Restoril and Pregnancy: An Overview
Restoril® (
temazepam) is used to treat
insomnia. The prescription drug is part of a group of medications known as benzodiazepines. Human and animal studies have shown that benzodiazepine use during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects and other problems. Therefore, Restoril should never be taken during pregnancy.
Restoril and Pregnancy Category X
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category X is given to medicines that show problems to the fetus in animal studies or in women who have taken the medicine. Also, a pregnancy Category X rating is given when the potential risks of a medication outweigh any possible benefits when used during pregnancy.
Restoril was given a pregnancy Category X rating because of problems in animal and human studies. Benzodiazepine use during early pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects, while use during later pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in a newborn.
Since taking Restoril is never absolutely necessary, it should not be taken during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant while taking Restoril, let your healthcare provider know. You should not take the medication in these cases.
