Restoril Information (Temazepam)
Restoril is the brand name for temazepam a hypnotic (sleeping pill) of the benzodiazepine class of psychoactive drugs (altering perception, mood, consciousness, or behaviour). Restoril, available by prescription only, is used primarily for the short-term treatment of insomnia, generally 7 to 10 days, because of its high potential for abuse. It should not be used for more than seven to ten days. The body can develop a tolerance to it in a short time and physical dependence may occur.
People who have a history of substance abuse are at higher risk of developing a dependency on temazepam.
It should not be taken by pregnant or nursing women. It is a habit-forming drug and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for, misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death.
Restoril Street Names & Appearance
Restoril (temazepam) has street names such as king kong pills, jellies, jelly, Edinburgh eccies, tams, terms, mazzies, temazies, tammies, temmies, beans, eggs, green eggs, wobbly eggs, knockouts, hardball, rugby balls, ruggers, terminators, red and blue, no-gos, num nums, blackout, green devils, drunk pills, brainwash, mind erasers, neurotrashers, mommy’s big helper, vitamin T, big T, TZ, Resties, and others.
In large doses, Restoril can cause feelings of intoxication, extreme drowsiness, or stupor. Recreational users who take more than the prescribed dose or who take the drug inappropriately are exposing themselves to serious short-term and long-term health hazards.
Short-term Side Effects
- Drowsiness while awake
- Feeling numb, tingling, pain or burning
- Nervousness, anxiety, or irritability
- Excessive sedation
- Sleeping problems
- Confusion
- Poor motor coordination
- Tremors
- Changes in heart rate (either too fast or too slow)
- Breathing problems
- Memory loss
- Difficulty sleeping
- Muscle cramps
- Loss of balance
- Loss of consciousness
For those who are abusing temazepam and stop abruptly, withdrawal can occur, which may result in some adverse health effects, such as:
- Abdominal cramps
- Anxiety
- Flushed skin
- Nausea
- Tremors
- Vomiting
Withdrawal from Restoril
Withdrawal can be difficult to attempt alone and may need medical attention. Weaning a person slowly from the drug by slowly tapering the dose may be necessary to avoid extreme symptoms. If so, a person should be monitored medically to ensure health and safety.
Withdrawal symptoms have been observed when the medication was stopped suddenly after regular use for as little as 2 to 3 weeks.
Symptoms of overdose:
- Blurred vision
- change in consciousness
- confusion
- decreased or absent reflexes
- dizziness, faintness, or light-headedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
- irregular, fast, slow, or shallow breathing
- loss of consciousness
- pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
- shortness of breath
- sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- coma in extreme cases
Marc J. Bernard
Author,
Substance Use Disorder & Recovery Professional,
Referral & Consultation Counsellor
