Doctors and detox facilities are apt to miss the mark on Restoril withdrawal as the DEA only informs them that Restoril presents “a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence.”6
However, inspecting further we find that Restoril withdrawal (generic temazepam) can present complications far worse than coming off heroin, and needs to be done slowly and gradually.7
Do Your Symptoms
Require Restoril?
Alternative to Meds has been the expert on benzodiazepine withdrawal for over 17 years. We have published evidence regarding our success. In addition to slow and gradual withdrawal techniques, we use naturopathic treatments and strategies to remove neurotoxic accumulations. This ensures long-term relief after completing the withdrawal. A neurotoxic condition contributes to an unbearable super-stimulated condition, especially after benzo use. We observe that cleaning up that toxic burden allows for the natural balance to return and symptoms and lingering adverse effects will diminish more quickly. This will assist with temazepam withdrawal and withdrawal in general from any drug. There are many healing therapies that ease the process. As each person is unique, programming is individualized for our clients’ best outcomes.
Very likely, you already know the horrors of this drug. Trying to live life on Benzos can be a mess. After repeated disasters and mountains of evidence proving that most people cannot endure rapid detox, detox facilities, and insurance companies still seem under-informed about gentle benzodiazepine withdrawal. Please watch the videos you see here or call us to get hope for your situation.
Restoril belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs, which are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the US.
Currently, there are over 60 benzodiazepines currently on the market. Tolerance can develop quickly, leading to debilitating Restoril withdrawals. Before deciding to withdraw from Restoril or any benzodiazepine we suggest learning as much as possible about what to expect concerning any health issues or risks that may arise.
The information given here may help to learn more about common Restoril adverse effects, safe Restoril withdrawal, and how to support wellness in recovery.
15 Years Experience by Professionals Who Understand Your Journey.
Restoril withdrawal symptoms may not occur when the drug is only taken for a night or two. However, the longer the drug is used, the more likely it is that Restoril withdrawal symptoms will occur on cessation. In this regard, a large review of the literature on benzodiazepine withdrawal published in the American Journal of Alcohol and Drug Abuse compared the profile of symptoms to that of coming off alcohol, or barbiturate drugs in the severity and range of effects.17
Common Restoril withdrawal symptoms:
Seizures*2
Rebound insomnia4
Anxiety, tension11
Fatigue, sedation13
Depression, sadness11
Suicide, suicidal thoughts2,16
Morning sleep hangover14
Muscle cramps, spasms15
Psychosis, hallucinations10
Altered perceptions, panic attacks, hand tremors15
Mood disturbances13
Nausea, dry-retching11,15
Sleep disturbances, nightmares12
Cognitive, attentional dysfunction8
Psychomotor dysfunction8
Impaired memory11
Muscle pain and stiffness15
*Seizures are possible during withdrawal from temazepam according to the FDA, advising collaborating with a doctor before attempting temazepam withdrawal.
Restoril Common Side Effects
One of the most concerning adverse effects of sleeping medications, including Restoril, is that a person may do things while asleep for which they have no recall.2
This can include sleep-driving, sleep-cooking, sleep-shopping, or other activities that one cannot remember doing the next morning. This may not happen to everyone, but a cautious and prudent approach would entail having someone monitor overnight activity to avoid accidents or injuries to themselves or others.
The sedation that benzodiazepines cause can be profound.
The drug label itself clearly states the risks that drug-induced sedation causes. Of notable significance, the drug trials done on temazepam lasted either 24 hours or over a period of 2 weeks in total. The FDA-recommended time frame for a prescription was decided at 7-10 days at maximum.18
Safety Tip: Don’t Shortcut the Sleep Window
Another tip is never to take Restoril before sleeping when the sleep window is not sufficient, for example, seven to eight hours. If one takes Restoril but only intends to sleep five hours, there may be considerable difficulties upon awakening, as the drug will still be active in the system and the person will still be subject to sleepwalking, cognitive impairment, or unusual thoughts and behaviors.
Therefore, one certainly should never drive or operate machinery in such circumstances.
Reactions to Restoril can vary from person to person. The period of time that a person should take the drug is limited to a week or so. In any case, however, a person should be monitored to ensure no health risks occur over the period of time that Restoril is taken.
