Temazepam

Benzodiazepines
Rohyphol (date rape drug)
Triazolam
Nitrazepam

Temazepam street names
Rugby balls, Tems, Jellies

Brand name Normison (Wyeth), Euhypnos

Drug effect
Depressant or 'downer'

Drug description
Yellow capsules (10-20mg): oral solution (10mg / 5ml elixir) ; Green soft gelatin capsules (2 - 20mg);
White scored tablets (10mg and 20mg) 'Gelthix' capsules (10 - 30mg)

Therapeutic use
Insomnia

Street use
Injected or swallowed

Dependency
Yes

Withdrawal
Effects of temazepam last for six to ten hours and withdrawal symptoms begin within three days of last dose. Symptoms may last for months and include anxiety, restlessness, tremor, feelings of unreality and distortion of perceptions. There is a risk of seizure among heavy users following sudden withdrawal.

Long term use
Mental confusion, memory loss, depression, unpredictable or aggressive behaviour and loss of physical coordination. If injected - infection risk and circulatory problems (including sersious injury to veins)

Overdose risk
Death from overdose is rare but risks increase if temazepam is mixed with other 'downers' like opiates, barbiturates or alcohol.

Risks
Withdrawal from temazepam can be dangerous because of seizure risk. Gradual withdrawal under medical supervision is recommended. 'Gelthix' gel-filled capsules were developed to replace liquid capsules in order to prevent use by injection. If heated the gel turns to liquid and so 'Gelthix' may still be injected. This practice is particularly problematic as the warm liquid frequently returns to gel when reaching the cooler stream. This can result in blocked veins, leading to gangrene and ultimately loss of limbs, fingers or toes.

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