Restoril Addiction and Abuse
When someone is prescribed Restoril, they should take it exactly as instructed by their doctor. Restoril does have the risk of serious side effects. It also is potentially habit-forming and can lead to tolerance and dependence. All benzodiazepines are only intended for short-term use because of these risks. The longer a person uses a benzo like Restoril, the more likely they are to develop an addiction or dependence.
Restoril has been on the market since the late 1960s, and for decades, it was the most popular sleeping pill in the U.S. Now there are other available options such as Lunesta and Ambien, but Restoril is still prescribed. Restoril is in the top 20 of the most misused drugs in the U.S. Along with risks of Restoril abuse and addiction, people can develop a tolerance to this drug within three days. This means that after a very short time of taking it, they may need higher doses to get the same effects.
Even though temazepam is classified as Schedule IV, most medical professionals do agree it has a high potential for misuse. The most addictive benzodiazepines tend to be ones with a fast onset of action. The Restoril onset of action is relatively rapid, increasing its misuse potential. Temazepam has also been shown to have higher rates of self-injection as compared to other benzodiazepines. Due to the misuse potential and the availability of other benzodiazepines, temazepam isn’t commonly prescribed for insomnia. It’s only the fifth most prescribed drug in this class. Because of its limited prescribing, however, there is significant value for temazepam on the black market.
While this effect on GABA does have benefits, anytime a drug alters the brain, there’s a risk of addiction. When someone becomes addicted to Restoril, their brain is compulsively driving them to continue using it. Prescription drug addiction is a very serious problem in the U.S. and can be as damaging and difficult to overcome as an addiction to illicit drugs. People addicted to Restoril may also be dependent on the drug. Drug dependence means withdrawal symptoms will be triggered if someone tries to stop using it suddenly.
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