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Compare Lunesta vs. Restoril

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Lunesta (eszopiclone) and Restoril (temazepam) are both medications used to treat insomnia, but they belong to different drug classes. Lunesta is a sedative-hypnotic, while Restoril is a benzodiazepine. Lunesta is typically taken right before bedtime and can be used long-term, whereas Restoril is recommended only for short-term use (7 to 10 days). Lunesta can cause side effects like a bad taste in your mouth and headache, while Restoril can cause drowsiness, headache, and sometimes a "hangover" feeling the next morning. Both medications can lead to abnormal sleep behaviors, but Restoril has a higher risk of misuse, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms. Additionally, Restoril is not recommended during pregnancy, while Lunesta does not have this specific contraindication. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

  • Lunesta (eszopiclone)
    Temazepam (Restoril)
  • Lunesta (eszopiclone)
    Temazepam (Restoril)

  • Summary of Lunesta vs. Restoril

    Summary for Sedative-hypnotic
    Prescription only

    Lunesta (eszopiclone) is used to treat insomnia in people over the age of 18. This medication can help you fall asleep faster and wake up fewer times during the night. Lunesta (eszopiclone) belongs to a drug class called sedative-hypnotics, and it's a controlled substance so there are restrictions on how it can be filled and refilled at the pharmacy. You typically only need to take a dose right before bedtime, but it can cause a headache or leave a bad taste in your mouth as a side effect.

    Summary for Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Temazepam (Restoril) is a short-term option for people who have insomnia (trouble sleeping). It's a benzodiazepine, so taking it can lead to misuse, addiction, and sometimes cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it. For this reason, it's a controlled substance, so you'll need close follow-up with your provider to make sure this medication remains safe for you to take. Common side effects include drowsiness, headache, nervousness, and sometimes a "hangover" feeling the next morning after your dose. The medication available as a brand name (Restoril) and a generic version.

  • Indications of Lunesta vs. Restoril

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep)
    Indications for
    •Short-term treatment of insomnia (trouble sleeping)

  • Pros and Cons of Lunesta vs. Restoril

    Pros and Const for Sedative-hypnotic
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Can help you fall asleep and stay asleep
    •Fewer side effects and less addicting than some other sleep medications
    Cons
    •Can cause sedation, dizziness, and poor coordination the next day, especially at higher doses
    •Can lead to rebound insomnia after stopping the medication, especially if you've taken it for a long time
    •Risk of abnormal sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking or sleep driving
    Pros and Const for Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Can help you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night
    •Only taken once a day at bedtime
    •Dose can be adjusted by your provider based on your response
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can cause memory problems, dizziness, and confusion
    •Can worsen suicidal thoughts in some people with depression
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly
    •Only recommended for short-term use (7 to 10 days)
    •Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Lunesta vs. Restoril

    Common Side Effects for
    •Bad taste in mouth (17-34%)
    •Headache (17-21%)
    •Sleepiness (8-10%)
    •Dizziness (5-7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness (9%)
    •Headache (9%)
    •Fatigue or exhaustion (5%)
    •Nervousness (5%)
    •Tiredness (5%)
    •Dizziness (5%)
    •Nausea (3%)

  • Warnings of Lunesta vs. Restoril

    Common Side Effects for
    •Abnormal sleep behaviors
    •Poor mental alertness
    •Behavior changes and abnormal thinking
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Follow up with provider to check for other reasons for insomnia
    •Withdrawal
    •Use with caution in older adults and people with certain health conditions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sedation and difficulty breathing
    •Risk of misuse and addiction
    •Risk of dependence and withdrawal
    •Complex behaviors
    •Harm to babies
    •Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
    •Severe allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Lunesta vs. Restoril

    Learn more about Lunesta
    Learn more about Temazepam

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