Mixing Restoril and Alcohol

Restoril Interactions

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When a physician is considering prescribing a patient a new medication, it’s very important for the patient to discuss any and all substances they take or use regularly. Certain drug interactions can be dangerous or deadly. Restoril (temazepam) is a prescription benzodiazepine sleep aid. It’s a short-term treatment. Using it for more than around ten days can increase the likelihood of misuse or addiction. There are also potential drug interactions to be aware of with Restoril.

One of the biggest Restoril interactions to be aware of is the combination of this medication with opioid pain relievers like hydrocodone or oxycodone. The risks of mixing benzodiazepines and opioids are so significant that there are black box warnings issued on these medications. Restoril also shouldn’t be combined with other benzodiazepines like Xanax or Zoloft, or other sleep aids like Lunesta. It’s not just prescription medications that can have adverse interactions with Restoril. Patients should let their doctor know about any supplements or vitamins they take, as well as over-the-counter medications.

Mixing Restoril and Alcohol

Alcohol is a commonly used substance. If it’s used in moderation, it’s not necessarily harmful, but there are risks if someone drinks heavily or combines alcohol with other substances, including Restoril. There are different reasons people might mix Restoril and alcohol, but one of the biggest is for recreational purposes. People often combine alcohol and sedatives for more relaxation, to feel euphoric or to sedate themselves. Unfortunately, mixing Restoril and alcohol can be dangerous.

Both Restoril and alcohol affect GABA, which is a neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA plays a role in calming brain activity, and both Restoril and alcohol depress the central nervous system. When someone takes two substances that have similar effects, it heightens these effects. For example, Restoril side effects can include drowsiness, coordination, memory impairment, slurred speech and short-term memory loss. When it’s combined with alcohol, the risk of these effects is higher and can be more pronounced. Someone who mixes alcohol and Restoril may seem extremely intoxicated. Mixing alcohol and Restoril can impair judgment and increase accidents and falls. Someone who combines alcohol and Restoril may experience a lack of balance, blurred vision, changes in mood, nausea and vomiting, and confusion.

These side effects are mild compared to the bigger risks of mixing Restoril and alcohol. Since both Restoril and alcohol depress the central nervous system, they can cause breathing problems or an overdose. People rarely overdose on benzodiazepines alone. Instead, they often overdose when they combine benzos with other central nervous system depressants like alcohol or opioids. The CNS depression can be so significant that a person has trouble breathing or stops breathing altogether.

Polysubstance Abuse

Another risk of mixing Restoril and alcohol is polysubstance abuse and addiction. Polysubstance addiction occurs when someone is addicted to multiple substances, such as Restoril and alcohol. Polysubstance addiction requires more in-depth treatment and can require a longer period of detox. Anytime someone is misusing multiple substances, they are at risk of developing an addiction to these substances.

Finally, mixing Restoril and alcohol can cause new or worsening psychological symptoms. For example, people who misuse either Restoril or alcohol are more likely to suffer from conditions, like depression or anxiety. If they’re mixing the two, this risk is higher. People who use multiple depressants may also be more likely to suffer severe psychological symptoms like suicidal thoughts or tendencies, hallucinations or psychosis.

For someone struggling with Restoril, alcohol or any other substance, The Recovery Village is available to talk. Our team of intake and addiction specialists can just answer questions you might have, even if you or your loved isn’t ready for treatment.