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.
