What is Restoril?
Restoril (temazepam) is a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines affect chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with anxiety.
Health Benefits
Restoril is used to treat insomnia symptoms, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. This medication may also be used to treat other sleep disorders. Restoril is usually taken only for a short time, such as 1 or 2 weeks.
Side Effects and Risks
The most common side effects of Restoril include:
Drowsiness
Headache
Dizziness
Diarrhea
Constipation
Muscle weakness
Blurred vision
Ringing in your ears
Restoril may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. This medication can increase the effects of alcohol, which could be dangerous. You should not drink alcohol while taking Restoril.
Restoril may also cause:
Memory problems
Aggression or hostility
Unusual thoughts or behavior
Depression
Suicidal thoughts or actions
Seizures (convulsions)
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to temazepam or other benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), or oxazepam (Serax).
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, a history of mental illness or drug abuse, or if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Restoril may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Never share this medication with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
Dosage
Restoril is available in 7.5 mg, 15 mg, and 30 mg capsules. The recommended dose for adults is 15-30 mg taken orally at bedtime.
Interactions
Taking Restoril with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, prescription cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Other drugs may interact with temazepam, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Mechanism of Action
Restoril binds to GABA receptors in the brain and increases the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA, which leads to relaxation and sleepiness. Benzodiazepines such as Restoril are thought to work by enhancing the effects of GABA.
Pharmacokinetics
Restoril is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and has a half-life of 8-12 hours.
Alternatives to Restoril
There are many medications and other treatments that can be used to help treat insomnia. Some common non-drug treatments for insomnia include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)
Stimulus control therapy
Relaxation techniques
Sleep hygiene education
Some people may also find relief from herbal supplements such as valerian root or melatonin. However, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements, as they may interact with other medications.
