Skip to main content

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)

Get free coupons

Temazepam

(Restoril)

Get free coupons

Summary for Lunesta

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.

Indications for Lunesta

  • Insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep)

Pros and Cons for Lunesta

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

Common Side Effects for Lunesta

Warnings for Lunesta

  • 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

Summary for Restoril

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 for Restoril

  • Short-term treatment of insomnia (trouble sleeping)

Pros and Cons for Restoril

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 for Restoril

  • Drowsiness (9%)
  • Headache (9%)
  • Fatigue or exhaustion (5%)
  • Nervousness (5%)
  • Tiredness (5%)
  • Dizziness (5%)
  • Nausea (3%)

Warnings for Restoril

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Eszopiclone30 tablets / 3mg
$12.67$211.86
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Temazepam30 capsules / 30mg
$12.78$20.99
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Insomnia drugs

Klonopin vs. LunestaLunesta vs. AtivanLunesta vs. BelsomraLunesta vs. ButisolLunesta vs. Dalmane
Lunesta vs. DoxepinLunesta vs. EstazolamLunesta vs. HetliozLunesta vs. OleptroLunesta vs. RemeronLunesta vs. RestorilLunesta vs. RozeremLunesta vs. SilenorLunesta vs. SonataLunesta vs. TrazodoneElavil vs. OleptroEstazolam vs. ButisolLexapro vs. OleptroNefazodone vs. OleptroOleptro vs. RestorilOleptro vs. ValiumPamelor vs. OleptroPaxil vs. OleptroPristiq vs. OleptroProzac vs. OleptroRemeron vs. OleptroRestoril vs. ButisolRozerem vs. ButisolSonata vs. ButisolTriazolam vs. Butisol

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.