Restoril (Temazepam) - Restoril Side Effects, Restoril Dosage
Restoril is a sedative-hypnotic (sleep) medicine. It comes in a form of a capsule. Its generic name is Temazepam, which belongs to a family of drugs called benzodiazepine. It is a short-term treatment for insomnia.
Restoril Primary Uses:
This drug is formulated as a short-term treatment for insomnia. It is usually used for 7 to 10 days only. It helps one fall asleep and allows the patient to have an uninterrupted sleep.
Other Uses For Restoril
It has been stated that this drug has other functions aside from being a sedative. It has, however not been made clear what those other uses are. For more information regarding other uses, ask your doctor or healthcare professional.
Restoril Side Effects:
Restoril is effective for insomnia. However, it can also cause side effects to the patient. The side effect though depends on the condition of the patient. Some do not experience any side effects at all. There are those who have minor symptoms, while there are others who suffer from more serious symptoms. The common Restoril Side Effects are:
Minor Restoril Side Effects
- Numbness, burning, pain, or tingly feeling
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach discomfort
- Dry mouth, increased thirst
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Depression
- Daytime drowsiness
- Muscle weakness
- Lack of balance
- Forgetfulness
- Headache
Major Restoril Side Effects
- Body aches, fever, chill, and other flu symptoms
- Stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea
- Urination problem, dark urine
- Pale skin or jaundice
- Muscle weakness
- Suicidal thoughts
- Slurred speech
- Agitation
- Confusion and hallucination
- Fast heartbeats
- Weak breathing
- Restless muscle movements
Do not delay treatment if you experience any of these symptoms, especially those that are considered severe. Seek immediate medical advice and treatment.
Withdrawal Symptoms
Getting used to the drug could lead to a degree of dependency. And what usually happens when you abruptly discontinue the use of this drug is a condition called withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms could be likely overcome. But it is best if you seek medical advice.
How To Take Restoril:
Take one capsule a day, or as prescribed by your doctor. It is very important that you should not exceed more than what is prescribed to you. Always follow the instructions on the label. Take this drug right before you go to sleep. Do not take it earlier, especially if you are not ready for long hours of sleep. Take this drug for a short period of time only, 7 to 10 days. If it does not work within that duration, stop taking it then talk to your doctor about it. This drug comes in different dosage. The usual Restoril dosage given to adult is 15mg. Some patients, especially the elderly, are advised to take the lower dosage, which is 7.5mg. Other patients may need 30mg. Follow the right Restoril dosage as prescribed by your doctor.
What to Avoid When Taking Restoril:
Athough this drug has been proven to be effective for insomnia; it has also its limits, its own set of rules. The following medicines are said to be unhealthy to the patient if they interact with Restoril.
- fluvoxamine (Luvox)
- ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- nefazodone (Serzone)
- itraconazole (Sporanox)
If you have any of the conditions stated below, do not take the drug, or if the drug is highly needed, take extra precaution. Consult your doctor first:
- Bronchitis
- Emphysema
- Asthma
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
- other breathing problems
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts and behavior
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Glaucoma
- Myasthenia gravis
You should seek medical advice regarding the interaction of these drugs and conditions with Restoril.
Warnings:
Avoid using this drug if you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant. This drug may harm the fetus or cause birth defects. It is said that some of the properties of this drug get excreted in the human milk. It has not been proven though if it is harmful to the child. But it is better if you won't take this drug if you are breastfeeding. This drug has not been proven safe and effective for children. Do not use this as treatment for children below 18 years of age. This drug is however allowed for geriatric use. But since the elderly has slow response to the drug, they are recommended to take smaller dosage like 7.5mg. They should also be closely monitored when they are on the drug. Do not abuse the use of this drug. Only take what as prescribed to you.
Restoril Overdose And Remedy:If you exceed you prescribed dose, more than what is prescribed by your doctor, there is a great risk that you will experience drug overdose. Follow the proper Restoril dosage. Over dosage could sometimes just be mild, which often go away on its own. But it could also be something severe, and worse, fatal. The common symptoms are: muscle weakness, extreme drowsiness, slurred speech, slow heartbeat, low breathing, fainting, light-headedness, convulsions, black-out, confusion, tremors, and seizures. In severe cases, the overdose could lead to coma. Consult your doctor if you experience drug overdose.
Remember that this drug is just a short-term treatment. So do not exceed the duration and dosage given to avoid overdose, drug abuse and addiction, and other serious health issues. Use this drug according to its purpose. Carefully read the indications and contraindications. Before and during taking this drug, occasionally talk to your doctor.
