Restoril

Pronounced: RES-tah-rill
Generic name: Temazepam

Why is Restoril prescribed?

Restoril is used for the relief of insomnia (difficulty in falling asleep, waking up frequently at night, or waking up early in the morning). It belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.

Most important fact about Restoril

Sleep problems are usually temporary, requiring treatment for only a short time, usually 1 or 2 days and no more than 2 to 3 weeks. Insomnia that lasts longer than this may be a sign of another medical problem. If you find you need this medicine for more than 7 to 10 days, be sure to check with your doctor.

How should you take Restoril?

Take this medication exactly as directed; never take more than the prescribed amount.

--If you miss a dose...

Take only as needed.

--Storage instructions...

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Restoril.

• More common side effects may include:
  Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, nausea, nervousness, sluggishness

• Side effects due to rapid decrease in dose or abrupt withdrawal from Restoril:
  Abdominal and muscle cramps, convulsions, feeling of discomfort, inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, sweating, tremors, vomiting

Why should Restoril not be prescribed?

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, you should not take this medication. It poses a potential risk to the developing baby.

Special warnings about Restoril

When you take Restoril every night for more than a few weeks, it loses its effectiveness to help you sleep. This is known as tolerance. You can also develop physical dependence on this drug, especially if you take it regularly for more than a few weeks, or take high doses.

When you first start taking Restoril, until you know whether the medication will have any "carry over" effect the next day, use extreme care while doing anything that requires complete alertness such as driving a car or operating machinery.