Ambien vs. Restoril
See how Ambien and Restoril compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Ambien is a non-benzodiazepine approved specifically for trouble falling asleep, while Restoril is a benzodiazepine approved for insomnia more broadly.
Both are Schedule IV controlled substances meant for short-term use only, but Restoril carries boxed warnings for abuse risk and dangerous opioid interactions that Ambien's label does not.
Ambien's typical dose range (5-10 mg) and generic price are lower than Restoril's (7.5-30 mg), which also has a much higher typical monthly list price.
Ambien vs. Restoril Drug Summary
Ambien
Ambien (zolpidem) is a non-benzodiazepine GABA-A receptor agonist used for short-term treatment of insomnia when the main problem is trouble falling asleep. It is taken as a single tablet on an empty stomach right before bed, at 5 mg or 10 mg depending on sex and liver function. It has been FDA-approved since 1992.
Restoril
Restoril (temazepam) is a benzodiazepine hypnotic approved for short-term treatment of insomnia in general, not just difficulty falling asleep. It is taken as a single capsule at bedtime, with doses ranging from 7.5 mg to 30 mg depending on age and response. It has been FDA-approved since 1981.
Ambien vs. Restoril Side Effects
Ambien
Restoril
Ambien vs. Restoril Dosage
Ambien
Restoril
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg once nightly | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 10 mg once nightly | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 7.5 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 30 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Ambien
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg once nightly | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 10 mg once nightly | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Restoril
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 7.5 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 30 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | As tolerated |
Ambien vs. Restoril Indications
Ambien
Ambien is FDA-approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia when the main symptom is difficulty falling asleep. It is not approved for long-term nightly use or for use in children.
Difficulty falling asleep (sleep onset insomnia)
Short-term use only, typically days to a few weeks
Not approved for chronic nightly use
Not approved for pediatric patients
Restoril
Restoril is FDA-approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia in general, without specifying whether the problem is falling asleep or staying asleep. It is intended for very brief use, typically no more than 7 to 10 days.
General insomnia symptoms
Short-term use only, typically 7 to 10 days
Not approved for anxiety disorders
Not approved for long-term routine use
Ambien vs. Restoril Pros and Cons
Ambien
Ambien's non-benzodiazepine mechanism and lower typical dose range make it a common first-line choice for sleep-onset insomnia. It is generally less expensive at generic pricing than Restoril, though brand pricing can be very high.
Pros
Non-benzodiazepine, may carry less stigma
Lower typical dose range (5-10 mg)
Generic pricing often $15 to $90 per month
No boxed warning for abuse or opioid interaction
Cons
Only approved for sleep-onset insomnia specifically
Risk of complex sleep behaviors like sleep-walking
Higher dose (10 mg) linked to more next-day impairment
Still a controlled substance with dependence risk
Restoril
Restoril's benzodiazepine mechanism and broader dosing range can address a wider range of insomnia symptoms, but it carries boxed warnings absent from Ambien's label. Its typical list price is substantially higher than Ambien's generic price.
Pros
Approved for general insomnia, not just onset
Longer duration of action may aid staying asleep
Wider dose range (7.5-30 mg) allows titration
Long track record since 1981 approval
Cons
Boxed warning for abuse, misuse, and addiction risk
Boxed warning for danger when combined with opioids
Contraindicated in pregnancy
Typical cost of $920 to $1,270 per month, far above Ambien's generic price
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