Temazepam Withdrawal and Detox

Temazepam Info

• Temazepam Addiction and Abuse
• Temazepam Symptoms and Warning Signs
• Temazepam Treatment and Rehab
• Temazepam Withdrawal and Detox

Temazepam is a sedative-hypnotic drug sold under the brand name Restoril. It is a prescription medication for treating insomnia. The drug helps patients fall asleep through the night. However, because it acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, there is a high tendency for users to build a tolerance to the drug and become dependent.

Temazepam is an addictive medicine that builds dependence on the abuser. Because of this, many doctors recommend it for no longer than 10 days at a time. Patients are also monitored closely while on the drug in case they start developing tolerance.

When people become addicted to Temazepam, they are physically dependent on the drug. This means they will exhibit discomforts such as a headache, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, irritability and anxiety. These withdrawal symptoms make it hard to quit.

If you or someone you know is trying to quit using Temazepam, please see a doctor immediately. Attempting to detox on your own can be dangerous. In this paper, we highlight some of the things to expect with Temazepam withdrawal and how to prepare for a successful detox.

What is Temazepam Detox?

The first step of treatment for patients who are addicted to Temazepam is detoxification. Although many experts don’t regard detox as treatment, it is a necessary first step towards recovery.

Detoxification aims to purge the body of the ‘toxic’ remnants of Temazepam prior to proper treatment and care. Failure to do this can trigger withdrawal during therapy and distract the patient from focusing fully on recovery.

Detox must never be performed without professional supervision. Many people have developed complications while trying to quit cold turkey. Benzodiazepines like Temazepam, Oxazepam, Alprazolam, or Clorazepate are powerful chemicals that have a stronghold of a person’s mental and physical processes. Quitting without the right procedure only increases the risk of relapse.

First, consult an addiction expert. He or she will carry out an assessment and ask questions to gauge your level of dependence on the drug. From the results, they will know how severe (or not) withdrawal might be. Prior to detox, the physician will wean you off Temazepam by tapering your doze week by week.

During this time, you will feel symptoms of withdrawal. It can be unbearable, depending on your history of abuse, but the doctor will administer medication to help you through it. Following successful detoxification, you will be transitioned for rehabilitation treatment.

What is Temazepam Withdrawal?

level. A series of physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms ranging from seizures to muscle pains and anxiety are often felt by the patient.

If you have been abusing Temazepam for a long time, the withdrawal will likely be more severe. Other factors that affect withdrawal symptoms include; the quantity of drug you use at a time, the mode of administration, your health status, body mass index and so on.

Withdrawal is a necessary aspect of detoxification. Before rehabilitation therapy can proceed, you must go through withdrawal or you will be unable to complete treatment. If you are concerned about how uncomfortable the experience might be, talk to an expert on one of our helplines. With proper medical care, it is not usually as bad as it is made to look.

Contributing Factors to withdrawal

As mentioned, withdrawal is never the same for every individual. Your abuse habits often determine how serious withdrawal will be. For example, people who take a large dose of Temazepam at a time will quickly develop a tolerance for the drug. And if this continues over a period of two months and above, dependence will most likely be formed on the drug.

Another contributing factor to the severity of withdrawal is the mode of administration. How you ingest the drug affects your speed of dependence and the nature of withdrawal symptoms. People who snort the powdered form become more quickly dependent than those who take it orally. More so, there are abusers who prefer to inject the liquid version directly into their veins. This hastens their addiction and increases the potential for a difficult withdrawal.

Other factors that affect withdrawal include a person’s body mass index (BMI), age, overall health status and general lifestyle. When you see a doctor for help with treatment, these are some of the questions you might be asked. It is important for preparing a detox and recovery plan.

Neurotransmitters like GABA are chemicals that are stored in the nerve cells of the brain and CNS. They help to maintain a balance between electrical charges while inducing sleepiness, relaxing the muscles and reducing anxiety.

Temazepam decreases the time it takes to fall asleep at night. It is also effective as a pre-surgery sedative. Abusing the drug increases the chances of health risk in these parts of the body, especially the liver where it is metabolised.

Temazepam-dependent users also suffer from serotonin syndrome which is a condition caused by serotogenic drugs. Because the reuptake of this hormone is inhibited, there are excess amounts in the body that can cause fatigue and depression afterwards.

