temazepam
Temazepam (Restoril) is a short-term option for people who have insomnia (trouble sleeping). It's a benzodiazepine, so taking it can lead to misuse, addiction, and sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it. For this reason, it's a controlled substance, so you'll need close follow-up with your provider to make sure this medication remains safe for you to take. Common side effects include drowsiness, headache, nervousness, and sometimes a "hangover" feeling the next morning after your dose. The medication available as a brand name (Restoril) and a generic version.
What is Temazepam (Restoril)?
What is Temazepam (Restoril) used for?
- Short-term treatment of insomnia (trouble sleeping)
How Temazepam (Restoril) works
Temazepam (Restoril) is a benzodiazepine. It works by attaching to special receptors in the brain called GABA receptors. This helps to slow down brain activity, which makes it easier for you to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Drug facts
Risks and warnings for Temazepam (Restoril)
Temazepam (Restoril) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Sedation and difficulty breathing
- Risk factors: Taking temazepam (Restoril) with opioid medications | Taking temazepam (Restoril) for a longer time and at higher doses than prescribed
Taking temazepam (Restoril) with opioid medications can cause severe drowsiness, tiredness, and difficulty breathing and can even result in death. Discuss with your provider to make sure any combination is as safe as possible or if other medication options are available. If you develop difficulty breathing or have trouble waking up easily, get medical help right away.
Risk of misuse and addiction
- Risk factors: History of substance abuse | Taking doses of temazepam (Restoril) higher than prescribed | Taking with other medications, alcohol, or illegal substances
Temazepam (Restoril) has the potential risk of misuse and addiction. Using the medication for non-medical reasons or for medical reasons other than prescribed can lead to dangerous consequences, like life-threatening difficulty breathing, overdose, and even death. Symptoms of overdose include coma, extremely slowed breathing, and extreme sleepiness. Your provider will prescribe temazepam (Restoril) at the lowest dose for the shortest period of time possible. Take it only as prescribed to lower your risk of addiction, overdose, and death.
Risk of dependence and withdrawal
- Risk factors: History of substance misuse | Taking temazepam (Restoril) for a long time | Stopping temazepam (Restoril) suddenly
If you're taking temazepam (Restoril) for a long period of time or at a high dose, you might become physically dependent. If you stop taking the medication suddenly, you might have bothersome side effects, like irritability, anxiety, shakiness, and a racing heart. It could also potentially lead to serious medical problems, including seizures. Don't stop taking this medication without first talking to your provider. They can help you slowly lower your dose before stopping if necessary. Temazepam (Restoril) can be habit-forming, so take it only as prescribed to lower your risk of dependence.
Complex behaviors
- Risk factors: Taking temazepam (Restoril) with alcohol or other medications that make you less alert
Temazepam (Restoril) can cause you to experience complex behaviors when you're not fully awake. Sometimes, people who have these behaviors don't remember them the next day. There have been reports of people "sleep driving", making phone calls, and preparing and eating food all while half asleep. This is more likely if you also take temazepam (Restoril) with alcohol or other medications that make you less alert (e.g., opioids). Make sure to let your provider know if you start experiencing these behaviors.
Harm to babies
Temazepam (Restoril) might not be safe to take in pregnancy. In fact, research is mixed about whether temazepam (Restoril) can cause birth defects in your unborn baby if you take the medication while pregnant. If you're planning to conceive or are already pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your provider.
Additionally, babies born to pregnant women who take temazepam (Restoril) late in pregnancy can experience neonatal abstinence syndrome. This can cause symptoms such as trouble breathing, tremors, and difficulty feeding.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Risk factors: History of depression
Temazepam (Restoril) can cause people to develop suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Your risk is higher if you have a history of depression. If you or anyone around you notice any unusual changes in your behavior or thoughts, get medical help right away.
