Temazepam is a benzodiazepine prescribed to treat insomnia, typically for short term treatment lasting no more than two to four weeks. When used beyond this period, or at higher doses than recommended, temazepam can lead to physical and psychological dependence, and in some cases, addiction. This guide provides clear, clinically-grounded information about temazepam addiction, how it develops, the warning signs to look for, and the treatment options available in th
What is Temazepam Addiction?
Temazepam addiction is a pattern of compulsive, harmful use of a prescribed hypnotic medication, where a person continues taking temazepam despite experiencing negative impacts on their health, relationships, or daily life. It is recognised as a health condition—not a moral failing—and can affect anyone, including people who originally took the drug exactly as their doctor prescribed.
Understanding temazepam addiction requires distinguishing between two related but separate concepts:
Physical dependence develops with prolonged temazepam use and is characterised by tolerance (needing higher doses to achieve the same effects) and withdrawal symptoms when doses are reduced or missed. This is an expected physiological adaptation and can occur even when medication is taken as directed.
Addiction (sometimes termed benzodiazepine use disorder) involves a loss of control over drug use, intense cravings, and continued consumption despite clear harm. Diagnostic criteria include taking larger amounts or for longer than intended, unsuccessful attempts to cut down, excessive time spent obtaining or recovering from the drug, and neglect of responsibilities.
Temazepam is usually a benzodiazepine prescribed for severe or short term insomnia in the UK, with guidance limiting use to 2–4 weeks. However, long-term or escalating temazepam use can shift from therapeutic relief to problematic dependence.
People who develop potential addiction often started with a legitimate prescription but found themselves unable to quit temazepam without experiencing distressing rebound insomnia or anxiety, leading to a cycle of continued use.
What is Temazepam and How Does it Work?
Temazepam is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine hypnotic, primarily used for short-term treatment of insomnia—particularly where patients have difficulty staying asleep rather than falling asleep initially. It is also occasionally used as pre-medication before medical procedures due to its sedative and muscle relaxant properties.
Pharmacology: Temazepam works by enhancing the effect of GABA neurotransmitters at GABA-A receptors in the brain. This increases inhibitory signalling within the central nervous system, producing sedation, reduced anxiety, and muscle relaxation—effects that help facilitate sleep.
Onset and duration: As an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine, temazepam has a half-life of approximately 8–22 hours, making it suitable for maintaining sleep through the night while minimising next-day drowsiness compared to longer-acting agents.
UK legal status: In the UK, temazepam is a Class C controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and a Schedule 3 controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001. This means prescribing is strictly regulated, pharmacies must maintain secure storage and records, and prescriptions typically cover no more than 2–4 weeks.
Prescribing practice: Temazepam is usually prescribed generically (rather than by brand name like Restoril) at a temazepam dosage of 10–20 mg at night. UK guidance recommends the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration.
How Temazepam Dependence and Addiction Develop
The progression from legitimate prescription to problematic use often follows a recognisable pattern. Understanding this pathway can help identify early warning signs and risk factors for developing temazepam addiction.
Tolerance and dose escalation
Tolerance to temazepam’s sedative effects can develop within just a few weeks of nightly use. As the brain adapts to enhanced GABA activity, the original dose may no longer provide the same effects. Some people respond by taking temazepam more frequently, using it earlier in the evening, or requesting higher doses from their GP each step increasing the risk of physical dependency.
Physical dependence
With continuous use beyond approximately four weeks, the brain becomes accustomed to external GABA enhancement and downregulates its own natural production. This creates physical dependence: the body now requires the medication to function normally. Missing a dose or attempting to reduce intake triggers withdrawal symptoms such as rebound insomnia, anxiety, and physical discomfort.
Behavioural shifts toward addiction
As dependence deepens, behavioural changes often signal a shift from prescribed use to addiction. These may include:
Taking more than the prescribed amount or using temazepam during the day
“Doctor shopping”—seeking prescriptions from multiple sources
Combining temazepam with alcohol or other depressants to enhance effects
Ordering tablets online or obtaining them from friends or family
Continued drug taking despite awareness of harm to health, work, or relationships
Risk factors
Certain factors increase vulnerability to temazepam dependence and addiction:
Personal or family history of substance use disorders (heritability estimated at 40–60%)
Co-existing mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD
History of chronic insomnia or sleep problems without access to non-drug treatments
Stressful life events that drive self medication with sedatives
Previous use of other benzodiazepines or sedative medications
Signs and Symptoms of Temazepam Addiction
Signs of temazepam addiction typically develop gradually over months or years of use. They can be grouped into physical, psychological, and social categories—often overlapping and reinforcing one another.