Detox is a necessary first step for treatment. People who don’t detox properly often find themselves overcome by craving. If you give in to this urge while in rehab, it defeats the objective of the recovery journey.

Addiction treatment is a process. Detox, rehabilitation therapy, aftercare treatment and life-long sobriety. Skipping one before the other disrupts the journey and there is a high chance of relapse. Furthermore, detox must be approached with caution to avoid complications.

Frequent use causes the user to develop tolerance. With tolerance, the standard dosage becomes less effective, and the user is forced to increase the dosage without consulting the physician. If the new dose provides the relief they want, many users are likely to continue with it. Unfortunately, this is known as drug abuse and the consequence is dependence.

When a person is dependent on a drug, it means their body has become so accustomed to its effect that it will be unable to function normally in its absence. Therefore without Temazepam (or in low levels of the drug), a dependent-user will exhibit negative reactions known as withdrawal.

Withdrawal is essentially the body ‘requesting’ for more Temazepam. In some cases, it is so severe, that the patient is suffering a series of uncontrollable fits and seizures. Without treatment, withdrawal can influence a long-term case of Temazepam addiction.

How is Temazepam Withdrawal Diagnosed?

Common Temazepam Detox and Withdrawal Symptoms

The withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting Temazepam can be unbearable, more so if you are a long-term user of the drug. While Temazepam is generally a physically-addictive drug, it also manifests psychological symptoms during withdrawal.

Abusing Temazepam with substances like alcohol tend to escalate the side-effects. Unfortunately, many people do this to increase the intensity of the effect. Mixing benzodiazepines with other drugs can cause the development of co-occurring disorders such as schizophrenia, anxiety-disorder, alcoholism and bipolar disorder.

The main reason people avoid treatment is the fear of withdrawal symptoms. The experience can be difficult, but mostly if you attempt detox alone. With an accredited centre and a well-trained professional, you will receive 24-hour medical attention and drugs to treat withdrawal symptoms.

If you have been using it for too long, you may experience a rebound of symptoms. This means the ailment you were originally treating will return. For instance, if you were taking Restoril for insomnia, you will experience sleeplessness. If someone was using it to treat anxiety, they will experience some form of anxiety during withdrawal.

The reason it is dangerous to quit cold turkey is that, without a physician nearby, some symptoms may exacerbate into medical complications. Self-medicating is risky because no withdrawal is the same for any two individuals. Treating yourself based on another person’s experience might be counter-productive to recovery. Additionally, most of the drugs are not available over the counter.

Psychological Symptoms of Temazepam withdrawal and detox

Temazepam (Restoril) withdrawal can also produce psychological discomfort. It is not uncommon for the individual to experience mental disturbance during withdrawal. Since the drug was originally supposed to calm mental activity, its absence with cause agitation and overexcitement of nerve cells. Common psychological symptoms include:

A psychologist should be present during this time to help the patient overcome their mental discomfort. During this period, the patient feels extremely hopeless; without motivation and drive, they can give up and up harming themselves.

A psychologist or close relative should be available to help them conquer these troubling thoughts and persevere through the remainder of the treatment. Withdrawal is the worst part of treatment, but as soon as it is over, it becomes easier to continue recovery. With self-detox, unsupervised patients are more likely to seek relief for the discomfort. When this happens, they are at risk of overdosing due to the urgency.

How Long does it Take to Detox from Temazepam

The duration of detox is not a standard one. Because the process of withdrawal differs with the individual, the length of treatment is never the same. Short-term abusers are more likely to have less detox time when compared with long-time abusers.

Symptoms may normally begin within 24 hours (or less). Naturally, people who are strongly dependent on the drug may start experiencing withdrawal symptoms as early as 6 hours from the last dose. Once withdrawal begins, the timeline may continue as follows:

6 – 24 hours: First signs of physical symptoms

1 – 4 days: Physical symptoms such as nausea, tremors and fatigue develop

7 – 14 days (two weeks): Physical symptoms peak and start to abate, however, the psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression may persist

6 months: Psychological treatment start to abate, provided they maintain abstinence and treatment

The duration and severity of withdrawal can be reduced significantly if you adopt a tapering formula.

