Can You Get Addicted to Restoril?
Restoril (Temazepam) is a brand name benzodiazepine medication that is commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia. The medication is a central nervous system depressant that is typically prescribed for short-term use due to its potential for abuse and addiction. While this prescription drug is safe when taken in compliance with a doctor’s orders, it is possible to get addicted to Restoril. Once users develop a tolerance and Restoril addiction forms, individuals may need professional drug treatment.
What is Restoril?
When Restoril hit the market in the late 1960s, it rapidly became the most popular sleeping pill in the United States. While other options, such as Ambien and Lunesta, are available via prescription today, Restoril is still popular. It is most commonly prescribed to treat insomnia and sleep disorders, however, it is also used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms, and seizure disorders such as epilepsy.
Temazepam, the generic formulation of Restoril, is a benzodiazepine-hypnotic that acts on the production of GABA in the brain to produce a calming effect. It works by helping people fall asleep faster, remain asleep longer, and reduce the number of times they wake up during the night.
Restoril is a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its risk potential for abuse and addiction, which is why you can only obtain it legally from a doctor. At the same time, the medication is only meant to be taken for short treatment periods of 1 to 2 weeks or less. If someone’s condition persists, they should seek alternative treatment.[1] Using temazepam for longer than two weeks can cause people to develop a tolerance and physical dependence on the benzodiazepine drug.
The Effects of Restoril Abuse
When people think of drug use, they often think of illicit drugs like meth, or heroin, or prescription opiates and painkillers. However, Restoril is one of the most commonly misused prescription drugs in the United States. People who have a personal or daily history of addiction should avoid using Restoril or take it with extreme caution.
Benzodiazepines like Restoril have muscle relaxing and anti-anxiety properties. As such, people who abuse it may experience feelings similar to those of alcohol intoxication. Common side effects of Restoril abuse include:[2]
- Drowsiness
- Lethargy
- Cognitive and memory impairment
- Slowed reaction times
- Reduced motor function
- Slurred speech
- Relaxation
If someone takes Restoril in higher doses than prescribed, more frequently than prescribed, or illegally, they are abusing the drug and may get addicted to it. Furthermore, while most other benzodiazepines are abused by people crushing and snorting them or swallowing the pills, Restoril is associated with high rates of injection and intravenous use. IV drug use increases the risk potential for addiction as well as Restoril overdose and other health concerns.
Many individuals who are addicted to Restoril will mix it with other substances such as opioids, alcohol, or cocaine. Unfortunately, polysubstance abuse is extremely dangerous and increases the risk of overdose and other medical complications. Long term abuse of the drug may also perpetuate symptoms of mental illness.
Since many other benzodiazepines are available on the market, it may be difficult to find a physician who will prescribe this drug. Since the number of Restoril prescriptions is low, there is a high value for this drug on the black market and out of Mexico.
Understanding Restoril Addiction
Someone who abuses Restoril has a higher chance of becoming addicted to it. The drug has strong psychoactive effects on the brain that are similar to those produced by other benzodiazepines. For example, Restoril increases levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain – a neurotransmitter responsible for calming and relaxing effects.[3] This sedative-like effect is what makes Restoril so addictive.
After long-term abuse, altered levels of GABA in the brain will cause users to compulsively seek out and use the substance. They will also need to start using increasing doses of the substance to feel the same effects. Once this has occurred, it’s likely that the person has become addicted to Restoril. People suffering from Restoril addiction may also be dependent on the substance, so they will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drug abruptly.
Restoril withdrawal will generally last between 72 hours and one week after a person stops using the drug. These withdrawal symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Muscle cramps
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Sweating
- Abdominal pain
- Insomnia
- Drug cravings
- Seizures
Someone struggling with an addiction to Restoril or other benzodiazepines may show signs and symptoms similar to those of alcoholics. For example, users may experience short-term memory loss, an inability to focus, and decreased inhibitions on a regular basis. They may also show other classic signs of addiction, such as:
- Lying to friends and family about substance use
- Obtaining Restoril illegally
- Having difficulties at work, school, or home
- Isolating from friends and family
- Neglecting responsibilities
- Mood, behavioral, and physical changes
- Experiencing strong drug cravings and urges to use Restoril
Fortunately, treatment for Restoril addiction is highly effective when patients are dedicated to their recovery.
Find Treatment for Restoril Addiction Today
While Restoril is safe and effective for some people when taken properly, others can get addicted to it. Abusing temazepam is dangerous and can be deadly if you take too much or mix it with other substances. If you or someone you know is struggling with Restoril addiction, we’re here to help. With a variety of treatment programs to choose from, you can find the one that meets your needs and helps you recover from substance abuse. Contact one of our dedicated treatment providers today to get help choosing the right rehab.
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