Restoril, or temazepam, is a drug commonly prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It is recommended for use for only seven to 10 days, and patients who follow this protocol will likely be able to use it without incident.
However, Restoril is a benzodiazepine and thus a highly addictive medication if abused, used long-term, or used outside of a doctor’s order. There are a number of other risks associated with long-term use or abuse of the drug as well, but many patients don’t realize that a medication that is primarily used to overcome insomnia can be so dangerous.
Is Restoril abuse a problem for your loved one? If so, you and your family are not alone. Prescription drug abuse and addiction have been at epidemic levels across the United States for the past 10 years. The good news is that both are highly treatable. Here at The Oaks at La Paloma, we can provide the treatment services your family member needs to overcome prescription medication abuse or dependence today.
Health Risks Associated with Restoril
If the person taking Restoril is pregnant or could become pregnant, there are a number of risks to the developing fetus. Congenital malformations during the first trimester may occur. Additionally, the drug has been shown to cross the placenta during later months of pregnancy and cause depression of the central nervous system in the fetus.
Older people who take Restoril are recommended to avoid taking high doses of the drug because they may not be more effective than low doses and may increase the risks of other issues. Older adults who take benzodiazepines may be at a higher risk of a dangerous fall that, in later years, can be life-threatening.
For all who take the drug, addiction is also a risk as are problems due to abusing the drug. Under the influence of Restoril, either actively or the day after a heavy dose, patients may be impaired in their ability to perform routine tasks safely, like driving.
Signs of Restoril Abuse
Are you concerned that your loved one is abusing their prescription for Restoril? Here some possible signs of abuse that you may notice:
- Taking more than prescribed
- Combining use of Restoril with other sedative substances, including alcohol or other opiate or benzo prescription medications
- Crushing pills before ingesting them
- Snorting the crushed pills or dissolving them in water and injecting them alone or in combination with other substances
- Getting multiple prescriptions for Restoril or similar drugs from different doctors (also known as “doctor shopping”)
- Creating fraudulent prescriptions in order to get more pills
Additionally, it’s important to note than any use of Restoril or any prescription benzodiazepine without a prescription from a doctor is termed abuse of the drug.
Treatment for Restoril Abuse and Addiction
Perhaps before you notice the physical signs of Restoril abuse, the changes to your loved one’s personality may be the biggest red flag of a possible drug abuse issue. Treatment for the problem is one of the most effective ways to help your loved one to overcome Restoril abuse and to help you get back the family member you love.
Learn more about the Restoril treatment options available to your loved one here at The Oaks at La Paloma today. We’re standing by at the phone number listed above, ready to take your call.