Temazepam is a benzodiazepine, commonly prescribed for insomnia and other sleep disorders. Like other benzodiazepines the habit-forming potential is high and it should not be taken for more than four weeks.

Until recently temazepam was produced as a gel-filled capsule, intended to be taken orally. However, it gained a certain notarity in the UK, and especially Scotland, when it was discovered that if the capsules were melted and injected the effects were more potent, and akin to alcohol. However the liquid has a tendency to congeal in arteries and cause thrombosis and gangrene, in some cases leading to amputation.

Temazepam is now a class 'A' drug in the UK, and its possession illegal without a prescription. Additionally some manufacturers have discontinued the gel-capsules in favour of solid tablets.