Restoril - Symptoms and Causes of Insomnia

Symptoms and Causes of Insomnia

While most people experience insomnia at one time or another, if left untreated, it may indicate an underlying medical problem or even cause one to occur. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor if problems continue for a week or longer.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should discuss them with your physician:

Persistent difficulty falling asleep

Persistent difficulty staying asleep

Waking up tired

Difficulty concentrating or completing work

Struggling to maintain alertness

Nodding off during the day

What causes sleeplessness to occur?
There are a variety of reasons for insomnia to occur, including physical, psychological, medical, environmental, and lifestyle issues. Often, more than one factor contributes to sleeplessness. The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) recommends individuals first examine their sleep habits to determine if their insomnia is connected to diet, exercise, sleep environment, or lifestyle issues. Being aware of your behavioral patterns is an important first step toward improving your sleep. If changing poor habits does not improve sleep, behavioral and/or pharmacological treatment options should be considered. Treating insomnia with medication is one of the most common options. In fact, 25% of Americans take some type of sleep medication every year.¹ Since insomnia can be caused by depression, proper evaluation is important.

Important safety information: Restoril™ is indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia (generally 7 to 10 days). The failure of insomnia to remit after 7 to 10 days of treatment may indicate the presence of a primary psychiatric and/or medical illness that should be evaluated. Restoril™ is contraindicated in women who are pregnant or may become pregnant because of the potential risk to the fetus. The most common side effects of Restoril™ are drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and difficulty with coordination. Severe allergic reactions have been reported in patients taking sedative-hypnotics, including Restoril™. Complex behaviors such as “sleep driving” have also been reported. Although behaviors such as “sleep driving” may occur with Restoril™ alone at therapeutic doses, the use of alcohol or other CNS depressants with Restoril™ appears to increase the risk of these unusual behaviors, as does the use of Restoril™ doses exceeding the maximum recommended dose. Use extreme care while doing anything that requires complete alertness, such as driving a car, operating machinery, or piloting an aircraft.

Healthcare Provider Letter

For more information about Restoril™ (temazepam) capsules, please read the complete prescribing information.

Reference:
1. National Sleep Foundation. Sleep disorders. Available at: http://www.sleepfoundation.org. Accessed November 6, 2002.