Temazepam (Restoril)

What the word means

Temazepam is the drug. Restoril is the brand.

It’s a benzodiazepine prescribed specifically for sleep rather than for anxiety, which sets it apart from most of its siblings in how it’s used, though not in what it is. Everything the class carries, it carries: tolerance, physical dependence, and a withdrawal that can be dangerous if the drug is stopped abruptly.

That’s why it’s meant for short-term use. A sleeping pill you take for two weeks and a sleeping pill you take for two years are different propositions, and this class in particular does not age well into a nightly habit.

Where to read the full guide

Shrinktionary defines it. PsychiatryRx explains it.

Read the full temazepam guide at PsychiatryRx, which covers uses, risks, and how it compares with other sleep medications.

Related terms you’ll see next

• Benzodiazepine
• Insomnia
• Z-drug
• Physical dependence

When to seek professional care

Never stop a benzodiazepine abruptly after regular use, and never combine one with alcohol or opioids. If you’ve been taking a sleeping pill nightly for months, ask about CBT for insomnia, which treats the problem instead of covering it and whose benefit outlasts the treatment. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, get help right away by calling 911, or call or text 988 in the US to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

<blockquote>
  <p><strong>Temazepam (Restoril):</strong> Temazepam is a benzodiazepine, sold as Restoril, used for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It carries the dependence and withdrawal risks of its class.</p>
  <p>&mdash; <a href="https://shrinktionary.com/terms/temazepam/">Shrinktionary</a>, a plain-English mental health dictionary, medically reviewed by a board certified psychiatrist.</p>
</blockquote>