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

Most common
Drowsiness (not specified)
Headache (not specified)
Dizziness (not specified)
Dry mouth (not specified)

Restoril

Most common
Drowsiness (up to 9.1%)
Headache (up to 8.5%)
Dizziness (up to 4.4%)
Fatigue (up to 4.8%)

Benadryl vs. Restoril Dosage

Benadryl

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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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