What is Acute Temazepam Withdrawal

Acute Temazepam withdrawal is the second stage in the detox process. Here, withdrawal is most severe. The symptoms are risky and may develop into complications if not managed properly.

After a few days of quitting Temazepam, acute withdrawal may set in. The phase makes up the bulk of the withdrawal process. Typical symptoms may include panic, insomnia, anxiety, tension or muscular spasms, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, hallucinations, blurred vision, short-term memory impairment, poor concentration and more.

At this phase, the doctor administers specific medications for certain symptoms. It is not uncommon for patients to entertain suicide thoughts during acute withdrawal. It is important to have family visits as well as continuous sessions with a professional. Acute withdrawal may last between two weeks and some months.

Here are some ways to cope with withdrawal:
Adopt a routine: Withdrawal can make you feel powerless, but adopting a routine makes it less uncomfortable. The 12 steps program is a fellowship that teaches actionable strategies that help recovering members gain freedom from challenging symptoms of substance abuse.
Take it one day at a time: Sometimes, performing simple tasks can feel like a chore. Do what you can each day. Start from basic things like short walks, drawing, painting, journaling, knitting, singing and exercising. Eventually, you will be able to grow with these small tasks and resume your normal lifestyle.
Be as comfortable as you can: One of the common symptoms of a benzo withdrawal is the intense pain people feel in certain areas, like the arm and legs, neck and shoulder. Additional feelings of discomfort include muscle spasms, tightness and “jelly legs”. Wear, comfortable clothing, make the room as pleasant as possible, surround yourself with positive things. Your doctor may also issue medication to reduce aches and pains.
Focus on the present: Anxiety and panic attacks are typical benzo withdrawal symptoms. Unfortunately, while Temazepam is a notable cure for anxiety, it makes no sense to take it during detox. Anxiety and panic attacks present an overwhelming fear. It helps to tell yourself in the middle of an attack that all is fine- you will not die. Focus on the present. Distract your mind with things like music, art or writing.

Possible Complications

Most complications that occur during withdrawal happen to those who attempt detox without professional help. Detoxification is an intense part of treatment, and not taking it seriously has led to several medical emergencies.

For example, people who try to quit cold turkey may experience uncontrollable seizures which can escalate into a coma if urgent treatment is not given. In many cases, people who can’t bear the pain anymore fall back on the drug. However, in their desperation for relief, people tend to take excess amounts and overdose. Relapse and overdosing are therefore key problems with unsupervised detox.

If a person doesn’t follow the right detox procedure, he or she may experience health issues along the way. When you consult an addiction expert, you will be put on a tapering formula to ease you out of addiction. Many cold turkey attempts ended in a health complication because the individual abruptly stopped using Temazepam.

How we Treat Temazepam Withdrawal

Are you planning to quit Temazepam? See a doctor for advice now. If you are worried about what might happen when you stop taking the drug, you are not alone. Rehabs have the procedure all planned out to guarantee a safe, less-painful detox.

First, you will go to an inpatient detox clinic where you will be admitted into for the next 14 – 30 days depending on the severity your condition. They will normally begin by testing you to determine if there are risks of complication. Our results also help us prepare a recovery plan for the withdrawal period.

You will be gradually weaned off Temazepam by using a tapering formula of 20% in the first 3 – 5 days and 10% for the following weeks. This procedure reduces the chance of complications while making the process more bearable. They may also use medically assisted detox to treat certain symptoms such as over-activity and accentuate blood flow.

After detox, you are moved into rehabilitation therapy. Here a doctor will help you come to terms with your problem by using various psychological therapies. The objective is to resolve any underlying cause of addiction while teaching you to overcome cravings.

Medications to Treat Temazepam Withdrawal

One medication that is widely accepted as a form of benzo withdrawal treatment is Clonidine. It is often sold under the brand names Kapvay and Catapres. Although Clonidine is not yet approved by the FDA for benzo withdrawal, it is often recommended by psychologists for off-label use. Off-label means that while a drug is not approved, clinical reports show that it can help.

