Restoril (Temazepam) for Alzheimer's

Overview
Restoril is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat insomnia. Restoril is also known by its drug name, Temazepam. Restoril is sometimes prescribed to treat sleep problems in people with Alzheimer’s disease when non-drug approaches have failed to address the symptoms. Since the FDA has not approved Restoril specifically for use in Alzheimer’s, such usage may be considered “off-label.”

Restoril is a hypnotic (sleeping medication) of the benzodiazepine class. Restoril is believed to work by decreasing the excitability of neurons in the brain.

How do I take it?
Restoril is generally taken once a day at bedtime.

Restoril comes in capsule form.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Restoril lists common side effects including daytime drowsiness, memory problems, muscle weakness, blurred vision, depression, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, nervousness, irritability, and sensations of pain, tingling, burning, or numbness.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Restoril include severe allergic reactions and driving or performing other awake activities while in a sleep-like state.