Warnings & Recalls for Restoril
Patients taking Restoril are advised to get a
full nights rest (at least 7-8 hours) and are also advised to NOT take this drug if they intended to sleep less than 7 hours.
Patients who
suddenly stop taking Restoril might suffer from seizures, rebound insomnia, tremors, muscle cramps, night sweats and vomiting, therefore a gradual decrease in dosage is recommended.
Alcohol mixed with Restirol is highly NOT RECOMMENDED as it may increase drowsiness even more. If the patient mixes alcohol with this drug the following activities may not be remembered by the patient: driving, eating, talking, having sexual activity and sleep-walking.
Before taking Restoril, the patient should disclose to their doctor if they have ever had a history of depression or mental illness, suicidal thoughts, muscle weakness, have had a history of drug/alcohol addiction, glaucoma, have ever had kidney, liver or lung disease, lung problems like asthma, emphysema, bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, seizures or have ever had breathing problems.
The patient's doctor should also know of any medication (herbal included) he/she is currently taking, or if they have any
allergies to Restoril or other benzodiazepines like Xanax, Librium, Tranxene, Valium, Ativan and Halcion.
Patients are advised to not begin taking Restoril until they have learned how the drug effects them. Since the drug may cause severe drowsiness, patients are not to operate any machinery until they feel they can do so safely while still under the influence of this drug.
If insomnia doesn't go away or worsens within a week, the patient is advised to consult their physician.
Elderly patients should take Restoril with caution as it may last longer in these older adults and it may cause drowsiness, confusion, dizziness and loss of balance, which may cause accidents.
Restirol is a drug that can cause dependence, therefore patients with a history of drug/alcohol dependence should be closely monitored.
Contraindications:
Restoril should
not be used with alcohol, antidepressants, antihistamines, anti-seizure medications, muscle relaxants, benzodiazepines, narcotic painkillers, or any other drugs that will make the patient sleepy.
Serious interactions can occur if the patient were to take Restirol with benzodiazepine/ethyl alcohol, clozapine, kava and sodium oxybate.
If possible Restirol
should be avoided in patients who have ataxia, severe hypoventilation, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, acute narrow-angle glaucoma, liver problems, sleep apnea, severe depression, muscle weakness caused by myasthenia gravis, hypersensitivity or allergy to any benzodiazepine or those who are mildly intoxicated with alcohol or narcotics.
The following drugs may interfere with a patient who is taking Restirol: fluvoxamine, itraconazole, ketoconazole and nefazodone. Patients are advised to disclose to their physician if they are on those drugs.
Family Planning:
Restoril should not be used during pregnancy. If used during pregnancy it may cause birth defects, withdrawal symptoms, unusual drowsiness, feeding problems and liver problems in the infant.
Patients are advised to use an effective form of birth control and to consult a doctor right away if they think they might be pregnant.
Nursing mothers should be warned that Restoril may pass in the breast milk. If the medication is crucial to the patient's health, she should consult with her doctor about the benefits and the risks of staying on the drug, but it is recommended that patients choose between Restoril or breastfeeding.
