Lunesta vs. Restoril

See how Lunesta and Restoril compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Lunesta is approved for regular, ongoing use, while Restoril is meant only for short-term insomnia treatment of about 7 to 10 days.

  • Restoril carries an FDA boxed warning for abuse, misuse, and dangerous interactions with opioids, which Lunesta's label does not carry.

  • Lunesta's signature side effect is an unpleasant metallic taste, while Restoril's most common effects are drowsiness and fatigue.

Lunesta vs. Restoril Drug Summary

Lunesta

Lunesta (eszopiclone) is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic used to treat insomnia. It is taken as an oral tablet once nightly at bedtime, with doses ranging from 1 mg to 3 mg. Unlike many sleep medications, it is approved for ongoing use rather than just a short course.

Restoril

Restoril (temazepam) is a benzodiazepine hypnotic used for short-term treatment of insomnia. It is taken as an oral capsule once nightly, with doses ranging from 7.5 mg to 30 mg. It is intended for use over about 7 to 10 days rather than as a nightly long-term medication.

Lunesta vs. Restoril Side Effects

Lunesta

Most common
Headache (up to 15%)
Dry mouth (up to 10%)
Somnolence (up to 10%)
Dizziness (up to 6%)

Restoril

Most common
Drowsiness (up to 9.1%)
Headache (up to 8.5%)
Fatigue (up to 4.8%)
Nervousness (up to 4.6%)

Lunesta vs. Restoril Dosage

Lunesta

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 1 mg once daily At the start
Maximum dose 3 mg once daily If needed
Dose changes 2 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

Lunesta vs. Restoril Indications

Lunesta

Lunesta is FDA-approved to treat insomnia, including trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. It can be prescribed for regular, ongoing use, since its approval does not limit treatment to a short course. It has not been studied for use in children.

  • Treats difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep

  • Approved for ongoing, regular nightly use

  • Taken once nightly at bedtime

  • Not approved for use in children

Restoril

Restoril is FDA-approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia, typically for 7 to 10 days. It is not approved for anxiety disorders or for routine long-term use beyond that window. It is contraindicated during pregnancy.

  • Treats short-term insomnia only

  • Approved for use of about 7 to 10 days

  • Taken once nightly at bedtime

  • Not approved for anxiety or long-term use

Lunesta vs. Restoril Pros and Cons

Lunesta

Lunesta can be used for ongoing insomnia rather than just a short course, and its label does not carry the boxed warnings for abuse or opioid interaction that Restoril's does. Its most distinctive drawback is a lingering metallic taste that affects a large share of users.

Pros

  • Approved for ongoing insomnia treatment, not just a short course

  • No boxed warning for abuse, misuse, or opioid interaction

  • Once-daily dosing with a simple 1 mg to 3 mg range

Cons

  • Unpleasant metallic taste affects up to 26% of users

  • Still carries risk of complex sleep behaviors like sleepwalking

  • Typically costs more, roughly $1,300 to $1,600 per month without insurance

  • Small risk of hallucinations at higher doses

Restoril

Restoril is approved only for short-term use and carries boxed warnings for abuse, misuse, and dangerous interactions with opioids. It has a long track record and a wider range of dose strengths, but a real risk of dependence and withdrawal if stopped abruptly.

Pros

  • Typically costs less, roughly $920 to $1,270 per month without insurance

  • Long history of use since 1981 with well-characterized dosing

  • Wider dose range, from 7.5 mg to 30 mg, allows finer adjustment

Cons

  • Boxed warnings for abuse, misuse, addiction, and opioid interaction

  • Recommended only for short-term use of about 7 to 10 days

  • Contraindicated in pregnancy due to fetal harm risk

  • Higher risk of dependence and withdrawal, including seizures, if stopped abruptly

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