When sleepless nights become a regular struggle, many people turn to prescription medications for relief. One commonly prescribed option is Restoril, a brand of the sleep medication temazepam. While effective, it’s not without risks—particularly when used longer than recommended. Understanding how it works and its possible side effects will help you make an informed decision on whether using Restoril for sleep is the right call. Let’s read on.
What Is Restoril (Temazepam)?
Restoril, a brand name for the generic drug temazepam, is a benzodiazepine medication designed for sleeping disorders. It’s primarily used as a short-term treatment for insomnia, especially when someone has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
Restoril is usually taken orally in capsule form shortly before bedtime. Its effects generally begin within 30 minutes to an hour and can last through the night. It works by enhancing the effects of a natural chemical in the brain called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which has a calming effect on the central nervous system (CNS). The danger of using drugs in this way is that the brain becomes dependent on them to release GABA, without which the CNS becomes overstimulated. This can lead to dangerous withdrawal symptoms like seizures.
Because of its sedative and hypnotic properties, temazepam is typically prescribed for 7 to 10 days to avoid dependence or tolerance. Like other benzodiazepines, it’s classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance in the United States due to its potential for abuse, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.
How Effective Is Restoril for Sleep?
Restoril (temazepam) is generally effective for short-term relief of insomnia, especially in individuals who struggle with sleep onset (falling asleep) or sleep maintenance (staying asleep). A clinical review on temazepam indicates it can help users stay asleep longer, though it seemed to have little effect when it came to speeding sleep onset.
Its effectiveness may decline over time due to the development of benzodiazepine tolerance, which is why it’s typically prescribed for no more than a week. Long-term use is not recommended without medical supervision, as dependence and withdrawal symptoms can occur.
Aside from tolerance, Restoril’s ability to prolong sleep may have another cost: a “benzo hangover.” Some people report feeling groggy or drowsy the next day, especially if the dosage is too high or if they don’t get a full night’s sleep. That’s why timing and dosage are crucial to both the drug’s effectiveness and safety.
Restoril Dosage for Sleep
Restoril is available in capsule form, typically in 7.5 mg, 15 mg, 22.5 mg, and 30 mg strengths. The most commonly prescribed dosage for adults with insomnia is 15 mg to 30 mg taken at bedtime.
- For older adults or those sensitive to medications, doctors often start with 7.5 mg to reduce the risk of excessive sedation or balance issues. Some patients may go up to 15 mg in some cases.
- The medication should be taken right before going to bed, and users should ensure they have at least seven to eight hours to devote to sleep to minimize next-day drowsiness.
Always follow your doctor’s instructions, as dosage may vary based on age, health conditions, and response to treatment.
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How Long Does Restoril Stay in Your System?
Restoril’s half-life is relatively short: about five to eleven hours (sometimes longer in the elderly). This means it takes that amount of time for half the drug to leave your system, and thus five to six half-lives for the drug to be out of your system completely; roughly one to two and a half days after use.
If someone uses Restoril regularly, it can take longer to clear due to accumulation in body tissues. Drug tests may still detect it for several days, especially in urine or hair samples.
Risks and Side Effects of Restoril
Like other benzodiazepines, Restoril (temazepam) carries certain risks and side effects, especially when used for extended periods or outside of medical guidance. While it can be effective for short-term insomnia relief, it’s important to be aware of how it may affect your body and mind.
Short-term side effects of Restoril may include:
- Daytime drowsiness or fatigue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nervousness or irritability
- Impaired coordination or balance
These side effects are usually mild and tend to lessen as your body adjusts to the medication.
More serious but less common risks include:
- Memory problems (especially with tasks done shortly after taking the drug)
- Sleepwalking or engaging in activities while not fully awake, such as driving or eating
- Confusion or hallucinations, particularly in older adults
- Depression or worsening mood, including suicidal thoughts in rare cases
- Physical and psychological dependence, especially with long-term use
- Withdrawal symptoms if the drug is stopped suddenly after regular use
Restoril Addiction and Dependence
Restoril (temazepam) is a benzodiazepine used to treat insomnia by promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality. However, taking Restoril comes with potential risks, including physical dependence, drug addiction, and serious side effects such as dizziness, confusion, shallow breathing, and respiratory depression—especially in individuals who drink alcohol.
Proper addiction therapy and relapse prevention strategies are essential for individuals struggling with substance abuse or drug abuse related to temazepam capsules. Addiction treatment at a treatment center or drug rehab facility can help with recovery from the effects of temazepam.
Benzodiazepine addiction is no joke, with possibly lethal seizures and serious neurological damage as possible results. If you or a loved one are dealing with this, a drug and alcohol rehab center in Hamilton, New Jersey, could save your life. For any questions, please call 844-970-3151 to speak to a dedicated specialist.
