Signs Symptoms and Side Effects of Restoril Abuse

Restoril is a prescription sleep aid. Since it’s a benzodiazepine, Restoril (temazepam) should only be used for short-term insomnia treatment. It’s recommended Restoril be prescribed for no more than 7-10 days. Like other benzos, Restoril has a misuse and dependence potential. Restoril affects a specific neurotransmitter in the brain called GABA. GABA plays the role of calming neural activity. Restoril increases the effectiveness of GABA, providing for a calmer, more relaxed and tranquilizing effect on people who take it. Since Restoril affects brain chemistry, some people may experience pleasurable effects like mild euphoria or deep relaxation, creating a risk of misuse and addiction.

At first, it can be challenging to make the distinction between Restoril use and misuse if someone is prescribed this medication. Restoril is a central nervous system depressant. Signs someone is on Restoril or a similar benzodiazepine can include appearing drowsy or confused, slurred speech, walking and coordination problems and slow reaction times. Even if someone takes Restoril as prescribed, these effects can occur. Prescription drug abuse has other signs, primarily behavioral and lifestyle-related, that can start to occur. Signs of Restoril abuse may include:

• Using Restoril in a way not intended, such as recreationally to feel relaxed
• Snorting or injecting ground-up pills to feel high
• Stealing or forging prescriptions
• Taking higher doses of Restoril than prescribed
• Taking Restoril more often than prescribed
• Using Restoril for longer than prescribed
• Changes in mood or behavior
• Problems with decision-making
• Sleep changes
• Losing prescriptions
• Doctor shopping to get multiple prescriptions
• Creating symptoms to get more prescriptions
• Mixing Restoril with another substance, such as alcohol or opioids

There are some ways to prevent Restoril abuse. Patients should ensure they let their doctor know about any history they may have with substance misuse, and they should be clear and specific about their symptoms. It’s important for patients that are prescribed potentially addictive medications to regularly check in with their doctor and follow instructions very carefully. Before taking a prescription, patients should be aware of any effects or possible side effects and what other substances to avoid. People should never use another person’s prescription.

Abuse and addiction aren’t the same, but abuse can lead to addiction. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing brain disease. When someone is addicted to a substance like Restoril, repeated exposure can lead to changes in the brain. Those brain changes cause someone to compulsively seek out and use Restoril, even if they don’t feel like they want to. Signs of Restoril addiction include:

• A person can’t stop using Restoril even if they try
• Use is out of control
• Physical dependence
• Continuing to use Restoril even when there are negative consequences
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Trying to hide Restoril usage
• Decline in performance at school or work
• Neglecting other interests or responsibilities
• Unnecessary risk-taking either to obtain more Restoril or while under the influence
• Fixation on the substance and how to get more
• Becoming secretive or dishonest
• Being in denial

When someone is addicted to Restoril and it goes untreated, the symptoms can start to affect every area of their life. People who struggle with prescription drug addiction may experience the following symptoms:

• Financial and legal problems
• Job loss
• Destroyed relationships with partners, friends and family
• Declining mental and psychological health
• Problems with physical health
• Memory problems
• Development of other drug misuse problems
• Cognitive deterioration
• Dulled emotions
• Increased risk of being in an accident or injuring oneself
• Increased risk of overdose

For anyone who is personally experiencing the signs, symptoms and side effects above or who has a loved one who may be, there are options available. Addiction requires effective treatment. Contact The Recovery Village to learn more about treatment options.