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Benzodiazepines
Temazepam
Drug group - Benzodiazepines
Street names
Jellies, ruggers, rugby balls, eggs, tems, norries
Brand name
Formerly available as Normison. (Wyeth), Euhypnos.
No longer available as branded products in the UK.
Drug effect
Depressant (downer). Effects last 6-10 hours
Description
Oral solution (10mg/5mL)
White, scored tablets (10mg & 20mg)
Gelthix. capsules (10-30mg)* - yellow, green, white, opaque
Clear capsules, containing unknown quantities of temazepam in liquid form (believed to be foreign imports)
Therapeutic use
Insomnia
Street use
Swallowed and injected
Dependency
Yes
Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms begin within 3 days of last dose and may last for months. They include anxiety, restlessness, tremor, feelings of unreality, distortion of perceptions. There is a risk of seizure amongst heavy users following sudden withdrawal.
Long term use
Mental confusion
Memory loss
Depression
Unpredictable or aggressive behaviour
Loss of physical co-ordination
If injected - infection risk, circulatory problems
Overdose risk
Death from overdose is rare, but risks increase if temazepam is mixed with other drugs such as opiates, barbiturates or alcohol.
Legal status
Prescription Only Medicine
Class C, Schedule 3
Illegal to possess without a prescription and to supply to others.
SPECIAL NOTE
Gradual withdrawal under medical supervision is recommended because of seizure risk. Temazepam capsules are occasionally called Tems and should not be confused with Temgesic. (buprenorphine).
* If heated, the gel in Gelthix. capsules turns to liquid and may be injected. This is particularly dangerous as the warm liquid returns to gel at body temperature. This can result in blocked veins, leading to gangrene and ultimately loss of limbs, fingers or toes.