Restoril
® (
temazepam) is a prescription sleep medication approved for the treatment of
insomnia. In general, it should only be used as a short-term treatment (for no longer than seven to ten days).
Restoril is currently made by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals Group. Generic versions are made by several different manufacturers.
Restoril is one of a group of medications known as benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines have several different effects on the body, including:
- Relaxing muscles
- Reducing anxiety
- Causing sleepiness
- Stopping seizures
- Impairing short-term memory.
All benzodiazepine medications can have these effects to some degree, depending on the specific medication and the dose. They work in the brain by enhancing the effects of
gamma-aminobutyric acid (
GABA), a brain chemical that is naturally calming. GABA can slow down or stop certain nerve signals in the brain. This is why Restoril and other benzodiazepines are known as mild tranquilizers, sedatives, or central nervous system depressants (CNS depressants).
General considerations for when and how to take Restoril include the following:
- The medication comes in capsule form. It is usually taken by mouth at bedtime.
- Take Restoril just before you are ready to fall asleep, as it can work rather quickly.
- You can take the medication with or without food. If Restoril bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Restoril may cause serious problems if you take it at higher dosages or for a longer period than your healthcare provider recommends (see Restoril Abuse).
The dose of Restoril your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- Other medications you may be taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Restoril. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
- Drowsiness
- Lethargy
- Dizziness
- Hangover.
(Click Restoril Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Restoril?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
- A history of drug or alcohol abuse (see Alcohol and Restoril)
- Lung problems or breathing problems
- Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Restoril may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Coma
- Decreased reflexes
- Breathing problems
- Low blood pressure (hypotension).
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take your Restoril, skip the missed dose (unless it is still fairly early in the night). Taking the medication in the middle of the night or during the day can lead to daytime drowsiness.
Restoril capsules are available in the following strengths:
- Restoril 7.5 mg
- Restoril 15 mg
- Restoril 22.5 mg
- Restoril 30 mg.
Is There a Generic Version of Restoril?
Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of Restoril are licensed for sale
(see Generic Restoril).
