Temazepam
Summary
Temazepam is a short-acting benzodiazepine commonly used to treat panic disorders, severe anxiety, and insomnia.
Brand Names: Restoril
Generic Name: Temazepam
Background
Temazepam, like many other similar and related benzodiazepines, acts as a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) modulator and is capable of eliciting a variety of actions including sedation, hypnosis, skeletal muscle relaxation, anticonvulsant activity, and anxiolytic action 6,7,13,14.
Although the chemical synthesis of temazepam was established by 1965 9, mainstream contemporary use of the medication did not occur until it’s legitimate use as treatment for insomnia was accepted and approved later on. In particular, before temazepam saw regular prescription use in civilians it was – and still is – employed by the US military as a sedative-hypnotic medication to be taken by soldiers, pilots, etc. to obtain the necessary rest required for medical recovery or scheduled maneuvers and operations 10. Regardless, temazepam has become one of the most frequently prescribed medications internationally and sees millions of prescriptions every year. Unfortunately, however, given its frequent use and the inherent nature of its pharmacological effects, temazepam – like many other benzodiazepines – possesses a high potential for misuse and is genuinely capable of developing drug tolerance, physical dependence, and addiction in users.
Weight Average: 300.74
Monoisotopic: 300.066555377
Chemical Formula: C16H13ClN2O2