Clonidine doesn’t target the GABA receptors; instead, it works by reducing blood pressure. People who are over-excited or anxious tend to have elevated heart rates but with narrow blood vessels. Clonidine serves to open the blood vessels to allow the heart to pump sufficient amounts of blood without resistance. This slows down the heart rate thus helping the person feel less anxiety.

Melatonin Remedies for Natural Temazepam Withdrawal Symptoms

Clonidine is an effective withdrawal medication for treating anxiety by reducing high blood pressure. Another symptom of withdrawal is insomnia. Ironically, Temazepam is an insomnia medication but you cannot use it since you are trying to break away from dependence. In this case, a suitable alternative is melatonin.

Why melatonin? One of the effects of addiction is that it depletes the body’s natural melatonin levels. The result is difficulty in sleeping and irritability. By supplementing the natural melatonin in your body, the medicine helps to alleviate the adverse effects of withdrawal.

Melatonin is an anti-oxidant hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It functions as a sleep regulator and it maintains the body’s natural biorhythms. Melatonin supplements help by:

The right dosage for melatonin may vary depending on your individual needs. A doctor will prescribe sufficient amounts for people with severely depleted melatonin levels. You are advised to start small and work your way up.

What side-effects? Since it is a naturally occurring chemical, there are no real side-effects. However, taking too much may cause you to sleep for prolonged periods. Avoid performing any cognitive tasks during this time. For example, do not drive or operate heavy machinery. Some pre-existing health conditions like diabetes require special counselling. Make sure you consult a doctor before taking any prescription drug.

The process from Temazepam Detox to Rehab What Happens

Treatment for Temazepam detox occurs in two stages; detox and rehab. The real recovery begins after expelling the benzodiazepine from your system. Being clean and sober allows you to focus on full recovery.

After successful detox, you will be guided into rehab therapy. Some detox clinics operate separately, so you may be transferred to an inpatient rehab elsewhere. It is better to plan this before commencing detox. But if you checked into a rehab facility with a detox ward, you’ll simply be wheeled out into your recovery room.

During rehab, a psychologist will use various tested therapies to help you overcome your mental dependence on Temazepam. They will try to uncover the origin of your addiction and help you to build resistance to craving. Group sessions are aimed at introducing you to support groups so that you can get help after rehab.

Medical Detox as Part of a Whole Treatment Plan

There are various detoxification strategies, from traditional methods to alternative techniques that focus on holistic practices. But the most common form of detox is still the medically-assisted plan.

Some rehab centres integrate it into their whole treatment plan. This means even after withdrawal, medication forms a part of the recovery process. They administer drugs occasionally for a period of four to six months to subdue cravings. Some of these drugs work by mimicking the action of Temazepam. However, caution is taken to prevent the patient from developing an addiction to a different drug.

Temazepam Detoxification Timeline

The timeline for Temazepam detox usually depends on the withdrawal. After acute withdrawal phase, the patient will experience psychological symptoms for the next few weeks. They are often treated for anxiety or depression until they feel strong enough to start taking short walks, doing exercises, drawing and other physical activities. After detox, rehabilitation therapy begins.

Finding the Right Treatment

The type of rehab you choose is critical to your recovery. Whether it is an inpatient rehab – where you check in for 30 – 60 days or more, or an outpatient rehab facility, there are things to look for to ensure you choose the right one.

It is easy to get carried away by the attraction of the rehab, but accreditation and medical experience are essential.

Home Detox for Temazepam Abusers- How Safe?

We strongly advise against detoxing at home. Although some people can afford to hire a doctor, it is not the same thing as receiving treatment in a specialised clinic. Distraction from family members and outsiders can hinder the progress of detox. There is also greater chance of getting access to Temazepam.

Home detox is never as safe as a proper detox clinic, and if you plan to detox without professional assistance, you would be doing so at your own risk.

Self-detoxification from Temazepam

Like home detoxification, self-detox is a bad idea. You need to consider things like addiction levels, tapering formulas, detox medication, complications and relapse. You cannot manage detoxification alone- even with friends around. It is best to consult an addiction specialist and check into a clinic.

Medication Assisted Therapy for Temazepam Dependency

Your physician will normally advise against drugs that stimulate the GABA receptors to prevent relapse.

Temazepam Addiction Facts

Some things you need to know about Temazepam addiction:

Frequently Asked Questions