Restoril (Temazepam)

What is Restoril?

Restoril is a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen). Temazepam affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with sleep problems (insomnia).

Restoril is used to treat insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep).

Restoril works by slowing down the central nervous system (brain), causing drowsiness which helps patients fall asleep.

Warnings

Restoril can slow or stop your breathing, especially if you have recently used an opioid medication, alcohol, or other drugs that can slow your breathing.

Never take Restoril if you do not have at least 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again.

Do not use Restoril if you are pregnant. Temazepam can cause birth defects or life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking Restoril and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.

Temazepam may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. This medicine should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE OF TEMAZEPAM CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

Temazepam may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking this medicine and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Take this medication only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine.

How should I take Restoril?

Take Restoril exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Never use Restoril in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to use more of this medicine.

Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. MISUSE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.

Take this medicine only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. You may fall asleep very quickly after taking the medicine.

Call your doctor if your insomnia does not improve after taking Restoril for 7 to 10 nights, or if you have any mood or behavior changes. Insomnia can be a symptom of depression, mental illness, or certain medical conditions.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Insomnia:

7.5 to 30 mg orally once a day at bedtime

Comments:
-In transient insomnia, a 7.5 mg dose may be sufficient to improve sleep latency.
-In elderly or debilitated patients, therapy should be initiated at 7.5 mg until individual responses are determined.

Use: Short-term treatment of insomnia (generally 7 to 10 days)

Common Restoril side effects may include:

• drowsiness, tiredness;
• dizziness;
• headache;
• nausea; or
• feeling nervous.

After you stop using Restoril, get medical help right away if you have symptoms such as: unusual muscle movements, being more active or talkative, sudden and severe changes in mood or behavior, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, suicidal thoughts or actions.