, effectiveness and signs of tolerance or dependence at short intervals.

Counselling the patient

  • Take just before bedtime and only for a short course as agreed.
  • Avoid alcohol and do not drive if you feel drowsy, as effects can persist into the next day.
  • Do not stop abruptly after regular use; the dose should be reduced gradually to avoid withdrawal.

Evidence & guidelines

NICE guidance restricts hypnotic benzodiazepines such as temazepam to short-term use for severe insomnia at the lowest effective dose.

Reference: NICE NG215 (Insomnia); NICE CG22 (Anxiety); 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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