Restoril™ (Temazepam) is used to treat insomnia, which is also known as sleep difficulty. However, some adverse events can also result from its usage. This article will provide detailed information about the common side effects of Temazepam, the circumstances Restoril side effects may occur, and possible solutions.
Table Of Contents:
Major Restoril Side Effects
When used appropriately to treat insomnia, Temazepam is well tolerated by most individuals. However, some severe adverse reactions can result during use. If one experience any of the symptoms of Restoril side effects listed here, promptly call the doctor for checkup.
The manifestations of these severe adverse events may include:
- Shallow breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Fast heartbeat
- Out of character behavior
- Suicide thoughts
- Thoughts of hurting self or other people
- Unwilling muscle movements
- Unexplainable bruises
- Flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills
- Urine or stool of unusual color
- Chest pain
- Seizures
- Loss of appetite
- Mood changes
- Memory loss
- Nightmares
- Tolerance
- Addiction
These severe adverse reactions of Temazepam may occur in circumstances of hypersensitivity (allergic reaction) to any of its ingredients or Restoril interactions with other medications one may be taking along with it. To avoid the emergence of any Restoril adverse events, patients need to provide their doctor with information about medication history before taking this drug. Inform a doctor about any drugs (especially opioid drugs and antidepressants), herbal products, alcohol, or pre-existing health conditions, as all these can precipitate severe adverse reactions of Temazepam.
Minor Side Effects of Restoril
Temazepam may also cause some mild and transient adverse reactions in about 1% of patients who use it. Call the doctor if any of these adverse events become severe or overly prolonged during therapy.
These Milder Restoril Side Effects May Include:
- Hangover event (grogginess the day after taking this drug)
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Coordination issues
- Irritability
- Stomach problems
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
Although the above-mentioned reactions events, such as drowsiness, may be minor, patients still need to report them to your doctor during the course of your therapy.
Restoril Overdose
An overdose may result in using this drug when used against its dosage instructions or used in combination with other depressant drugs such as alcohol or opioid drugs like codeine, fentanyl, methadone, etc., or with stimulant drugs like amphetamine (Adderall) and Methylphenidate (Ritalin). [1]
Temazepam overdose is dangerous, as Temazepam side effects of long-term use and overdose are considerably more likely than diazepam to result in fatal outcomes like depression. [2] This medication also accounted for 65% of all deaths caused by an overdose of a benzodiazepine drug.[3]
Thus, to prevent Restoril overdose, make sure to follow the correct instructions for its use and listen to warnings given by the medical personnel.
Restoril Overdose Symptoms
This drug is a central nervous system depressant. As such, Restoril overdose can prompt an exaggeration of its normal action on brain function and other physical activities, thus resulting in deleterious outcomes.
In Case of an Overdose, One May Experience Symptoms Like:
- Shallow breathing
- Slowed heartbeat
- Intense drowsiness
- Confusion
- Slurred speech
- Tremor
- Muscle weakness
- Seizure
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
In case of Restoril overdose, immediately present at an emergency unit for medical intervention. The caregivers should be alerted if one can not seek treatment personally. Treatment of an overdose is often done by first inducing emesis, mechanically or with drugs if the patient is conscious. Gastric lavage is done with cuffed endotracheal tubes to prevent pulmonary complications in unconscious patients. Specific benzodiazepine antagonists such as Flumazenil are indicated for the complete or partial reversal of the sedative reaction, while pressor agents can be used to control the hypotension caused by the overdose.
Doctors should also give warnings to patients to avoid overdose.
Use in Pregnancy and Nursing Mothers
Temazepam belongs to the “Class X” pregnancy category of drugs and is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. [4] Thus, enlightening women about Temazepam and pregnancy is crucial. It has also been associated with congenital disabilities and/or withdrawal symptoms in newborns of women who had used the drug while pregnant. The safety of this medication has not been established in breastfeeding women. [5] Therefore, care should be taken with the use of Temazepam to treat insomnia during pregnancy. Caretakers should give warnings about Restoril side effects such as age specification for use and the consequences of Temazepam use during pregnancy.
Allergic Reactions to Restoril
Sometimes, an allergic reaction may occur while taking Temazepam. This Restoril side effect can be triggered in case of hypersensitivity to benzodiazepine drugs or any of their constituents. If and when one notices symptoms like hives, body parts swelling, or breathing problems, stop taking the drug and reach out for medical help immediately.
Precautions for Use
This medication is a controlled drug; hence there might be a limit to how much of the medication refill one can get. In addition, note Temazepam unwanted reactions, which include drowsiness, and make sure a patient do not abuse or overdose on it. Also, it is important to keep a written list of all medications and supplements one is using and discuss them with a doctor before starting Restoril.
Women who are pregnant or within childbearing ages should discuss with their health experts about Temazepam and pregnancy. Ensure to follow the instruction for usage as given by the doctor or pharmacist. Temazepam should be taken only at bedtime, so do not take it when one is not ready to sleep or won’t stay in bed for 7-8 hours. Also, ensure wakefulness before getting out of bed, especially if one wakes up during the night. And, in any case, report any untoward reactions early.
To treat insomnia safely with Temazepam; listen to caregiver’s information and warnings.
Page Sources
- MedlinePlus (2021). Temazepam. Drugs, herbs, and supplements. [Online]. Accessed 4/8/21. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684003.html#side-effects
- Geulayov G, Ferrey A, Casey D, Wells C, Fuller A, Bankhead C, et al. (2018). Relative toxicity of benzodiazepines and hypnotics commonly used for self-poisoning: An epidemiological study of fatal toxicity and case fatality. J Psychopharmacol. Jun;32(6):654-662. doi:10.1177/0269881118754734
- Aronson J.k. (2016). Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs: The International Encyclopedia of Adverse Drug Reactions and Interactions Reference Work. 16 edition
- DailyMed (2021). Label: Restoril: Temazepam Capsule. Accessed: 4/8/21 https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=bc56f7fd-1aaf-48ff-8aa7-d467e59e1015
- FDA (2016). Temazepam. Drugs at FDA. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/018163s064lbl.pdf
- FDA (2019). Sleep Disorder (Sedative-Hypnotic) Drug information. Accessed 4/8/21 https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/sleep-disorder-sedative-hypnotic-drug-information