Other commonly reported adverse effects as noted on the drug insert 2 include:
A feeling of euphoria
Headache
Blurring of vision
Vertigo or dizzy feeling
Feeling drowsy during normal waking hours
Numbness or tingling skin
Nausea
Vomiting
Feeling irritable
Increased anxiety
Nervousness
Stomach pain or discomfort
Clay-colored stools
Amnesia
Weakness
Dry mouth, increased thirst
Some severe reactions can occur. Immediate medical intervention can mitigate a life-threatening situation.
More severe adverse reactions to Restoril from drug insert 2 include:
Unusually shallow breathing, difficulty breathing
Tachycardia, fast heartbeat, pounding heart, irregular heartbeats
Slurring of speech
Behavior that seems strange or unusual
Thoughts that seem unusual or disturbing
Suicidal thoughts
Thinking about self-harm
Akathisia (restlessness that becomes intolerable)
Repetitive movements of muscles, tongue, jaw, neck, eyes, etc.
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Flu-like symptoms — fever, headache, body aches. general malaise
Dark or painful urination
Aggressive behaviors
Allergic reactions include fever, chills, unconsciousness, raised welts, and crusting or weeping sores on the skin, in the mouth, or in other mucous membranes.
Signs of Jaundice, yellowing skin, or whites of the eyes.*
*May signal the need for medical attention without delay according to Merck’s Consumer Manual.
Generally, a person who opts for a sleeping aid such as Restoril will likely already be in a sleep-deprived state, and this can cause accident-proneness, drowsiness, and errors in judgment or spatial perception. Take care not to ask too much of yourself work-wise or even socially, until the sleep debt is more in control and the mind is refreshed and ready to take on more difficult cognitive tasks requiring alertness.
A word of caution — if you mix Restoril or any benzodiazepine drug and alcohol, opiates, or any other substance which suppresses the CNS, the results can be fatal. Avoid this practice at all costs.
In 2011, the DEA reported an astounding 300,000 emergency hospital visits linked to benzodiazepines such as Restoril. Be responsible and vigilant in your use of any sleep medication for the sake of your safety and the safety of others.1
Never abruptly stop taking a benzodiazepine such as Restoril. Abrupt Restoril withdrawal can be a resounding shock to the body and central nervous system and may result in seizures and death. Never suddenly stop Restoril or other benzodiazepines.
Speak to your doctor first so that together, you can plan a workable strategy to ensure your safety and comfort. The best way is to plan well ahead so that the effects of cognitive impairment do not cloud your ability to navigate through this period correctly.
Here are some additional points frequently asked about taking Restoril, Restoril withdrawal, and other topics important to your health and safety concerning taking a prescription drug for sleep issues.
How Does Restoril Work?
Restoril is a benzodiazepine. How this class of drugs works is not completely known. However, the consensus is that the drug acts upon a certain type of neurotransmitter and receptor called GABA. GABA is an inhibitory transmitter. It is a CNS depressant.
When GABA is present, it has the characteristic of slowing down the CNS and calming the various systems in the body, including brain activity, heart rate, breathing rate, etc. Restoril allows more GABA to be active and enhances these effects more than usual.
This is why one should never mix alcohol or opiates or other tranquilizers, as the additive effects can slow the CNS down to a point where a person may stop breathing, the heart may stop beating, and coma or death may result.
What’s the Difference between Restoril and Xanax?
There are similarities and differences between Restoril and Xanax.
Both of these drugs are benzodiazepines.
Both cause euphoric effects.
Both are Schedule IV drugs, meaning they are prone to abuse and dependence.
Xanax taken in a .5mg dose is approximately equal to a 15mg dose of Restoril.
Xanax is sometimes taken a few times over a day. It is a shorter-acting drug, and the effects wear off more quickly. Xanax is effective at reducing anxiety and tends to do so without also causing severe drowsiness, though it may cause a degree of drowsiness. Restoril is ONLY taken just before bed at your regular bedtime as it has a profound, some say heavy-handed tranquilizing effect.
Sudden cessation is dangerous for both drugs.
Both drugs should only be taken only for a short duration — While the FDA has published no specific time limits for Xanax beyond “for short-term use,” in the case of Restoril, FDA recommendations limit its use to 7 to 10 days maximum.
