
The inability to fall asleep or waking up multiple times a night can leave you feeling tired and distracted. One of the most commonly prescribed medicines for short-term insomnia is Temazepam 20 mg. It is a popular choice of sleep aid to help you get to sleep and enjoy a long rest.
In this article, we will discuss what Temazepam 20 mg is, how it works, who it is prescribed for, and its proper use. If you are considering purchasing it from an online pharmacy in France, this guide provides the essential information you need before making that decision.
Temazepam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines, which work by slowing activity in the brain to allow sleep. It does so by boosting the effect of a natural brain chemical called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).
The higher your GABA activity, the more relaxed your mind and body; you feel you fall asleep faster and stay that way.
Temazepam 20 mg is among the stronger doses and tends to be prescribed for those who haven’t responded well to weaker strengths, most often 7.5 mg or 15 mg.
Temazepam doesn’t force the body into sleep; instead, it helps the brain calm down enough to allow natural sleep to occur. After taking a tablet, it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, reaching its maximum effect within 30 minutes to 2 hours.
The sedative effect typically lasts throughout the night, enabling patients to achieve deeper, more restful sleep. Most people find they feel refreshed the next morning if they allow a full night’s rest of 7–8 hours after taking the medicine.
Temazepam 20 mg is typically prescribed by doctors for short-term insomnia – the kind that’s triggered by stress, travel, or unexpected lifestyle changes.
If you have long-term sleep problems, your doctor may discuss other treatments or therapies because Temazepam is meant for short-term use only.
It’s not supposed to be the sort of thing you take every night for months; instead, it’s intended as a short-term fix to help reset your sleep schedule and address some of the underlying reasons behind bad sleep.
Adults: 10 mg to 20 mg once daily at bedtime.
Elderly: 7.5 mg or 10 mg is recommended to minimize the potential for drowsiness or accidental injury.
Take the tablet with a little water just before going to bed at night. Never use more than the recommended dose, and do not use it with alcohol or other sedating drugs.
If you miss a dose, just skip that night; don’t double the dose.
Temazepam should only be used for a short period — usually one to three weeks. Prolonged use can lead to dependence, meaning your body becomes used to it and you might find it hard to sleep without it.
If you still struggle with sleep after a couple of weeks, speak to your doctor before continuing. They may suggest tapering off the medication or trying another approach.
Like all medications, Temazepam can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but serious reactions can occur, especially if it’s misused.
Daytime drowsiness or tiredness
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Headache
Forgetfulness or confusion
Reduced alertness or coordination
Nausea
Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath
Hallucinations, agitation, or unusual behavior
Severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
Extreme drowsiness or confusion
These effects are more likely if Temazepam is taken with alcohol, opioid painkillers, or other sleeping pills. Always inform your doctor of all the medicines you’re taking.
Because Temazepam affects the brain’s sleep chemistry, it can be habit-forming if used for too long. Stopping suddenly after several weeks of use can cause withdrawal symptoms such as:
Anxiety or irritability
Restlessness
Sweating
Shaking or muscle tension
Recurring insomnia (sleep difficulties come back, often worse than before)
Your doctor will slowly reduce your dose to help prevent this rather than stopping it suddenly.
Temazepam 20 mg may not be right for everyone. You should avoid it if you:
Have severe liver problems
Have sleep apnea or difficulty breathing
A history of drug or alcohol abuse.
Have myasthenia gravis (a disorder of the muscles)
Are allergic to benzodiazepines
It’s also not safe if you’re pregnant or nursing unless a doctor determines it to be necessary.
Do not drink alcohol: it increases sleepiness and can be harmful.
Use it only when you have 7–8 hours to sleep.
Do not drive or use heavy machinery the following day if you're still sleepy.
Inform your doctor if you are taking other drugs, particularly antidepressants, painkillers, or antihistamines.
Store correctly: in a place that’s cool and dry and out of reach of children.
In France, Temazepam is a medicine for the treatment of severe insomnia, available only by prescription. It is available from licensed local and online pharmacies.
If you are ordering a sleep aid from an online pharmacy in France, ensure that the site:
Requires a valid doctor’s prescription.
Features authentic French or EU pharmacy registration.
Provides customer service and contact information.
Temazepam can also be helpful in the short term, but it works best when paired with healthy sleep habits. Try these simple tips:
Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily.
Avoid caffeine or heavy meals close to bedtime.
Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool.
Limit screen time at least one hour before bed.
Use relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises or meditation.
Over time, these habits help train your body to sleep naturally and can alleviate the need for medication.
Temazepam should be used only for a short period, generally up to 2–3 weeks. Daily long-term use increases the risk of dependence and tolerance.
It makes most people feel drowsy within 30–60 minutes after taking it.
No. Taking alcohol with Temazepam can increase the likelihood of drowsy driving and other unforeseen side effects.
Skip the missed dose. Do not take more tablets than you are told to take.
No. It is illegal and unsafe for someone to purchase Temazepam without a legitimate prescription.
You could have withdrawal or rebound insomnia. Never do this unless you talk to your doctor first.
It may be when taken for too long or in larger amounts. Use it exactly as directed and only for that specific time span.
If the medicine seems less effective, do not increase the dose on your own. Talk to your doctor; tolerance can develop, and they may suggest a break or alternative treatment.
Temazepam 20 mg can be an effective short-term solution for people struggling with temporary insomnia. It helps calm the mind, improve sleep quality, and restore normal rest patterns.
However, it’s important to use it responsibly — under medical supervision, for a limited time, and never with alcohol or other sedatives.
If you’re buying it online, always choose a trusted, licensed online pharmacy in France. And remember: medication can help you rest, but building healthy sleep habits will keep you sleeping well in the long run.