How does temazepam work?
Temazepam belongs to a group of medicines called benzodiazepines.
It works by increasing the levels of a calming chemical in your brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
This can make you feel drowsy and sleepy.
How long does it take to work?
Temazepam normally takes around 30 minutes to work.
Is temazepam addictive?
Temazepam is not likely to be addictive if you take it at a low dose for a short time (a few days to 4 weeks).
You're more likely to get addicted if you have or have had problems with alcohol or drugs in the past.
It's also more likely if you take more than your prescribed dose or take it for longer than 4 weeks.
Are there other medicines for sleeping problems?
There are other medicines that can help with sleeping problems, including melatonin, zopiclone and zolpidem.
Like temazepam, these should only be used for short periods of time.
Important: Other medicines for sleep problems
Do not take any medicines or herbal remedies that make you feel sleepy while taking temazepam.
They can increase the drowsy-making (sedating) effects of your medicine.
Can I take temazepam with me if I'm travelling abroad?
It depends on which country you're travelling to. Different countries have different rules and regulations for temazepam.
It's important to plan ahead and find out whether you can take your medicine abroad.
It's best to only take the amount you need while abroad.
You can check the rules by contacting the embassy for the country you're visiting. You can find a full list of foreign embassies in the UK on the GOV.UK website.
Will it affect my contraception?
Temazepam does not affect how any type of contraception works, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Do not drive a car or ride a bike if temazepam makes you sleepy, gives you blurred vision, or makes you feel dizzy, clumsy or unable to concentrate or make decisions.
This may be more likely when you first start taking temazepam, but could happen at any time, for example, when starting another medicine.
It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.
Even if your ability to drive is not affected, the police have the right to request a saliva sample to check how much temazepam is in your body.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking temazepam. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving.
Can I operate machinery or tools while I'm taking it?
Do not operate machinery or tools while taking temazepam until you know how it affects you.
It's important to leave at least an 8-hour gap between taking temazepam and operating tools or machinery.
If you leave less than 8 hours, there might still be enough temazepam left in your body that could affect your concentration, vision or memory.
Can I drink alcohol while taking temazepam?
Do not drink alcohol while you're on temazepam.
Alcohol can increase the effects of temazepam and make you go into a very deep sleep. There's a risk you will not be able to breathe properly and you may have difficulty waking up.
Are there foods and drinks I need to avoid?
It's best to avoid caffeine, especially in the evening. Caffeine is a stimulant and may reduce the calming effects of temazepam.
Drinks that contain caffeine include coffee, tea, cola and energy drinks.
Do not drink alcohol while you're on temazepam. Alcohol can increase the side effects of temazepam and make you go into a very deep sleep. There's a risk you will not be able to breathe properly and you may have difficulty waking up.
Will recreational drugs affect it?
Using cannabis with temazepam will make its sleep-inducing effects worse. You could go into a very deep sleep, where you have difficulty waking up.
Using heroin or methadone with temazepam may also increase the sedative effects of both of them. Again, you could go into a very deep sleep and have difficulty waking up.
Talk to your doctor if you think you might use recreational drugs while you're taking temazepam.
You can find out more about the side effects of some recreational drugs on the Frank website.
Can lifestyle changes help with insomnia?
There are a number of things you can do to help with insomnia and getting to sleep:
- set regular times for going to bed and waking up
- relax before bedtime – try taking a warm bath or listening to calming music
- use thick curtains or blinds, an eye mask and earplugs to stop you being woken up by light and noise
- avoid caffeine, cigarettes, vaping, alcohol, heavy meals and exercise for a few hours before going to bed
- do not watch TV or use phones, tablets or computers just before going to bed
- do not nap during the day
- write a list of your worries, and any ideas about how to solve them, before you go to bed to help you forget about them until the morning