A benzodiazepine anxiolytic (see BENZODIAZEPINES; ANXIOLYTICS) derived from diazepam which is used for short-term treatment of the types of INSOMNIA associated with difficulty in falling asleep, frequent nocturnal awakening or early-morning awakening. Temazepam is a relatively quick-acting hypnotic of short duration, so although there is less hangover the next morning compared with other hypnotics, there may still be some drowsiness and untoward effect on skilled tasks such as driving. It carries some risk for elderly people of developing ATAXIA and so liable to falling and injuring themselves. It is also a drug of abuse.