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Temazepam Withdrawal Symptoms, Timeline & Treatment

Temazepam (brand name Restoril) is a prescription benzodiazepine medication indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia.1 While temazepam can be misused for non-medical purposes, which can increase a person’s risk of developing dependence, dependence can occur even when temazepam is taken as prescribed.1 A person who is physiologically dependent on temazepam may experience withdrawal symptoms if they abruptly cut back or stop taking the medication.1

This page will help you understand:

  • What happens during temazepam withdrawal.
  • Temazepam withdrawal symptoms.
  • The temazepam withdrawal timeline.
  • Factors that influence temazepam withdrawal.
  • Temazepam detox.

Ongoing treatment for temazepam addiction.

What is Temazepam Withdrawal?

With continual use, temazepam can lead to dependence, which is a physiological adaptation of the body to a substance that develops in response to repeated exposure.1,2 Temazepam effects like dependence can result from both illicit use and use of the drug as prescribed. Dependence is manifested by withdrawal symptoms that emerge when a person abruptly cuts back or stops using a substance.1,2 

Benzodiazepine withdrawal is associated with several symptoms, including anxiety, depression, fatigue, gastrointestinal distress, and irritability, among others, as well as more severe symptoms such as hallucinations and seizures.1 People may continue to take temazepam to avoid these uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, which is one reason may find it hard to stop using the medication.2

Temazepam withdrawal can be uncomfortable and cause potentially life-threatening symptoms, especially among people who have regularly used the medication in high doses for an extended period.1

Temazepam Withdrawal Symptoms

Common withdrawal symptoms associated with benzodiazepines like temazepam include:1, 4

  • Autonomic hyperactivity (e.g., increased blood pressure, body temperature, or heart rate and sweating).
  • Insomnia.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Psychomotor agitation (e.g., restlessness and uncontrollable movements).
  • Anxiety.
  • Depression.
  • Transient auditory, tactile, or visual hallucinations.
  • Tremor.
  • Seizures.

The symptoms and severity of symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal can vary based on several factors, such as the half-life of the benzodiazepine that was taken, the dose, the duration of use, and whether a person uses other substances such as alcohol or opioids.5

Temazepam Withdrawal Timeline

Withdrawal from short-acting benzodiazepines like temazepam can begin within hours after a person last takes the medication, with symptoms peaking in intensity on the second day.3,5

How long does temazepam withdrawal last? While symptoms generally tend to improve by the fourth or fifth day, the course of benzodiazepine withdrawal can last 2-4 weeks, or longer, in some cases.3,5

Some people develop a protracted withdrawal syndrome, which can occur 4-6 weeks after the initial withdrawal period.3,5 Protracted withdrawal symptoms may include:

  • Anxiety.
  • Depression.
  • Memory impairment.

Protracted withdrawal symptoms may occur at a lower level of intensity and persist for several months.3,5 The Restoril withdrawal timeline can vary so it is important to seek medical help and support quickly so that you can receive care before the symptoms become more uncomfortable or difficult to deal with.

Factors That Influence Temazepam Withdrawal

It can be difficult to know the course that benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms will take; however, any person who takes benzodiazepines such as temazepam for longer than 3 weeks may be at risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they abruptly reduce the dosage or stop using the medication.4

Several factors can influence the course and severity of temazepam withdrawal symptoms, such as:1,4,6

  • How much temazepam a person takes. Consistently taking a larger dose of temazepam can increase the risk of experiencing more severe withdrawal symptoms.
  • How long a person has been taking temazepam. Taking temazepam long-term can increase the risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms for a longer period.
  • Using temazepam concurrently with other substances such as alcohol, opioids, or other benzodiazepines. Polysubstance use can increase the risk of experiencing complicated or severe withdrawal symptoms as well as other adverse health consequences such as overdose.

Is Temazepam Withdrawal Dangerous?

For those who have become physiologically dependent on temazepam, cutting back on dosages or stopping completely may lead to withdrawal symptoms, which can vary in severity. 

Like other benzodiazepines, side effects of temazepam withdrawal may include:7

  • Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
  • Muscle pain.
  • Tremors.
  • Insomnia.
  • Depression.
  • Seizures.

In severe cases, withdrawal can present a risk of delirium and seizures, which can be life-threatening.4 Because the course of benzodiazepine withdrawal can be unpredictable, a person should not attempt to quit “cold turkey” on their own, without the guidance of a medical professional.4

Medical Detox for Temazepam

Due to the potential for dangerous withdrawal symptoms, the management of benzodiazepine withdrawal is not recommended without medical supervision per the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).4

Professional detox programs can help manage a patient’s Restoril withdrawal symptoms while keeping them as comfortable and safe as possible. During Restoril detox, medical professionals monitor patients’ progress and may provide medications to ease the symptoms of withdrawal. In some cases, patients may be switched to a longer-acting benzodiazepine as a substitute for temazepam.4

Getting Help After Temazepam Detox

After completing a temazepam detox program, ongoing temazepam addiction treatment can help patients work toward sustained recovery. Recovery looks different for everyone, but common treatment options include:8

  • Inpatient rehab, where patients live at a treatment facility and receive around-the-clock support.
  • Outpatient rehab, where patients receive many of the benefits of inpatient rehab but live at home and attend treatment during the week, this can include a IOP or PHP outpatient program.

Inpatient and outpatient programs can vary greatly in duration and intensity. However, there are a number of services offered, and patients can expect a combination of behavioral therapy (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy), individual counseling, support groups, and medication.8  Treatment can also address additional substance misuse and addiction, which can be beneficial as people who misuse benzodiazepines also often misuse other substances.4

Start your Recovery Today

If you or someone you care about may be struggling with addiction, American Addiction Centers (AAC) can help. AAC is a leading provider of evidence-based addiction treatment throughout the U.S. You can contact AAC 24 hours a day at for more information about our facilities, to verify your insurance to learn about health insurance coverage for rehab, or discuss other payment options, get resources and support, or take the steps to get started with treatment.

If you are unsure about where to start, you can look at some of the facilities listed below to see if they provide the program you are looking for:

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