Physical symptoms
Increasing morning drowsiness or grogginess that persists into the day
Problems with balance, coordination, and slurred speech
Blurred vision and memory lapses
Unexplained falls or minor accidents
Muscle weakness, tremors, or shakiness
Declining physical health and personal hygiene
Psychological symptoms
Intense cravings for temazepam as effects wear off
Anxiety, irritability, or mood swings between doses
“Clock-watching” for the next tablet
Rebound insomnia despite continued use
Low mood, depression, or cognitive fog
Panic attacks or heightened nervousness when unable to obtain medication
Behavioural and social signs
Taking temazepam earlier than bedtime or using extra doses
Mixing with alcohol, opioids, or other substances
Seeking early prescription repeats from the GP
Ordering tablets from unregulated online sources
Hiding or lying about the extent of drug use
Withdrawing from hobbies, friends, and family to prioritise medication
Functional impact
Deterioration in work performance or job loss
Relationship conflict and breakdown
Neglect of household, parenting, or financial responsibilities
Social isolation and reduced participation in previously enjoyed activities
Risks and Long-term Effects of Temazepam Misuse
Temazepam abuse carries significant risks across physical, mental, and social domains. These harms compound with longer duration of use and higher doses.
Short-term effects
Effect | Description |
|---|---|
Daytime drowsiness | Persistent sedation affecting alertness and concentration |
Impaired driving | Increased risk of accidents due to slowed reactions |
Falls and injuries | Particularly problematic for older adults |
Relative toxicity | Enhanced when combined with other drugs |
Cognitive and Mental Health Impacts
Long-term benzodiazepine use is associated with:
Memory impairment and difficulty concentrating
Slowed processing speed and attention deficits
Increased risk of confusion or delirium, particularly in older adults
Worsening of depression, anxiety, and other psychological symptoms
Emotional blunting that can interfere with trauma processing
Physical Health Risks
Respiratory failure: Risk increases substantially when temazepam is combined with alcohol, opioids, pregabalin, or gabapentin
Overdose: Polysubstance use dramatically elevates overdose risk, potentially leading to coma or death
Cardiovascular strain: Low blood pressure and slowed heart rate with chronic use
Tolerance escalation: Increasing doses to achieve effects raises all associated risks
Higher-risk groups
Certain populations face an increased risk of harm from temazepam misuse:
Older adults (elevated fall risk, cognitive vulnerability)
People with lung conditions such as COPD or sleep apnoea
Those with liver impairment affecting drug metabolism
Individuals taking other CNS depressants or sedative medications
Social and Functional Consequences
Relationship strain and family breakdown
Social isolation and withdrawal from support networks
Financial difficulties linked to obtaining extra medication
Impact on employment and, in some cases, driving licence fitness
Clinical note: Long-term benzodiazepine use contradicts most UK guidance. Regular medication reviews and supported attempts to reduce or stop are recommended wherever safe to do so.
Temazepam Withdrawal: Symptoms and Safety
Temazepam withdrawal occurs because the brain has adapted to long-term GABA-A modulation. When the drug is reduced or stopped, the nervous system rebounds into a state of over-excitability, producing a range of uncomfortable and potentially dangerous symptoms.
Why Withdrawal Happens
Chronic temazepam use leads the brain to downregulate its natural GABA production. When the external source is removed, inhibitory signalling drops sharply, resulting in heightened nervous system activity.
Common Temazepam Withdrawal Symptoms
Symptoms typically emerge 6–8 hours after the last dose (reflecting temazepam’s intermediate half-life), peak around day 2, and begin improving by days 4–5. However, some people experience withdrawal symptoms for weeks or months in a pattern known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS).
Mild to moderate symptoms:
Rebound insomnia and disturbed sleep
Anxiety, irritability, and restlessness
Tremor, sweating, and palpitations
Muscle stiffness, aches, and cramps
Nausea and gastrointestinal upset
Heightened sensitivity to light and sound
Headaches and fatigue
Severe Withdrawal Symptoms
With high doses, prolonged use, or abrupt cessation, more serious symptoms can occur:
Confusion and disorientation
Visual, auditory, or tactile hallucinations
Severe agitation and psychomotor disturbance
Seizures (a medical emergency)
Acute delirium
Safety warning: Benzodiazepine withdrawal seizures can be life-threatening. People who have been using temazepam regularly for more than a few weeks should never attempt to quit temazepam abruptly without medical supervision.
UK Guidance on Safe Reduction
In line with NHS and NICE principles, benzodiazepines should be tapered slowly—often over weeks to months—rather than stopped suddenly. Anyone concerned about their temazepam use should speak to their GP before making any changes to their medication.
