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Restoril |
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What is Restoril and why is it prescribed? Restoril is used for the relief of insomnia. It belongs to a class of drugs known as benzodiazepines. 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? Follow your doctors directions for taking Restoril. Never take more than the prescribed amount. Take Restoril only as needed. Keep Restoril in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store Restoril at room temperature. Are there any Restoril side effects? Restoril side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Restoril side effects may include dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, nausea, nervousness, and sluggishness. Less common or rare Restoril side effects may include abdominal discomfort, abnormal sweating, agitation, anxiety, backache, blurred vision, burning eyes, confusion, constant, involuntary movement of the eyeball, depression, diarrhea, difficult or labored breathing, dry mouth, exaggerated feeling of well-being, fluttery or throbbing heartbeat, hallucinations, hangover, increased dreaming, lack of coordination, loss of appetite, loss of equilibrium, loss of memory, nightmares, overstimulation, restlessness, tremors, vertigo, vomiting, and weakness. Side effects due to rapid decrease in or abrupt withdrawal from Restoril include abdominal and muscle cramps, convulsions, feeling of discomfort, inability to fall asleep or stay asleep, sweating, tremors, and vomiting. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Restoril? If Restoril is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Restoril may intensify the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Restoril with 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), or Tranquilizers (such as Valium and Xanax). Are there any 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 this drug, 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. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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