Respiratory and psychological effects of oral temazepam in volunteers

In a double-blind comparison with placebo the time-course of the effects of temazepam 40 mg and 20 mg on breathing, arterial pressure, oral temperature, cognitive function, psychomotor performance and subjective observations have been examined in 12 healthy volunteers. Temazepam 40 mg caused significant displacement of the ventilatory response to carbon dioxide 1 h after administration and a decrease in oral temperature 2 h after administration. Deficits in cognitive function were still apparent 1.5 and 2.5 h after administration and psychomotor performance did not equal control at 3.5 h. However, most subjects felt normal 2.5-3 h afterwards. Temazepam 20 mg had significant effects on cognitive function and psychomotor performance only during the 1st hour after administration.