Written by:

Medically Reviewed by:

Dr Mateen Durrani – MBBS, DPM, MSc, BCPsych

Last Updated:

January 6th, 2025

Temazepam Addiction | Signs, Symptoms & Effects

Originally developed to combat insomnia, Temazepam has been a go-to solution for sleep disorders for decades. Over this time, however, the dark side of this medication has come to light. What starts as a helpful remedy for sleepless nights can quickly turn into a serious addiction, affecting both physical and mental health. People who become dependent on Temazepam often find themselves trapped in a cycle of increasing doses and worsening side effects, leading to a myriad of health problems and personal struggles.

What is Temazepam?

Temazepam is a medicine often prescribed to help people with severe insomnia. It belongs to a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, which work by calming the brain and nerves.

Temazepam is typically taken in pill form right before bedtime as it makes you feel more relaxed and sleepy, helping you fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. It is meant for short-term use, usually just a few weeks, because your body can get used to it quickly, which can ultimately lead to Temazepam addiction.

As well as the risk of addiction, other Temazepam side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, memory problems and serious anxiety. Because of these potential Temazepam side effects, the drug is a controlled substance in the UK, meaning you can only get it with a prescription from a doctor.

What is Temazepam addiction?

Temazepam addiction means that you start to rely on the drug, not just to sleep but to feel or function “normally”. It is a common type of benzodiazepine addiction that can sneak up on you, especially if you start taking more Temazepam than prescribed or use it for longer than recommended.

At first, Temazepam might help you sleep better, but over time, your body gets used to the effects of the drug. This is called tolerance, and when it builds up and you start taking more, it can quickly spiral into Temazepam addiction, where you feel like you can’t get through the day without the drug.

Addiction doesn’t just mean craving the drug; it also means dealing with withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop. These symptoms can include anxiety, insomnia, tremors and even more severe reactions like seizures, with fear of these symptoms making the prospect of quitting seem scary or impossible.

People addicted to Temazepam ultimately find themselves thinking about Temazepam all the time and planning their day around when they can take the next dose until it completely takes over their lives.

Factors that can increase the risk of Temazepam addiction include:

A personal or family history of addiction
Using Temazepam to self-medicate for trauma or mental health issues
Taking Temazepam to cope with a stressful life
Chronic insomnia
Easy access to Temazepam

Am I addicted to Temazepam?

If you are worried that you might be addicted to Temazepam, it is important to know the signs so you can get help early. As well as cravings and the other withdrawal symptoms discussed above, here are some other key Temazepam addiction symptoms to watch out for:

Ignoring your responsibilities

Temazepam addiction can start to take over your life, so if you find yourself ignoring work, school or family duties because of Temazepam, that is a big indicator that you may be addicted.

Secretive behaviour

Hiding your Temazepam use from friends or family or lying about how much you’re taking is another telltale Temazepam addiction symptom.

Spending a lot of money on Temazepam

If you’re spending more money than you can afford to get Temazepam, or if you’re buying it from questionable sources, this is another potential sign of Temazepam addiction.

Taking Temazepam to cope with daily life

Relying on Temazepam to get through everyday life or to handle stress and anxiety is a clear sign of addiction.

Doctor shopping

There are strict rules about how much Temazepam doctors can prescribe in the UK. Those addicted to Temazepam often go “doctor shopping”, which means visiting many doctors to try and get prescriptions from all of them.

Ignoring these problems

The definition of Temazepam addiction is to continue using the drug even when it is harming you, so if you recognise these problems but can’t stop, you should seek professional help immediately.

The dangers of Temazepam addiction and abuse

Temazepam addiction and abuse can destroy your health, relationships with friends and family and future prospects. These risks show why it’s so important to use Temazepam carefully and get help if you think you’re becoming addicted to it:

Health effects

Risk of Temazepam overdose: Taking too much Temazepam than your body can process or mixing it with alcohol or other drugs can lead to Temazepam overdose. This can be very dangerous and can even stop your breathing, leading to brain damage, coma and even death.
Memory and thinking problems: If you use Temazepam for a long time, you can find it hard to remember things or focus which can make daily life difficult.
Physical health issues: Using Temazepam too much can cause dizziness, headaches and stomach problems. Over time, it can also damage your liver and lungs and make you get sick more often because it weakens your immune system.
Severe withdrawal symptoms: Stopping Temazepam suddenly can cause anxiety, shakiness, rebound insomnia and even dangerous seizures.
Mental health problems: Long-term Temazepam can affect your emotional state, making you moody, depressed or anxious for no reason. You might feel more anxious, depressed, or have sudden mood changes.

Social and personal consequences

Ignoring responsibilities: Temazepam addiction can make you forget about important things like work, school or taking care of your family.
Relationship problems: When you are addicted to Temazepam, you may lie about your use, act unpredictably or push people away. This can hurt your relationships with friends and family and make you lonely and isolated.
Money troubles: Keeping up with a Temazepam habit can become very expensive, leading to financial problems and sometimes even illegal activities to get more of the drug.
Legal consequences: Using Temazepam without a prescription or sharing it with others is illegal in the UK and you could face fines, legal troubles and even a prison sentence.

How is Temazepam addiction treated?

Temazepam addiction treatment begins with detox, where you gradually stop taking the drug to get it out of your system. It is really important to do this under medical supervision because they can help you through withdrawal and prevent relapse and other risks.

After detox, benzodiazepine rehab can help you understand how to live without Temazepam and why you became addicted in the first place. These sessions will help you develop new coping strategies, address any mental health issues, and build a support network to keep you on track.

Once you’ve completed these initial stages, aftercare can include ongoing therapy, support groups like Narcotics Anonymous and regular check-ins with a counsellor to help you deal with future challenges.

What to do if I’m addicted to Temazepam?

If you or someone you care about is struggling with Temazepam addiction, don’t wait to get help. Linwood House can guide you through treatment, helping you regain control of your life and future. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it is a demonstration of your strength and commitment to change. Contact us today, and we will help you get started.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get addicted to Temazepam?

Getting addicted to Temazepam can happen quicker than you might think. For some people, it can take just a few weeks of regular use to start feeling dependent on the drug. If you use it every day or take higher doses than prescribed, you are more likely to get hooked faster. Everyone’s different, so while it might take longer for some, others can start feeling addicted even sooner, especially if they’ve had addiction problems before or are dealing with stress or anxiety.

What are the common Temazepam brand names?

Temazepam is sold under various brand names such as Restoril, Temaze, Normison and Euhypnos. All of these Temazepam-containing medicines have the potential for addiction, and so should be prescribed and taken very carefully.

Is it dangerous to mix temazepam with alcohol?

Yes, mixing temazepam with alcohol is dangerous. Both are central nervous system depressants, and combining them can lead to increased sedation, respiratory depression, impaired motor functions, and a higher risk of overdose.

(Click here to see works cited)

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