Restoril Abuse (Cont.)

Suggestions for Dealing With Restoril Abuse

Despite their many beneficial effects, benzodiazepines have the potential for abuse and should be used only as prescribed. During the first few days of taking Restoril, a person usually feels sleepy and uncoordinated, but as the body becomes accustomed to the effects of the drug, these feelings begin to disappear. If a person uses these drugs long-term, the body will develop tolerance for them, and larger doses will be needed to achieve the same initial effects. Continued use can lead to physical dependence and withdrawal when the medication is reduced or stopped.
 
Because Restoril works by slowing down the brain's activity, when an individual stops taking this medicine, the brain's activity can rebound and race out of control, potentially leading to seizures and other harmful consequences. Therefore, someone who is thinking about stopping Restoril therapy or who is experiencing withdrawal from the drug should speak with a healthcare provider or seek medical treatment.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;