The dosage of Restoril varies from person to person. It depends on your gender, age, and most importantly the severity of your medical condition. Usually, it is to be taken once at night, just before bed. For most patients the dosage is 15mg but for some even 7.5mg might work and some may need 30mg. Do not take this medicine if you have the time to sleep for 7 to 8 hours. If you wake up before that you may face problems like memory loss, confusion, lack of coordination. Avoid operating heavy machinery or activities like driving if you are still under the influence of this drug. Within the first few nights of using this medicine, you may have problems sleeping. This is called rebound insomnia and it should go away in 1 to 2 nights. If it does not stop then contact your doctor. As it has to be taken once before bed it is highly unlikely to miss a dose.

When you have to stop using this medicine, do not stop using it abruptly. Gradually lower your dose, if you stop abruptly you may have to face some withdrawal symptoms. If you get nausea, stomach cramps, flushing, muscle stiffness, convulsions, tremor, sweating, vomiting, shakiness, or nervousness then that means you have withdrawal symptoms. If these symptoms do not go away or become worse then get medical assistance immediately. Do not increase or decrease your dose on your own without your doctor’s prescription. If you used to have high doses of this medication then naturally, your withdrawal symptoms will be more intense. If used for a long time, this medicine may stop working. If this happens then contact your doctor right away.

Some common side effects caused by this medicine include nausea, vomiting, tiredness, nervousness, headache, dizziness, fatigue, lethargy, dry mouth, diarrhea, weakness, and drowsiness. Restoril can cause some serious side effects as well such as confusion, hangover feeling caused by daytime drowsiness, aggression, agitation, hostility, anxiety, hallucinations, memory loss problems, addiction thoughts of suicide, blurry vision, vertigo, and depression. If you observe any such side effects then contact your doctor immediately. These may be rare but they can cause serious harm if you get rashes, trouble breathing, hive, swelling in your face, lips, throat, eyes, or mouth it means that you are having an allergic reaction to this medicine and you need medical help immediately. Overdosing on this medicine can result in death so get immediate help.

People who have a history of any kind of drug abuse should stay away from this medicine as it can be very addictive and hard for them to stop consuming. Opioids and benzodiazepines are way more dangerous than opioids alone so if you are taking any opioid analgesics then do not use Restoril as it may cause a reaction. The reaction of Restoril with other medicines might result in coma, respiratory depression, sedation, and even death. If you are pregnant or if you plan on becoming pregnant then do talk to your doctor before starting the treatment as it can have life-threatening effects on the unborn. If you are a breastfeeding mother then avoid using this medication as it can pass through breastmilk and leave the baby with life-threatening diseases. If you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse then do not consume this medicine as the chances of you getting addicted to it are very high. If you have had liquid or any other form of alcohol in the last 12 hours then do not take this medicine as it can cause a reaction and prove to be fatal for you. If you are allergic to any other benzodiazepines such as Xanax, valium, diazepam, etc. then do not take this medicine. To be on the safe side, inform your doctor beforehand if you have a history of any lung disease, liver disease, kidney issues, or any mental illness.

Restoril should be stored at room temperature and in a dry place away from direct heat and light. It should not be kept in a washroom and should be stored away from the reach of children and pets. Older people should avoid using this medication as it makes you dizzy and they are already weak and prone to falling. Do not give this medicine to anyone else just because you think they have the same condition as you. Abuse of prescription drugs is highest because of their easy availability. There is a misconception that misusing these prescription drugs is in some way less harmful than abusing illicit drugs which is not true.