Quick answer: Yes, Restoril (temazepam) can show up on a drug test, but only if the panel includes benzodiazepines (BZO). Standard 5-panel and DOT 5-panel tests do not screen for it. Urine immunoassays typically use a 200-300 ng/mL cutoff, and positives should be confirmed by a laboratory.
- Restoril is a benzodiazepine; it is detected only on panels with a BZO line, not on a standard 5-panel.
- Temazepam is detected less reliably than some other benzodiazepines on immunoassay screens, so confirmation matters.
- A positive screen is presumptive; a valid prescription is reviewed after lab confirmation, not before.
What Restoril is and what a test actually looks for
Restoril is a brand name for temazepam, a prescription benzodiazepine used for short-term treatment of insomnia. According to MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), temazepam is a controlled substance, so it is relevant to clinics, courts, probation programs and employers with drug-free-workplace policies.
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Urine screening devices do not look for a brand name. They react to a drug class or metabolites. A BZO test line targets benzodiazepines as a class, calibrated to a calibrator such as oxazepam or nordiazepam. Temazepam is itself a metabolite of diazepam, and oxazepam is a metabolite of temazepam, which is why a Restoril user can screen positive on a BZO line.
Which panels detect Restoril
| Panel type | Includes benzodiazepines? | Will Restoril be flagged? |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 5-panel (THC, COC, OPI, AMP, PCP) | No | No |
| DOT 5-panel (49 CFR Part 40) | No | No |
| Expanded panels (7, 10, 12-panel and similar) | Usually yes (BZO) | Possibly; depends on the device and cutoff |
| Laboratory confirmation (e.g., LC-MS/MS) | Panel dependent | Yes, if temazepam is in the confirmation menu |
The DOT list of tested drug classes is set out in 49 CFR Part 40 and does not include benzodiazepines. Federal workplace programs under SAMHSA's Mandatory Guidelines also use a defined drug list. Non-regulated employers and treatment programs can add BZO by choice.
Cutoff levels and detection window
Many instant urine devices use a BZO cutoff of 200 or 300 ng/mL, though this varies by manufacturer. Always read the package insert for the calibrator, cutoff and cross-reactivity data for the specific lot you buy.
Temazepam has a relatively short half-life compared with long-acting benzodiazepines. Detection in urine commonly falls in the range of a few days after use, and longer with repeated or high-dose use, but individual factors such as dose, frequency, hydration, age and kidney and liver function change the result. Treat any window as an estimate, not a guarantee.
Why temazepam can be missed
Temazepam is largely excreted as a glucuronide conjugate. Some immunoassays react weakly to conjugated forms, so a person taking Restoril may screen negative on a device with a higher cutoff or lower cross-reactivity. Laboratory methods that include a hydrolysis step detect it more reliably. If your policy requires catching temazepam specifically, choose a device with documented temazepam or oxazepam cross-reactivity and confirm with a lab.
How to read and act on a result
- Check the control line first; no control line means an invalid test, so retest with a new device.
- Read the BZO line within the time window in the insert. Any visible test line, even faint, means negative; no line means non-negative (presumptive positive).
- Record the lot number, time and reader.
- Send a presumptive positive to a laboratory for confirmation.
- Have a Medical Review Officer or qualified clinician review prescription claims after confirmation.
Prescriptions, policy and fairness
A positive benzodiazepine result does not prove misuse. Restoril is lawfully prescribed, so your written policy should explain how prescriptions are disclosed, who reviews them and how safety-sensitive roles are handled. Have counsel confirm that your process meets state law and disability rules. For hiring, teams often pair testing with screening through Reveal Background, ASC's sister division, so that drug and background checks follow one consistent process.
Buyer checklist: testing for Restoril
- Confirm the panel includes BZO; 5-panel and DOT 5-panel devices will not.
- Record the cutoff (ng/mL) and calibrator from the package insert.
- Ask for cross-reactivity data for temazepam and oxazepam.
- Verify the device's FDA clearance status for the intended use and your CLIA setting.
- Set a lab confirmation protocol for every presumptive positive.
- Write a prescription-disclosure and review policy.
- Train staff on reading lines, invalid results and chain of custody.
Choosing supplies
For on-site screening, multi-panel urine drug test cups are available with BZO in several configurations, and dip cards suit high-volume, lower-cost screening. If you are unsure which panel fits your program, contact the ASC team in Shreveport, Louisiana.
Frequently asked questions
Does Restoril show up on a standard 5-panel drug test?
No. A standard 5-panel covers marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines and PCP. Restoril is a benzodiazepine and appears only on panels with a BZO line.
How long does Restoril stay in your system for a urine test?
Typically a few days after the last dose, longer with frequent or high-dose use. Individual metabolism and the test cutoff change the window.
Can Restoril cause a false negative on a benzodiazepine screen?
Yes. Some immunoassays react weakly to temazepam's conjugated metabolites, so a person may screen negative. Lab confirmation methods are more sensitive.
Is a positive Restoril result confirmed on the spot?
No. Instant tests are presumptive. Send the specimen for laboratory confirmation and have a qualified reviewer assess any valid prescription.
Sources
This article is general information, not legal or medical advice.
