Brand name:

Restoril

Why is Restoril prescribed?

Restoril is used for the relief of insomnia (difficulty in falling asleep, waking up frequently at night, or waking up early in the morning). It belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines.

Most important fact about Restoril

Sleep problems are usually temporary, requiring treatment for only a short time, usually 1 or 2 days and no more than 2 to 3 weeks. Insomnia that lasts longer than this may be a sign of another medical problem. If you find you need this medicine for more than 7 to 10 days, be sure to check with your doctor.

How should you take Restoril?

Take Restoril exactly as directed; never take more than the prescribed amount.

--If you miss a dose...

Take only as needed.

--Storage instructions...

Keep Restoril in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature.

Restoril side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Restoril.

• Side effects may include:
  Dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, nausea, nervousness, sluggishness

• Side effects due to rapid decrease in dose or abrupt withdrawal from Restoril:
  Abdominal and muscle cramps, convulsions, feeling of discomfort, inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, sweating, tremors, vomiting

Why should Restoril not be prescribed?

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, you should not take Restoril. It poses a potential risk to the developing baby.

Special warnings about Restoril

When you take Restoril every night for more than a few weeks, it loses its effectiveness to help you sleep. This is known as tolerance. You can also develop physical dependence on Restoril, especially if you take it regularly for more than a few weeks, or take high doses.

When you first start taking Restoril, until you know whether the medication will have any "carry over" effect the next day, use extreme care while doing anything that requires complete alertness such as driving a car or operating machinery.

If you are severely depressed or have suffered from severe depression, in the past, consult your doctor before taking this medication.

If you have kidney or liver problems or chronic lung disease, make sure your doctor is aware of it.

After you stop taking Restoril, you may have more trouble sleeping than you had before you started taking it. This is called "rebound insomnia" and should clear up after 1 or 2 nights.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Restoril

Restoril may intensify the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking Restoril.

If Restoril is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Restoril with the following:

Antidepressant drugs such as Elavil, Nardil, Parnate, and Tofranil
Antihistamines such as Benadryl
Barbiturates such as phenobarbital and Seconal
Major tranquilizers such as Mellaril and Thorazine
Narcotic pain relievers such as Percocet and Demerol
Tranquilizers such as Valium and Xanax

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Do not take Restoril if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. There is an increased risk of birth defects. This drug may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment with this medication is finished.

Recommended dosage for Restoril

ADULTS

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• The symptoms of Restoril overdose may include:
  Coma, confusion, diminished reflexes, low blood pressure, labored or difficult breathing, sleepiness