Restoril Side Effects | Short-Term & Long-Term Effects Of Temazepam

Restoril is a sedative-hypnotic brand name medication containing temazepam, a benzodiazepine. This class of drugs includes Xanax (alprazolam), Ativan (lorazepam), Valium (diazepam), and Klonopin (clonazepam). 

Like these drugs Restoril is used in medical settings as a short-term solution to specific medical conditions like insomnia and anxiety.

While Restoril can be helpful if you’re struggling to fall asleep, the drug has been associated with a variety of short-term side effects and worrying long-term health effects.

Short-Term Effects Of Restoril

Temazepam is approved by the FDA for short-term treatment of insomnia and anxiety with prescriptions usually limited to short treatment periods of one to four weeks.

If you’re still struggling with insomnia after this period you should consult with your healthcare provider and explore other options.

Temazepam should be kept out of the reach of children and should not be taken by anyone who is pregnant, could become pregnant, or who is breastfeeding as the drug may have severe adverse effects on unborn babies and infants.

Therapeutic Effects

Restoril is a central nervous system depressant that suppresses brain activity and creates sensations of sleepiness and calm that can help you fall asleep.

It works by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain, which causes your central nervous system and brain activity to slow down. This process will also impair your reflexes, attentiveness, and coordination, so you shouldn’t drive after you take Restoril.

Generally you should feel the drug’s effects within thirty minutes and should plan on a full night’s sleep (7-8 hours) immediately after taking it.

Restoril Side-Effects

When used as prescribed, common side effects of Restoril may include:

• dizziness
• daytime tiredness or grogginess
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• weakness or shakiness
• confusion
• vertigo

Other serious side effects such as allergic reactions, suicidal thoughts, or breathing problems are possible, and should be referred to your health care professional.

Restoril Abuse

As a controlled substance, Restoril is frequently abused by individuals seeking to self-medicate. It’s also abused by taking large doses or mixing it with other drugs like alcohol or opioids. In both cases, abuse of Restoril is associated with a higher risk of dependence and addiction.

When abused in high doses the effect that Restoril has on the body resembles alcohol abuse and intoxication. 

Effects can include:

• aggression
• confusion
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• feelings of well-being
• impaired coordination
• impaired memory
• sedation
• lowered inhibitions
• poor concentration
• reduced anxiety
• slurred speech

In the event of an overdose these worsening symptoms may also include:

• extremely deep sleep
• hypotension (low blood pressure)
• non-responsiveness or coma
• slow or unsteady heart rate
• slow or trouble breathing
• swelling face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes

Overdoses can be life-threatening. If you suspect an overdose has occurred, call for immediate medical attention.

Long-Term Effects Of Restoril

Restoril is habit forming and the longer it is taken (and the higher the dosage) the more quickly you will develop dependence on the drug and tolerance to its effects:

• tolerance causes the drug to have less and less impact on your body, requiring a higher and higher dose for the same effect
• dependence causes your body to crave the drug when you stop taking it, and you may experience a variety of withdrawal symptoms

Long-term use of Restoril can also involve disrupted sleep patterns and memory problems, as well as severe rebound anxiety and insomnia if doses of the drug are missed.

Restoril Withdrawal

Symptoms of withdrawal from Restoril vary from person to person, but are generally more severe the longer the medication has been taken or if it has been taken in higher doses. 

Restoril withdrawal symptoms may include:

• anxiety
• convulsions
• cravings for the medication
• irritability
• headaches
• muscle pain
• panic attacks
• rebound Insomnia and sleep problems
• seizures
• sweating

Benzodiazepine Addiction Treatment Options

Recovering from dependence on any prescription drug, including Restoril, can be challenging. For information on drug addiction treatment options and other supportive programs please contact Ark Behavioral Health today.