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Restoril vs. Oxazepam

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

Key takeaways

Temazepam (Restoril) and oxazepam are both benzodiazepines, but they are used for different purposes. Temazepam is primarily prescribed for short-term treatment of insomnia, helping you fall asleep and stay asleep. In contrast, oxazepam is used to treat short-term anxiety and to prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Temazepam is typically taken once daily at bedtime, while oxazepam is usually taken 3 to 4 times a day. Both medications can cause drowsiness and dizziness, but temazepam is noted to cause a "hangover" feeling the next morning. Both medications carry risks of misuse, addiction, and withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly.

Temazepam

(Restoril)

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Oxazepam

 

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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 Oxazepam

Prescription only

Oxazepam is used to treat short-term anxiety, and it also works well to prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms. It comes as a capsule that you take 3 or 4 times a day. The most common side effects of oxazepam include drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and vertigo. The brand name version is no longer available, but there's a lower-cost generic version.

Indications for Oxazepam

  • Anxiety
  • Alcohol withdrawal

Pros and Cons for Oxazepam

Pros

  • Lower-cost generic available
  • One of the first-choice treatment options for alcohol withdrawal
  • Can be taken by children as young as 6 years old (although you need to work with your child's provider for dosing if they're younger than 12)
  • A possible option for people with liver problems

Cons

  • Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking oxazepam suddenly
  • Not known if it's safe to take long-term (e.g., more than 4 months)
  • Can cause low blood pressure, so might not be safe in older adults with heart problems
  • Usually taken multiple times a day

Common Side Effects for Oxazepam

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Vertigo, feeling like the room is spinning
  • Headache

Warnings for Oxazepam

  • Extreme sleepiness, slowed breathing, coma, and death
  • Potential for misuse, dependence, and withdrawal
  • Harm to babies during pregnancy and after delivery

Prices with our coupons for Restoril vs. Oxazepam

Price Card Drug Icon
Temazepam30 capsules / 30mg
$12.78$20.99
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Price Card Drug Icon
Oxazepam60 capsules / 15mg
$25.96$95.00
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