Both drugs have a history of being used as date-rape drugs, typically mixed into an alcoholic drink, used to knock out the memory and resistance of the unfortunate victim.
Xanax and Restoril are both subject to profound sedation, coma, and death if mixed with other CNS depressants such as alcohol or opioids.
Dosage Differences:
Xanax taken in a 5mg dose is approximately equivalent to a 15mg dose of Restoril.
Purpose of Use:
Xanax is approved for treating anxiety and panic attacks. Restoril is ONLY taken just before bed at your regular bedtime as it has a profound, some say heavy-handed tranquilizing effect.
Half-life:
Xanax has a half-life ranging from 6 to 26 hours, with a mean of 11.2 hours. Restoril’s half-life ranges from 3.5 to 18.4 hours, with a mean of 8.8 hours.5
Can You Overdose on Restoril?
Yes. Restoril is a drug that has a depressive effect on the central nervous system. If too much of the drug is taken, or if it is mixed with other CNS depressants, the overdose could result in a coma or death.2
How Addictive is Restoril?
Benzodiazepines like Restoril are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the US, and around the world. Unfortunately, the drug can cause acquired dependence beyond a few weeks.18 Try to arrange careful monitoring to help you navigate through the process when it comes time to stop taking the medication.
Benzodiazepine withdrawal can debilitate one, and tolerating the reactions can be nearly impossible without a well-planned cessation strategy. Also, arrange adequate support before starting the process. Coming off Restoril can be eased significantly by doing it in a slow and gradual manner. and having resources to hand for support.
Abruptly coming off Restoril or any similar drug is not recommended, as the results of a poorly executed cessation can be deadly. Especially concerning would be the possible rebound insomnia effect. Withdrawal effects such as rebound insomnia can linger for months and even years.
Holistic Treatment for Restoril Abuse and Acquired Dependence
When a person reduces benzodiazepines without help, complications can stretch the process out much longer than necessary. Without a proper strategy, Restoril withdrawals can cause excruciating reactions, that may last a long time.5
At Alternative to Meds Center, we work with each individual, taking into account their history and unique needs, designing a program that will end the pain and suffering of the after-effects of drugs such as Restoril. Likely if Restoril was taken, there was a sleep issue. And, just as likely, no investigative work was done to find the correct cause for it before prescribing a sleep aid. As a result, some persons may have been prescribed far longer than the recommended 7 to 10 days.4
Notably, some reports of suffering from insomnia, are correlated to having a toxic heavy metal burden of mercury and it is possible that mercury debilitates the serotonin-melatonin conversion.3
Restoril Withdrawal Treatment at Alternative to Meds Center
At Alternative to Meds Center, we do the necessary detective work using proper testing methods to find the reasons behind symptoms and program the corrections that need to take place. This can include treatments to normalize neurochemistry, such as the removal of heavy metals or other neurotoxins which may have been interfering with sleep or causing other unwanted symptoms.
Many of our clients have suffered for many years and their lingering withdrawals caused significant malaise and terribly debilitating effects, before finding relief at Alternative to Meds Center.5
Our goal is to provide a pathway, in a reasonable time period, back to sustainable natural mental health, and that includes correcting sleep issues without the use of drugs. Please contact us for more information concerning the possible benefits you could experience from our holistic Restoril withdrawal program for full recovery of mental wellness without further reliance on medications.
This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.
Dr. Michael Loes, M.D.
Dr. Michael Loes is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pain Management and Addiction Medicine. He holds a dual license in Homeopathic and Integrative Medicine. He obtained his medical doctorate at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 1978. Dr. Loes performed an externship at the National Institute of Health for Psychopharmacology. Additionally, he is a well-published author including Arthritis: The Doctor’s Cure, The Aspirin Alternative, The Healing Response, and Spirit Driven Health: The Psalmist’s Guide for Recovery. He has been awarded the Minnesota Medical Foundation’s “Excellence in Research” Award.
Diane is an avid supporter and researcher of natural mental health strategies. Diane received her medical writing and science communication certification through Stanford University and has published over 3 million words on the topics of holistic health, addiction, recovery, and alternative medicine. She has proudly worked with the Alternative to Meds Center since its inception and is grateful for the opportunity to help the founding members develop this world-class center that has helped so many thousands regain natural mental health.
Medical Disclaimer: Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.
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