Benzodiazepine (intermediate-acting), typically used for sleep

Restoril (temazepam) Withdrawal

Restoril (temazepam) is typically used at low doses for sleep rather than chronic anxiety, which makes the withdrawal pattern usually milder than Xanax or Ativan. Chronic use at higher doses produces a benzo-pattern withdrawal with the same seizure risk on abrupt cessation.

By Dr. Ben Soffer, DO — board-certified physician, at-home ketamine therapy in Florida and New Jersey.

Half-life

~8-15 hours.

Withdrawal timeline

Onset— 12-24 hours after stopping

Symptoms emerge within a day.

Peak— Days 2-5

Rebound insomnia and anxiety peak in the first 5 days.

Resolution— 1-3 weeks (sleep dose); 2-6 weeks (chronic high-dose)

Resolution scales with dose and duration.

Common symptoms

  • Rebound insomnia (often pronounced)
  • Anxiety
  • Tremor
  • Sweating
  • Irritability

Less common

  • Sensory hypersensitivity
  • Muscle pain

Tapering guidance

  • Low-dose sleep users (15-30 mg) can often taper over 1-2 weeks by halving the dose.
  • Chronic higher-dose users should taper more slowly under physician supervision.
  • Plan sleep-support strategies before tapering (sleep hygiene, alternative agents if needed).

Where ketamine therapy fits

Same considerations as other benzos. Even sleep-dose temazepam can blunt ketamine's effect if taken the night before a session. Plan sessions at maximum distance from Restoril doses and coordinate with the prescribing physician.

Check ketamine therapy eligibilityMedication safety with ketamine

Frequently asked questions

How long does Restoril withdrawal last?

Sleep-dose users typically have 1-3 weeks of rebound insomnia and anxiety. Chronic higher-dose use produces a longer withdrawal pattern lasting weeks to months.

Can Restoril cause seizures on withdrawal?

Same risk as other benzodiazepines for chronic users who stop abruptly. Low-dose sleep use carries less risk but still warrants gradual reduction.

Important: This page is informational and does not constitute medical advice or a recommendation to start, stop, or change any medication. Tapering psychiatric medications should always be coordinated with the prescribing physician. Compounded ketamine for anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic pain is not FDA approved.

Browse all medication withdrawal guides.