Temazepam is member of a family of drugs called benzodiazepines.

"It is in the same family as Valium," said Dr. Edward Krenzelok, director of the Pittsburgh Poison Center at Children's Hospital.

Temazepam, which is sold under the brand name Restoril, is used for short-term treatment of insomnia, while Valium is used more as a relaxant, he said.

Temazepam is not commonly used as a recreational drug, he said.

"I can't think of any cases that have been brought to my attention," Krenzelok said. "It is not customarily a drug that would be sought after as a drug of abuse."

The drug is not found in a street form such as marijuana or cocaine, he said. Because it is a prescription drug, it must be obtained by ways such as stealing it from a pharmacy, or taking or buying it from someone who has a prescription.

"However, it would not surprise me to see Temazepam of any member of the benzodiazepines being abused," Krenzelok said.

The drug can be addictive and death can result from overdoses, but it is rare that to see anyone overdosing from Temazepam alone, he said.

The strength of the drug intensifies when it is combined with alcohol, barbiturates, nonbarbiturate hypnotics, antihistamines or other drugs, said Krenzelok, a professor of pharmacy and pediatrics at the University of Pittsburgh.

"You get the effect of one plus one is equal to three," he said of combining it with another drug.

Patients who take the drug are warned not to drive, operate dangerous machinery or engage in activities that require mental alertness of physical coordination, according to Internet Mental Health, an on-line encyclopedia of mental health information created by Canadian psychiatrist, Dr. Phillip Long.

The drug is not recommended for use by anyone younger than 18.