Severe allergic reactions
- Risk factors: History of allergic reaction to temazepam (Restoril)
In rare cases, temazepam (Restoril) can cause a serious allergic reaction with swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or nausea and vomiting. If you had an allergic reaction to temazepam (Restoril) in the past, don't try to take this medication again. Get medical help right away if you experience a severe allergic reaction while taking this medication.
Side effects of Temazepam (Restoril)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Drowsiness (9%)
- Headache (9%)
- Fatigue or exhaustion (5%)
- Nervousness (5%)
- Tiredness (5%)
- Dizziness (5%)
- Nausea (3%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Hangover
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Euphoria (exaggerated feeling of happiness and excitement)
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- Feeling off balance
Temazepam (Restoril) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe sedation: drowsiness, slowed breathing, confusion, memory problems, slurred speech, loss of consciousness
- Withdrawal symptoms: uncontrolled movements, blurred vision, trouble with sleep or memory, muscle pain and stiffness, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, irritability, hallucinations, convulsions or seizures, suicidal thoughts
- Performing activities during sleep: such as walking, driving, and cooking while sleeping, and not having memories of those activities the next morning
- Severe allergic reaction: rash, trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat
More on Temazepam (Restoril) side effects
The following Temazepam (Restoril) side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
False or unusual sense of well-being
fear or nervousness
mood or mental changes
Rare
Difficult or labored breathing
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
loss of appetite
loss of memory
nightmares
problems with memory
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
shakiness and unsteady walk
tightness in the chest
uncontrolled eye movements
unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability
Incidence not known
Muscle cramps
seizures
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
stomach cramps
sweating
trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
vomiting
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:
Symptoms of overdose
Blurred vision
change in consciousness
confusion
decreased or absent reflexes
difficult or trouble breathing
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
irregular, fast, slow, or shallow breathing
loss of consciousness
pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
unusual tiredness or weakness
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
headache
sensation of spinning
unusual dullness or feeling of sluggishness
Rare
Backache
burning eyes
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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Pros and cons of Temazepam (Restoril)
Pros
- Can help you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night
- Only taken once a day at bedtime
- Dose can be adjusted by your provider based on your response
- Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
- Can cause memory problems, dizziness, and confusion
- Can worsen suicidal thoughts in some people with depression
- Can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly
- Only recommended for short-term use (7 to 10 days)
- Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding
Pharmacist tips for Temazepam (Restoril)
- Take temazepam (Restoril) with or without food.
- Temazepam (Restoril) can cause dizziness. So take your dose only in the evening or at bedtime, and avoid certain activities, like driving, until you know how this medication affects you.
- Temazepam (Restoril) can raise your risk for falls because it tends to make you feel drowsy and less alert.
- Temazepam (Restoril) interacts with opioids, alcohol, or other medications that make you sleepy. In some cases, these interactions can lead to breathing problems, coma, or even death. The combination of these medications and substances should always be avoided if possible.
- Unless discussed with your provider, it's best to avoid using temazepam (Restoril) for more than 2 weeks. That's because the medication hasn't been proven to be safe or work well after that time frame. Using it for more than 2 weeks might raise your risk for withdrawal symptoms if the medication is stopped suddenly.
- If you find yourself doing activities at night after taking temazepam (Restoril) and don't remember them in the morning, like sleep driving or eating, contact your provider right away.
Common questions about Temazepam (Restoril)
It's not recommended to take more than 30 mg of temazepam (Restoril). The reason why is because the risk of misuse, behavioral changes (e.g., aggression, confusion), and performing activities during sleep (e.g., "sleep driving") is greater when taking higher-than-recommended doses of temazepam (Restoril). This can lead to overdose and life-threatening side effects. To avoid these dangerous risks and behaviors, only take temazepam (Restoril) as prescribed to you by your provider. If you're already taking a 30 mg dose and it's not working for you, your provider might need to switch you to a different medication.
Yes, temazepam (Restoril) is a Schedule IV (C-IV) substance. This is because some people can develop a dependence or tolerance from temazepam (Restoril), especially at higher doses or with long-term use (longer than 10 days). This medication also has a risk of misuse and addiction.
