Restoril

Restoril is a medication that is used to treat insomnia. The drug belongs to a class of medications known as benzodiazepines, which are known for causing effects such as sleepiness and reduced anxiety. Because it can work rather quickly, Restoril is taken right before you are ready to fall asleep. Possible side effects include drowsiness, lethargy, and dizziness.

 

What Is Restoril?

Restoril® (temazepam) is a prescription sleep medication approved for the treatment of insomnia. In general, Restoril should only be used as a short-term treatment (for no longer than seven to ten days).
 
(Click Restoril Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Restoril?

Restoril is currently made by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals Group. Generic Restoril is made by several different manufacturers.
 

How Does Restoril Work?

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).
 

When and How to Take Restoril

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 of time than your healthcare provider recommends (see Restoril Abuse).
     

Dosing Information for Restoril

The dose of Restoril that 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 Restoril dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Restoril Dosing for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Restoril

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 of Restoril include but are not limited to:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Lethargy
  • Dizziness
  • Hangover.
     
(Click Restoril Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Restoril

Restoril can potentially interact with several other medicines (see Restoril Drug Interactions).
 

Restoril: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Restoril 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.
 
(Click Restoril Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of Restoril?

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 overdose on Restoril, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Restoril Overdose for more information.)
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Restoril?

If you forget to take your Restoril dose, skip the missed dose (unless it is still fairly early in the night). Taking Restoril in the middle of the night or during the day can lead to daytime drowsiness.
 

Strengths of Restoril

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, although generic temazepam is not available in all strengths (see Generic Restoril).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;