Temazepam

Temazepam is a benzodiazepine commonly prescribed for insomnia and other sleep disorders. Like other benzodiazepines, its habit-forming potential is high and it should not be taken for more than four weeks.

Until recently temazepam was produced as a gel-filled capsule intended to be taken orally. However, it gained a certain notoriety in the United Kingdom, and especially Scotland, when it was discovered that if the capsules were melted and injected the effects were more potent and akin to alcohol. However, the liquid has a tendency to congeal in arteries and cause thrombosis and gangrene, in some cases leading to amputation.

Temazepam is now a class 'A' drug in the UK and its possession illegal without a prescription. Additionally some manufacturers have discontinued the gel-capsules in favour of solid tablets.