Temazepam is a hypnotic agent. In sleep laboratory studies, temazepam significantly decreased the number of nightly awakenings^[5] but has the drawback of distorting the normal sleep pattern.^[6]

Temazepam is officially indicated for severe insomnia and other severe or disabling sleep disorders. The prescribing guidelines in the UK limit the prescribing of hypnotics to two-to-four weeks due to concerns of tolerance and dependence.^[7]

The United States Air Force uses temazepam as one of the hypnotics approved as "no-go pills" to help aviators and special duty personnel sleep in support of mission readiness. "Ground tests" are required prior to authorization being issued to use the medication in an operational situation.^[8]

Contraindications

Use of temazepam should be avoided, when possible, in individuals with the following conditions:

• Ataxia (gross lack of coordination of muscle movements)
• Severe hypoventilation
• Acute narrow-angle glaucoma
• Severe hepatic deficiencies (hepatitis and liver cirrhosis decrease elimination by a factor of 2)
• Severe renal deficiencies (e.g. patients on dialysis)
• Sleep apnea^[9]
• Severe depression, particularly when accompanied by suicidal tendencies
• Acute intoxication with alcohol, narcotics, or other psychoactive substances
• Myasthenia gravis (autoimmune disorder causing muscle weakness)
• Hypersensitivity or allergy to any drug in the benzodiazepine class