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Compare Restoril vs. Hetlioz

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

Key takeaways

Temazepam (Restoril) and Hetlioz (tasimelteon) are both used to help with sleep issues, but they work in different ways and are used for different conditions. Temazepam is a benzodiazepine that helps you fall asleep and stay asleep by slowing down brain activity. It's used for short-term treatment of insomnia and can be habit-forming, so it's a controlled substance. Common side effects include drowsiness, headache, and a "hangover" feeling the next day. On the other hand, Hetlioz is a melatonin receptor agonist that helps regulate sleep cycles, especially for people who are totally blind with non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder or those with Smith-Magenis Syndrome. It is not habit-forming and is not a controlled substance, but it can take weeks to months to notice any effects. Hetlioz is only available as a brand name, making it more expensive, and must be taken at the same time every night on an empty stomach. Common side effects of Hetlioz include headache and abnormal liver tests.

  • Temazepam (Restoril)
    Tasimelteon (Hetlioz)
  • Temazepam (Restoril)
    Tasimelteon (Hetlioz)

  • Summary of Restoril vs. Hetlioz

    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 Melatonin receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) is a prescription medication that treats specific sleep problems, including non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder (non-24) in adults and sleep disturbances in both children and adults with Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS). It comes as capsules for adults and a liquid suspension for children. The dosage is typically taken by mouth at the same time every night, about 1 hour before bed. Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) can potentially interact with many medications. Common side effects include headache and nightmares or unusual dreams.

  • Indications of Restoril vs. Hetlioz

    Indications for
    •Short-term treatment of insomnia (trouble sleeping)
    Indications for
    •Non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder (non-24) in adults
    •Nighttime sleep disturbances in children and adults with Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS)

  • Pros and Cons of Restoril vs. Hetlioz

    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 Melatonin receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Only FDA-approved medication to help people with non-24 and SMS maintain a regular sleep cycle
    •Not a controlled substance so it's not habit forming
    •Available as a liquid suspension for children with SMS
    Cons
    •Can take weeks to months for you to notice any effect
    •Must be taken at the same time every night
    •Interacts with many medications, such as rifampin, fluvoxamine, and metoprolol

  • Common Side Effects of Restoril vs. Hetlioz

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness (9%)
    •Headache (9%)
    •Fatigue or exhaustion (5%)
    •Nervousness (5%)
    •Tiredness (5%)
    •Dizziness (5%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (17%)
    •Abnormal liver tests (10%)
    •Nightmares or unusual dreams (10%)

  • Warnings of Restoril vs. Hetlioz

    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
    •Sleepiness
    •Interactions with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Restoril vs. Hetlioz

    Learn more about Temazepam
    Learn more about Tasimelteon

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