Restoril, generic name for temazepam, is a medication that is prescribed as a short term treatment for insomnia. It belongs to the class of medicines known as benzodiazepines. From time to time, everyone experiences trouble sleeping. If you think that you are not getting enough sleep or cannot get sleep that is satisfying, it is possible that you have insomnia. Restoril has only been approved for short term insomnia treatments and it should not be used for sleeplessness for any longer than 10 days.
Brand Name: Restoril | Generic Name: Temazepam | Drug Category: Sleep Aids medications
Restoril - an overview
Restoril is a medication that your doctor may prescribe to help you sleep. Generally, it should only be taken for the short term and should not be used for more than 10 days.
The maker
Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals Group is the maker of Restoril. The generic forms of this medicine are made by many different companies.
How it works
Restoril is part of the family of medicines called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines can have many different effects on people that include:
- Causing troubles with short term memory
- Relaxing muscles
- Causing drowsiness
- Reducing anxiety
- Treating seizures
Any kind of benzodiazepine medicine has the potential to have these effects on people, but it will depend on what dosage of which medicine you're taking. They work with the brain chemicals called gamma-aminobutyric acid and help to increase their effects. GABA slows and even stops specific nerve signals within the brain. Because of this, Restoril and other kinds of benzodiazepines are considered to be mild tranquilizers, CNS depressants or sedatives.
Doses to treat sleeplessness
When Restoril is used to treat sleeplessness, the most commonly recommended dosage is 15 mg, taken just before bed. For those that are elderly or have other medical issues, it is recommended that the dosage be lowered to 7.5, taken just before bed.
You should keep in mind that this medication is only meant to be taken for the short term. Taking this medication for any longer can be thought to be using the medication incorrectly.
Secondary effects
As can happen with any medicines, it is possible to experience secondary effects while taking Restoril. Not everyone taking this medicine will suffer from secondary effects. Most people do well while taking this medicine. If you do notice side effect, they are usually mild and do not need to be treated. Other more serious secondary effects are not as common.
Some of the more common secondary effects might include:
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Lethargy
- Feeling of a Hangover
