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Compare Restoril vs. Doxepin

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

Key takeaways

Temazepam (Restoril) and doxepin (Sinequan) are both medications that can be used to help with sleep issues, but they belong to different medication classes. Temazepam is a benzodiazepine primarily used for short-term treatment of insomnia, while doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) FDA-approved for depression and anxiety, but its tablet form (Silenor) is also approved for insomnia. Temazepam is a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and addiction, whereas doxepin is not a controlled medication. Temazepam is typically taken as a 15 mg dose at bedtime as needed, while doxepin's dose for depression and anxiety ranges from 75 mg to 150 mg daily. Temazepam comes in a generic and brand version, while doxepin is only available as a generic medication. Common side effects of temazepam include drowsiness and headache. Mixing temazepam with alcohol or opioids can cause dangerously slow breathing. Doxepin can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and blurred vision. Mixing doxepin with alcohol can make drowsiness and dizziness worse and increase the risk of falls. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly.

  • Temazepam (Restoril)
    Doxepin (Sinequan)
  • Temazepam (Restoril)
    Doxepin (Sinequan)

  • Summary of Restoril vs. Doxepin

    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.

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Doxepin (Sinequan) is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It comes as a capsule that's taken by mouth to treat depression or anxiety in people over the age of 12. But it's not a first-choice option for these conditions because of the risk of side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and weight gain. The typical dose of doxepin (Sinequan) ranges from 75 mg to 150 mg by mouth once daily. It's available as a generic capsule and oral solution; the brand name (Sinequan) is discontinued. <br> Note: Doxepin (Silenor) tablets are FDA-approved for insomnia.

  • Indications of Restoril vs. Doxepin

    Indications for
    •Short-term treatment of insomnia (trouble sleeping)
    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Anxiety

  • Pros and Cons of Restoril vs. Doxepin

    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
    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Typically taken once daily
    •Available as oral capsules and solution
    Cons
    •Need to avoid alcohol while taking it
    •Can take 2 to 3 weeks before you notice the full effects for depression
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the medication suddenly

  • Common Side Effects of Restoril vs. Doxepin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness (9%)
    •Headache (9%)
    •Fatigue or exhaustion (5%)
    •Nervousness (5%)
    •Tiredness (5%)
    •Dizziness (5%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Blurred vision
    •Dry mouth
    •Constipation
    •Trouble passing urine

  • Warnings of Restoril vs. Doxepin

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Unmasking of bipolar disorder
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Drowsiness

  • Prices with our coupons for Restoril vs. Doxepin

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