Side Effects of Restoril for Insomnia

Restoril (temazepam) is a benzodiazepine used to treat insomnia, a condition where a person has difficulty falling asleep or wakes up frequently throughout the night. It's prescribed only for short-term insomnia therapy, meaning approximately seven to 10 days—it's not a medication a person should take every night.

Restoril works by having a depressant effect on the central nervous system (CNS). It does this by increasing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces the ability of nerve cells to send chemical signals in the CNS. As a result, it produces feelings of calm and relaxation.

This article discusses Restoril side effects that you might experience and the warnings and precautions you should be aware of before taking this medication.

Restoril Side Effects

There are a number of side effects that may occur with Restoril. Common side effects include:

• Drowsiness and tiredness that may persist into the next day
• Headache
• Nervousness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Feeling hungover-like the next day

Due to the persistent drowsiness that may occur with Restoril, it's important that you not drive or engage in any dangerous activity until the tiredness has worn off and you feel fully awake and safe.\

Serious Side Effects

The likelihood of this serious side effect is greater if you drink alcohol or take other medications that make you sleepy. So be sure to avoid alcohol when taking Restoril and tell your doctor all the medications you are taking, including herbals, vitamins, and over-the-counter medications. 

Other potentially serious side effects that warrant you notifying your doctor right away include:

• Thinking or behaving differently than normal, like confusion or seeing or hearing things that are not really there (hallucinations)
• Memory loss
• Anxiety—some people experience a paradoxical reaction with benzodiazepines, meaning they feel more anxious and agitated instead of feeling more sleepy
• Trouble breathing, swelling of your tongue, mouth, or lips, and nausea or vomiting—this could signal a severe allergic reaction (seek emergency medical attention in this instance)

Warning and Precautions for Restoril

It's also important to tell your doctor about any other health problems you have besides insomnia, as it may not be safe for you to take Restoril. For instance, if you have a history of drug addiction, Restoril is likely not a good option for your insomnia, as it can lead to both physical and psychological dependence.

Restoril Drug Interactions

Restoril may interact with certain medications. Some medications that may interact with Restoril include:

• Fluvoxamine
• Ketoconazole
• Itraconazole
• Nefazodone
• Cold and allergy medicines
• Muscle relaxers
• Sleeping pills
• Other benzodiazepines
• Opioid pain medications
• Seizure medications
• Antidepressants
  

Dosages for Restoril

Restoril is available in 7.5 mg, 15, mg, 22.5 mg, and 30 mg capsules that are administered orally. The amount that you take each day will depend on the medication's strength. The typical dose for adults is 15 mg taken at bedtime.

In some cases, this may be adjusted to as low as 7.5 mg to as high as 30 mg, depending on your doctor's recommendations. Older adults, for example, typically take 7.5 mg per day at bedtime.

Discontinuing Restoril

Because Restoril is a benzodiazepine, it can be habit-forming. This medication is a controlled substance categorized as a Schedule IV drug. Taking this medication for extended periods or in higher doses increases the risk of developing dependence.

To minimize withdrawal symptoms and complications, your doctor may recommend that you taper off Restoril gradually under their guidance. You still may experience some mild withdrawal symptoms like a depressed mood or problems sleeping.