It takes on average about 2 days for most of temazepam (Restoril) to leave your body after a single dose. This time frame is estimated based on the half-life of temazepam (Restoril). It can differ from person to person depending on other factors, such as your age and whether you have kidney or liver problems.
Temazepam (Restoril) helps you to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Since the medication can stay in your system for a longer time, some people might continue to feel sleepy the next day due to the medication's "hangover effect". In studies with temazepam (Restoril), almost 3% of people experienced this residual effect the next morning. This might be more likely for those taking a higher dose of the medication. If daytime side effects are a problem, talk to your healthcare provider about whether a shorter-acting medication could be a better alternative.
Temazepam (Restoril) generally starts working within 30 minutes after taking it, but it varies from person to person. In clinical studies, people took the medication 30 minutes before bedtime.
Weight gain isn't a known side effect of temazepam (Restoril). But if you experience a change in your weight while taking this medication, talk with your healthcare provider about ways to manage.
Even though temazepam (Restoril) has calming effects, it's not FDA approved for the treatment of anxiety. Talk to your provider about treatment options for anxiety.
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Temazepam (Restoril) dosage
Capsule| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15mg | 30 capsules | $8.94 | $0.30 |
| 7.5mg | 30 capsules | $29.77 | $0.99 |
| 22.5mg | 30 capsules | $59.02 | $1.97 |
| 30mg | 30 capsules | $9.30 | $0.31 |
Typical dosage for Temazepam (Restoril)
-
Adults: The recommended dose is 15 mg by mouth once daily at bedtime, as needed.
-
Older adults (age 65 or older): The typical starting dose is 7.5 mg by mouth once daily at bedtime, as needed.
Your provider will work with you to find the right dose for you. Temazepam (Restoril) should only be used for short periods of time (7 to 10 days).
More on Temazepam (Restoril) dosage
Interactions between Temazepam (Restoril) and other drugs
More on Temazepam (Restoril) interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
- Flumazenil
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Alfentanil
- Alprazolam
- Amobarbital
- Benzhydrocodone
- Bromazepam
- Bromopride
- Buprenorphine
- Butabarbital
- Butalbital
- Butorphanol
- Calcium Oxybate
- Cannabidiol
- Carbinoxamine
- Carisoprodol
- Cetirizine
- Chloral Hydrate
- Chlorzoxazone
- Clobazam
- Codeine
- Dantrolene
- Dihydrocodeine
- Doxylamine
- Esketamine
- Ethchlorvynol
- Fentanyl
- Flibanserin
- Fospropofol
- Gabapentin
- Gabapentin Enacarbil
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Ketamine
- Lemborexant
- Levocetirizine
- Levorphanol
- Lofexidine
- Loxapine
- Magnesium Oxybate
- Meclizine
- Meperidine
- Mephenesin
- Mephobarbital
- Meprobamate
- Metaxalone
- Methadone
- Methocarbamol
- Methohexital
- Metoclopramide
- Midazolam
- Mirtazapine
- Morphine
- Morphine Sulfate Liposome
- Nalbuphine
- Oxycodone
- Oxymorphone
- Pentazocine
- Pentobarbital
- Periciazine
- Phenobarbital
- Potassium Oxybate
- Pregabalin
- Primidone
- Propofol
- Remimazolam
- Scopolamine
- Secobarbital
- Sodium Oxybate
- Tapentadol
- Thiopental
- Tramadol
- Trazodone
- Zolpidem
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Desogestrel
- Dienogest
- Drospirenone
- Estradiol
- Ethinyl Estradiol
- Ethynodiol
- Gestodene
- Levonorgestrel
- Mestranol
- Nomegestrol
- Norethindrone
- Norgestimate
- Norgestrel
- Rifapentine
- St John's Wort
- Theophylline
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Temazepam (Restoril) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Temazepam (Restoril) will not be safe for you to take.
- Currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant
What are alternatives to Temazepam (Restoril)?
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