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Compare Restoril vs. Trazodone

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

Key takeaways

Temazepam (Restoril) and trazodone are both used to help with sleep, but they are quite different. Temazepam is a benzodiazepine, which means it works by slowing down brain activity to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. It's only recommended for short-term use (7 to 10 days) because it can be addictive and cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. Trazodone, on the other hand, is an atypical antidepressant that is sometimes used off-label for sleep. It affects serotonin levels in the brain and is not addictive, so it doesn't have the same risk of misuse as temazepam. Temazepam is a controlled substance, while trazodone is not. Temazepam is typically taken once a day at bedtime, whereas trazodone can be taken once or a few times a day, depending on your condition. Both medications can cause drowsiness and dizziness, but trazodone also has a higher risk of causing dry mouth and headaches.

  • Temazepam (Restoril)
    Trazodone
  • Temazepam (Restoril)
    Trazodone

  • Summary of Restoril vs. Trazodone

    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 Atypical antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Trazodone is an atypical antidepressant. It's FDA-approved to treat depression in adults, but it isn't a first-choice option. In addition, trazodone is sometimes prescribed off-label for difficulty sleeping (insomnia). This medication is taken by mouth, typically once or a few times a day, depending on your condition. Common side effects of this medication include sleepiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. Brand name Desyrel has been discontinued.

  • Indications of Restoril vs. Trazodone

    Indications for
    •Short-term treatment of insomnia (trouble sleeping)
    Indications for
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD)

  • Pros and Cons of Restoril vs. Trazodone

    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 Atypical antidepressant
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Fewer sexual side effects than some other antidepressants
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Starts to work within a week for treating depression
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice medication for depression
    •Can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it

  • Common Side Effects of Restoril vs. Trazodone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness (9%)
    •Headache (9%)
    •Fatigue or exhaustion (5%)
    •Nervousness (5%)
    •Tiredness (5%)
    •Dizziness (5%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (up to 41%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 34%)
    •Dizziness or lightheadedness (up to 28%)
    •Headache (up to 20%)
    •Blurred vision (up to 15%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (up to 13%)

  • Warnings of Restoril vs. Trazodone

    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
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Dizziness from lower blood pressure
    •Risk of bleeding
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •Glaucoma
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •Withdrawal

  • Prices with our coupons for Restoril vs. Trazodone

    Learn more about Temazepam
    Learn more about Trazodone

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