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
Restoril
Lunesta vs. Restoril Dosage
Lunesta
Restoril
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.