Benadryl vs. Restoril
See how Benadryl and Restoril compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Benadryl is an over-the-counter antihistamine sometimes used for occasional sleeplessness, while Restoril is a prescription benzodiazepine approved specifically for short-term insomnia.
Restoril carries boxed warnings for abuse, dependence, and dangerous interactions with opioids, whereas Benadryl has no boxed warning but can cause serious harm at high doses.
Restoril is meant for use of only 7 to 10 days, while Benadryl is sometimes used longer term for sleep, though it was never FDA-approved for that purpose.
Benadryl vs. Restoril Drug Summary
Benadryl
Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a first-generation antihistamine approved for allergy symptoms, motion sickness, and occasional sleeplessness. It is sold over the counter as tablets, capsules, chewables, liquid, or injection, and is typically taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
Restoril
Restoril (temazepam) is a benzodiazepine hypnotic approved only for short-term treatment of insomnia. It comes as an oral capsule taken once daily at bedtime, usually for no more than 7 to 10 days.
Benadryl vs. Restoril Side Effects
Benadryl
Restoril
Benadryl vs. Restoril Dosage
Benadryl
Restoril
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 12.5-25 mg every 4-6 h | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 1 mg/kg every 6-8h | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | 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 |
Benadryl
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 12.5-25 mg every 4-6 h | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 1 mg/kg every 6-8h | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 increases | 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 |
Benadryl vs. Restoril Indications
Benadryl
Benadryl is FDA-approved to relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and hives, and to help prevent motion sickness. It is also sold over the counter as a short-term sleep aid, and some people use it off-label for longer-term insomnia even though it was never studied for that purpose.
Allergic rhinitis and hay fever symptoms
Hives, itching, and skin allergic reactions
Motion sickness prevention
Occasional sleeplessness (OTC sleep aid)
Restoril
Restoril is FDA-approved only for the short-term treatment of insomnia, typically for 7 to 10 days. It targets trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early, and is not approved for anxiety or longer-term use.
Trouble falling asleep
Trouble staying asleep
Frequent nighttime awakenings
Early morning awakenings
Benadryl vs. Restoril Pros and Cons
Benadryl
Benadryl's antihistamine effects make it useful for allergies as well as occasional sleeplessness, and it can be bought without a prescription. It is not a controlled substance, but its sedating effect lessens with repeated use and it carries anticholinergic risks, especially in older adults.
Pros
Available over the counter, no prescription needed
Not a controlled substance, no abuse potential
Also treats allergy symptoms, not just sleep
Cons
Sedative effect fades with repeated nightly use
Anticholinergic side effects like dry mouth, confusion
Not FDA-approved for treating insomnia
High doses linked to serious heart problems, seizures
Restoril
Restoril is a prescription hypnotic backed by clinical trials specifically for insomnia, with more predictable, measured sedation. It carries boxed warnings for abuse, dependence, and dangerous interactions with opioids, and is intended for short courses only.
Pros
FDA-approved specifically for short-term insomnia
Backed by clinical trial data on sleep outcomes
More predictable sedation at prescribed doses
Cons
Schedule IV controlled substance with misuse risk
Boxed warning for dangerous interaction with opioids
Risk of dependence and withdrawal, including seizures
Not recommended for use beyond 7 to 10 days
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