What Is Temazepam? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Temazepam is a prescription sleep medication commonly known by the brand name Restoril. It belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs and is FDA-approved specifically for the short-term treatment of insomnia. If you've been prescribed temazepam or are wondering whether it might help with your sleep problems, this guide covers everything you need to know.

What Is Temazepam Used For?

Temazepam is FDA-approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia — including trouble falling asleep and trouble staying asleep (waking up during the night or too early). It is specifically indicated for insomnia that is severe, disabling, or significantly impacting quality of life.

The FDA recommends it only for short-term use (generally 7 to 10 days). Clinical trials supporting its approval were 2 weeks in duration. While some patients are prescribed temazepam for longer periods, this is considered off-label and requires closer monitoring by a prescriber.

Temazepam Brand Names and Available Forms

Brand name: Restoril (and international brands: Normison, Temaze, Norkotral, Remestan)

Generic: Yes — widely available from multiple manufacturers (Sandoz, Mylan, Amneal, Novel Laboratories, and others)

Form: Oral capsules only

Strengths available: 7.5 mg, 15 mg, 22.5 mg, and 30 mg

Temazepam Dosage: How Much Do You Take?

Your doctor will set your specific dose based on your insomnia type, age, health status, and other medications. Standard dosing guidelines:

Adults: The typical starting and most commonly prescribed dose is 15 mg once at bedtime. Some patients need only 7.5 mg; others may be prescribed 30 mg.

Older adults (65+): Start at 7.5 mg due to higher risk of oversedation, dizziness, and falls at higher doses.

Transient insomnia: 7.5 mg may be sufficient for improving sleep latency in short-term situational insomnia.

How to Take Temazepam

Take temazepam only when you are ready to go to bed and have 7–8 hours available for sleep. The medication works quickly — significant sedation can begin within 30 minutes.

Do not take it earlier in the evening while still active — the risk of complex sleep behaviors (such as sleepwalking or sleep-driving) increases if you take it before you're truly ready to sleep.

Swallow the capsule whole with water. It can be taken with or without food, though a heavy meal may slightly delay absorption.

Do not crush, chew, or open the capsule.

Is Temazepam a Controlled Substance?

Yes. Temazepam is a DEA Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States. This classification reflects its accepted medical use alongside its recognized potential for dependence and abuse. Schedule IV status means:

A valid prescription from a licensed provider with DEA authority is required

Refills may be limited by your state's laws (many states limit to 5 refills within 6 months for Schedule IV drugs)

Prescription transfer rules are more restrictive than non-controlled medications

Who Should NOT Take Temazepam?

Temazepam is generally contraindicated in:

Patients with known hypersensitivity to temazepam or other benzodiazepines

Pregnant women (fetal harm risk; use not recommended)

Patients with severe respiratory insufficiency or severe sleep apnea

Patients taking opioid medications (increased risk of respiratory depression and death)

Children and adolescents (safety and efficacy not established)

Key Facts About Temazepam at a Glance

Drug class: Benzodiazepine hypnotic

FDA approval: Insomnia (short-term use, 7–10 days)

DEA schedule: Schedule IV controlled substance

Onset of action: Significant sedation within 30 minutes

Duration of effect: Up to 8 hours

Typical cost (generic): $10–$45/month depending on strength and pharmacy; as low as $10–$11 with GoodRx

Prescriptions in US: ~2 million annually (2021 data, 208th most prescribed)

Want to understand how temazepam works at the brain level? See How Does Temazepam Work? Mechanism of Action Explained. And if you need help finding your prescription, medfinder can locate it at pharmacies near you.