How to Pronounce Temazepam (Restoril)

tem-AZ-e-pam
IPA: /tɛ.ˈmæz.ɛ.pæm/
Brand name: Restoril
tem AZ e pam
Temazepam is pronounced tem-AZ-e-pam

How do you pronounce Temazepam?

Temazepam is pronounced “tem-AZ-e-pam”. It has 4 syllables: tem ‑ az ‑ e ‑ pam. The stress falls on the second syllable, “az”. Like other benzodiazepines ending in -azepam, the stress pattern is consistent: the syllable immediately before the suffix receives emphasis.

How many syllables are in Temazepam?

Temazepam has 4 syllables: tem ‑ az ‑ e ‑ pam.

What is Temazepam used for?

Temazepam (Restoril) is a short-to-intermediate-acting benzodiazepine approved for short-term treatment of insomnia. It reduces sleep onset latency and nighttime awakenings. Half-life is 8–20 hours, making it useful for sleep maintenance. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance. Preferred in elderly patients over long-acting benzodiazepines due to lower accumulation risk, though the Beers Criteria still recommends caution in older adults due to fall and cognitive impairment risk.

How does Temazepam work?

Temazepam is a positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors. It binds to the benzodiazepine binding site, enhancing the inhibitory effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This increases the frequency of chloride ion channel opening, hyperpolarizing the neuron and producing sedation, anxiolysis, muscle relaxation, and anticonvulsant effects. The result is shorter time to sleep onset and fewer nocturnal awakenings.

Word Parts

suffix -azepam benzodiazepine (sedative-hypnotic class)

Common Mispronunciations

Stress falls on syllable 2 (AZ) — avoid placing stress on the first syllable “tem”. Do not say “TEM-a-ze-pam”.

Where You’ll Encounter This

Sleep medicine, inpatient hospitalist orders, geriatrics, addiction medicine. Commonly prescribed for short-term insomnia. Often discussed during medication reconciliation and in Beers Criteria reviews of potentially inappropriate medications in elderly patients.

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