Temazepam 30mg (brand name Restoril) is a benzodiazepine medication primarily prescribed for short-term treatment of insomnia, helping users fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. The 30mg dose is a common strength for adults.

Key Facts

How It Works

Binds to GABA receptors in the brain, enhancing inhibitory effects to reduce brain activity, promote relaxation, and induce sleep.

Side Effects

• Common: Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, fatigue (next-day “hangover” effect possible).
• Serious: Memory issues, confusion, depression, respiratory depression (especially with alcohol/opioids), dependence, withdrawal (rebound insomnia, seizures if abrupt stop).
• Overdose Signs: Extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, coma—seek emergency help (flumazenide antidote).

Warnings & Interactions

• Addiction Risk: High potential for tolerance/dependence; not for long-term use (>2-4 weeks).
• Avoid With: Alcohol, opioids, other sedatives (fatal respiratory depression); grapefruit juice (increases levels).
• Contraindications: Pregnancy (Category X—birth defects), breastfeeding, sleep apnea, severe liver/kidney disease, history of substance abuse.
• Driving: Impairs next-day alertness; no activities requiring full coordination for 7-8 hours post-dose.

Evidence

• FDA-approved for insomnia since 1981 (based on trials showing 20-50% sleep latency reduction vs. placebo).
• Studies (e.g., meta-analysis in Sleep Medicine Reviews, 2018) confirm efficacy but highlight dependence risks—guidelines (AASM) recommend CBT-I over benzos long-term.
• CDC data: Benzodiazepines involved in ~12% of overdose deaths (often polydrug).

Not medical advice: Consult a doctor/pharmacist for personal use, prescriptions, or interactions. If experiencing issues, contact poison control (US: 1-800-222-1222) or ER. Source: FDA label, UpToDate, PubMed.