How Temazepam Withdrawal is Managed
Safe temazepam detox requires a carefully planned, medically supervised approach. The goal is to allow the brain to readjust gradually while minimising discomfort and risk.
Gradual Tapering
The cornerstone of benzodiazepine withdrawal management is reducing the dose in small, manageable steps:
Typical protocols reduce doses by 10–25% every 1–2 weeks
Tapering schedules are individualised based on current dose, duration of use, age, and co-existing conditions
For high-dose or long-term use, the taper may extend over 4–12 weeks or longer
Regular monitoring by GP or specialist ensures adjustments can be made as needed
Being in a residential rehab setting allows for closer 24/7 medical monitoring, which can enable a more gradual and carefully managed tapering process, potentially reducing withdrawal symptoms more effectively.
Switching to a longer-acting Benzodiazepine
Some doctors may convert the patient to an equivalent dose of a longer-acting benzodiazepine such as diazepam. This allows for a smoother taper with less fluctuation in blood levels, following established benzodiazepine reduction protocols referenced in the British National Formulary.
Primary Care Management
For people at lower doses and without significant complicating factors, tapering can often be managed in primary care with:
Regular GP reviews to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan
Pharmacy support for dispensing in smaller quantities
Self-help measures for managing sleep and anxiety during reduction
When Specialist or Inpatient Detox is needed
eferral for intensive treatment or residential temazepam detox may be appropriate when:
The person is using high doses or multiple sedatives
There is a history of seizures during previous withdrawal attempts
Polydrug use is present, especially alcohol or opioids
Significant mental health problems require coordinated care
The home environment is unstable or unsupportive of recovery
Supportive measures
A comprehensive programme of support during withdrawal may include:
Psychological support to manage anxiety and low mood
Sleep hygiene advice and relaxation techniques
Occasionally, non-benzodiazepine medications to manage specific symptoms
Ongoing support to address underlying insomnia or panic disorders
Medical professionals emphasise that collaboration with healthcare professionals is essential throughout this process.
Temazepam Addiction Treatment Pathways in the UK
Accessing help for temazepam addiction in the UK typically follows a stepped-care model, beginning with primary care and escalating to specialist services as needed.
GP as first point of contact
The GP plays a central role in temazepam addiction treatment:
Conducting medication review and assessment of dependence
Discussing risks, benefits, and options with the patient
Planning a safe taper or arranging referral for specialist support
Providing ongoing support and monitoring throughout recovery
NHS Community Services
Several NHS options are available for people seeking help for temazepam dependence:
Community drug and alcohol services: Often accessible via self-referral or GP, these teams offer assessment, support, and structured treatment
Psychological therapies: Talking therapies through IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) services can address underlying anxiety, insomnia, or trauma
Mental health support: Where addiction coexists with conditions like depression or PTSD, coordinated care from mental health services may be indicated
Specialist Addiction Services
For complex benzodiazepine dependence, referral to specialist addiction psychiatry may be appropriate. These services offer:
Expert assessment and detox programme planning
Management of polydrug use and co-occurring mental health conditions
Access to multidisciplinary support teams
Residential Detox and Rehabilitation
Some individuals benefit from the structured, 24-hour support provided by residential treatment. Providers such as PCP and other UK clinics offer:
Medically supervised detox in a safe environment
Bespoke treatment plans combining medical and psychological approaches
Aftercare and ongoing support to maintain long term recovery
Residential rehab is one option among several and is most appropriate for those who need round-the-clock care or lack a stable home environment for outpatient treatment.
Integrated Treatment Approach
Effective temazepam addiction treatment typically combines:
Medical management of withdrawal through gradual tapering
Psychological therapies such as CBT and anxiety management
Support groups and peer support for shared experience
Treatment of underlying conditions contributing to insomnia or drug use
Psychological Therapies and Support for Recovery
Addressing temazepam addiction involves more than managing physical dependence. Lasting recovery requires tackling the underlying issues, whether chronic insomnia, anxiety, or unresolved trauma, that contributed to problematic use.
Evidence-based therapies
Several structured psychological approaches are used in UK addiction services:
Therapy | Focus |
|---|---|
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) | Identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours |
CBT-I (CBT for Insomnia) | Addressing the root causes of sleep problems without medication |
Motivational Interviewing | Building internal motivation to change and maintain recovery |
Trauma-focused therapies | Processing past experiences that drive self medication |
Group Therapy and Peer Support
Many people find value in sharing their experiences with others facing similar challenges:
Support groups such as SMART Recovery and 12-step programmes offer structured peer support
Online communities (e.g. Benzodiazepine Recovery UK forums) provide accessible connection
Group therapy within treatment settings fosters mutual understanding and accountability
Developing non-drug sleep strategies
A key part of the recovery journey involves learning to manage sleep without medication:
Establishing consistent sleep and wake times
Limiting caffeine, alcohol, and screen use before bed
Practising relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or mindfulness
Pacing daytime activity to support natural tiredness at night
Support for co-occurring conditions
Many people with temazepam addiction also live with depression, generalised anxiety disorder, or PTSD. Coordinated care between addiction and mental health services ensures these conditions are treated alongside the addiction, reducing the risk of relapse.
