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Restoril vs. Ambien

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

Key takeaways

Temazepam (Restoril) and zolpidem (Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar) are both medications used to treat insomnia, but they belong to different drug classes. Temazepam is a benzodiazepine, while zolpidem belongs to a group of medications called "Z-drugs," also known as sedative-hypnotics. Both medications work by slowing down brain activity to help you fall asleep, but they do so through different mechanisms. Temazepam is typically taken as a 15 mg dose at bedtime and is available as an oral capsule. Zolpidem, on the other hand, comes in various forms, including immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and sublingual tablets, with doses ranging from 1.75 mg to 12.5 mg. Both medications are controlled substances with a risk of misuse and dependence, but zolpidem has a higher risk of causing abnormal sleep behaviors like sleepwalking and sleep driving. Additionally, zolpidem can start working faster, within 15 to 30 minutes, compared to temazepam, which generally starts working within 30 minutes. Both medications should only be used for short-term treatment, and you should follow your healthcare provider's instructions closely to avoid serious side effects.

Temazepam

(Restoril)

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Zolpidem

 

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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

Summary for Ambien

Prescription only

Zolpidem is a sleeping pill used to treat insomnia, a condition where you have trouble falling or staying asleep. The dose is typically taken at bedtime to help you sleep. Since it's a controlled substance, it has a risk of misuse and dependency. Zolpidem should only be taken for a short period of time, especially since the medication can cause side effects like dizziness, daytime sleepiness, sleepwalking, or sleep driving. It comes as an oral tablet or capsule that you swallow and a sublingual tablet that you place under your tongue.

Indications for Ambien

Pros and Cons for Ambien

Pros

  • Works quickly within 15 to 30 minutes to help you feel sleepy
  • Available as a lower-cost generic medication
  • Comes in multiple strengths which can be helpful to determine the right dose for you
  • Available as a tablet that dissolves under your tongue if you have trouble swallowing pills

Cons

  • Can only be used for short-term treatment of insomnia
  • Has a serious risk of nighttime sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking, sleep driving, or sleep eating
  • Can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, such as stomach cramps, sweating, or vomiting, when stopped suddenly
  • Is a controlled substance with a risk of misuse and dependence

Common Side Effects for Ambien

  • Headache (7%)
  • Sleepiness (2%)
  • Dizziness (1%)
  • Diarrhea (1%)

Warnings for Ambien

  • Abnormal sleep behaviors
  • Daytime sleepiness and lowered alertness
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Abnormal thoughts, behavior changes, and depression
  • Slowed breathing
  • Liver damage in people with liver problems
  • Withdrawal symptoms

Prices with our coupons for Restoril vs. Ambien

Price Card Drug Icon
Temazepam30 capsules / 30mg
$12.78$20.99
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Zolpidem30 tablets / 10mg
$11.16$18.94
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