Temazepam, which is also marketed under the brand name Restoril, is used to treat insomnia and part of the benzodiazepine drug class that is meant for short-term (7 to 10 days) use.
The chemical name of temazepam is 7-chloro-3-hydroxy-1-methyl-5-phenyl-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one. The empirical formula is C16H13ClN2O2
Benzodiazepines like temazepam are known as central nervous system depressants that enhance the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, producing a calming effect and helping users fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Due to their anti-anxiety, sedative, and muscle relaxant properties, benzodiazepines like temazepam have a substantial risk of dependence and should only be used under medical supervision.
Temazepam works by slowing activity in the brain, allowing a person to fall asleep and remain sleeping. The medication works quickly and should help with sleep problems within 7 to 10 days. Over time, the effectiveness of temazepam can decrease, so it should not be taken longer than two weeks.
Temazepam affects the neurotransmitters in the brain, enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), creating a calming effect and helping to facilitate sleep. The medication decreases the time it takes to fall asleep and increases the time spent sleeping.
Temazepam is federally classified as a Schedule IV drug under the Controlled Substances Act because it has the potential for dependence and abuse. The medication should only be taken following a healthcare provider’s instructions including careful attention to dosage and duration of treatment. It is important to understand the potential risks and how to manage them.
Like other benzodiazepines, temazepam can cause side effects related to sedation. Users can experience drowsiness during the daytime, fatigue, dizziness, impaired thinking, slower reaction time, memory problems and feelings of euphoria.
Temazepam is prescribed for short-term treatment of insomnia. It helps those who have trouble falling asleep or who wake up often during the night. It is not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence.
By increasing total sleep time and reducing sleep interruptions, temazepam aims to improve the overall quality of sleep. The medication can also be used prior to dental or medical procedures to help induce relaxation and sleep.
The common dosage of temazepam can vary depending on a person’s age, their medical history and the nature of their insomnia. The typical dose for adults is 15mg taken 30 minutes before bedtime. The dose can increase to 30mg depending on the person’s response to temazepam and the severity of insomnia. The common starting dose for elderly patients or those with certain medical conditions is 7.5mg. The lower dose decreases the risk of side effects like drowsiness and dizziness.
Side effects of Restoril vary and can be temporary, but you should seek medical attention if you experience a severe reaction to temazepam.
Common Side Effects
Less Common Side Effects
Notify a medical professional immediately if you are experiencing unusual reactions to temazepam.
Recognizing the signs of addiction can help with early intervention and improve the outcome for those starting the process of recovery. Some signs of temazepam addiction include:
If you or someone you know is showing signs of temazepam abuse, it is important to seek advice from a trained counselor. Addiction to benzodiazepines can be dangerous and even life-threatening, but treatment is always available.
Prolonged use of temazepam can lead to dependence on the drug. With physical dependence, the body becomes used to the medication and relies on it to function normally. Over time, a person may develop tolerance and will need higher or more frequent doses to achieve the same effect. If the medication is stopped abruptly, withdrawal symptoms occur. Increased tolerance of a drug leads to a cycle of dependence and a higher risk of overdose.
The other facet of dependence is psychological. The need for the medication is more of a compulsive desire to use it to manage daily stresses or sleep issues. A person will use temazepam for reasons other than prescribed and they will seek the drug without fear of consequences.
Those with a history of substance abuse are at a higher risk of dependence on temazepam as are those with mental health disorders like anxiety or depression. Lack of support from family and friends can contribute to addictive behaviors, which affect a person’s health, job, relationships and overall quality of life.
Addiction treatment involves a comprehensive approach to address the physical and psychological aspects of dependence. An assessment by trained professionals will help layout the plan for recovery. Understanding a person’s medical history, temazepam use, mental health and social circumstances can all help determine the best path for treatment.
The first step in treating temazepam addiction, detox is a process of safely removing the drug from the body under careful medical supervision. Detox should never be done alone as withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous. With many benzodiazepines, the detox process often involves tapering, which is gradually decreasing the dose of the medication, as stopping it abruptly can lead to severe reactions. Detox can also involve using other medications to help ease the symptoms of withdrawal.
After detox, the next step is typically inpatient or outpatient treatment to continue the progress on the path to recovery. Both types of programs provide help in overcoming addiction and the choice to enter treatment should be made after careful consideration of your options. Working with trained professionals, you will tailor a plan to meet your needs.
If you or a loved one is struggling with temazepam use, help is available. Please reach out to one of our compassionate admissions team members to learn about treatment options.
This website offers educational information and self-help tools for your personal use. However, everyone’s health needs are unique. To make the best and safest decisions for yourself, please consult with a doctor or licensed professional.