Supporting a Family Member with Temazepam Addiction
Families and partners often notice sleep problems, mood swings, or changes in behaviour before the person themselves recognises an addiction. Understanding how to offer support—without enabling harmful patterns—is essential.
Approaching the Conversation
Choose a calm, private time when neither of you is stressed or rushed
Use non-judgemental, “I” statements: “I’ve noticed you seem more tired lately and I’m worried about you”
Focus on concern for wellbeing rather than blame or criticism
Avoid confrontation when the person is intoxicated or in withdrawal
Encouraging professional help
Suggest a GP appointment as a practical first step
Offer to help research local drug and alcohol services
Accompany them to appointments if they would find this supportive
Provide information about NHS 111 or Talk to Frank for immediate guidance
Setting safe boundaries
Supporting someone with addiction does not mean tolerating harmful behaviour:
Avoid sharing your own medication or lending money for drug use
Be clear about what behaviour is acceptable in your home
Do not cover up or make excuses for the consequences of addiction
Looking after yourself
Caring for someone with addiction can be exhausting and isolating. Family members can access:
Carers’ services through local authorities or the NHS
Family support groups such as Adfam or local mutual aid meetings
Individual counselling to process stress and develop coping strategies
Prevention, safer prescribing and non-drug alternatives
Preventing temazepam dependence begins with informed prescribing and awareness of safer alternatives for managing insomnia.
Current UK Prescribing Guidance
Best practice for temazepam prescribing includes:
Using the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration (typically 2–4 weeks)
Documenting a clear indication and setting review dates at the outset
Avoiding repeat prescriptions without reassessment
Considering patient history, including any family history of substance use disorder
Non-pharmacological approaches to insomnia
NHS and NICE-aligned guidance recommends exploring non-drug options before or alongside any medication:
Sleep hygiene: Regular sleep schedule, dark and quiet bedroom, avoiding stimulants
CBT-I: A structured therapy that addresses the thoughts and behaviours maintaining insomnia
Relaxation techniques: Progressive muscle relaxation, breathing exercises, mindfulness
Addressing underlying causes: Managing stress, anxiety, pain, or other contributors to sleep problems
Regular medication reviews
Ongoing review is especially important for:
Older adults, who face higher risks of falls and cognitive effects
People taking multiple sedative medicines
Anyone who has been using temazepam for longer than originally intended
Reviews provide an opportunity to discuss gradual dose reduction and alternative strategies.
Safer use advice for patients
If temazepam is prescribed, drug users can reduce risk by:
Not mixing with alcohol, opioids, or other substances
Avoiding driving or operating machinery if drowsy
Never sharing medication with others
Reporting any signs of tolerance or increased use to their GP promptly
FAQs
How long does it take to become dependent on temazepam?
Physical dependence can develop after as little as 2–4 weeks of regular use. Tolerance may emerge even sooner. This is why UK guidance limits temazepam to short term treatment only.
Is it safe to stop temazepam suddenly?
No. Abrupt cessation after regular use can trigger severe withdrawal symptoms including seizures and delirium. Always seek medical advice before reducing or stopping temazepam.
Can I ever use a sleeping tablet again after addiction?
This depends on individual circumstances. Many people find they manage better with non-drug approaches to insomnia. Any future use of sedatives should be discussed carefully with healthcare professionals who understand your history.
Is temazepam addiction treatable?
Yes. Temazepam addiction is a recognised and treatable health condition. With gradual tapering, psychological support, and treatment of underlying issues, many people successfully overcome temazepam addiction and regain control of their sleep and their lives.
Who should I contact first if I’m worried?
GP: Your first point of contact for assessment, tapering plans, and referrals
NHS 111: For urgent concerns outside GP hours
Local drug and alcohol services: Many accept self-referral; search “drug and alcohol services” plus your area
Talk to Frank: Free, confidential information and advice (talktofrank.com or 0300 123 6600
Temazepam addiction can feel isolating, but support is available. Whether you are concerned about your own use or worried about someone close to you, the most important step is to seek professional advice rather than attempt sudden changes alone. Recovery is a realistic goal, many people reduce or stop temazepam successfully with the right help, ongoing support, and a personalised treatment plan. If you are ready to take the next step, speak to your GP or contact your local NHS drug and alcohol service today.