Restoril vs. Halcion
See how Restoril and Halcion compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Both Restoril and Halcion are Schedule IV benzodiazepines approved only for short-term insomnia treatment, typically 7 to 10 days.
Restoril comes in four capsule strengths (7.5 mg to 30 mg), while Halcion offers three tablet strengths (0.125 mg to 0.5 mg).
Halcion's shorter half-life may ease next-day grogginess but is linked to a higher rate of memory problems, while Restoril often costs far more per month.
Restoril vs. Halcion Drug Summary
Restoril
Restoril (temazepam) is a benzodiazepine hypnotic approved for short-term treatment of insomnia. It comes as an oral capsule taken once daily at bedtime, with doses ranging from 7.5 mg to 30 mg depending on response and age.
Halcion
Halcion (triazolam) is a benzodiazepine hypnotic approved for short-term treatment of insomnia, generally limited to 7 to 10 days of use. It is taken as an oral tablet once daily at bedtime, with doses ranging from 0.125 mg to 0.5 mg.
Restoril vs. Halcion Side Effects
Restoril
Halcion
Restoril vs. Halcion Dosage
Restoril
Halcion
| 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 |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 0.125 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 0.5 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 |
Halcion
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 0.125 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 0.5 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Restoril vs. Halcion Indications
Restoril
Restoril is FDA-approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia, typically for 7 to 10 days. It is not intended for long-term nightly use or for treating anxiety disorders.
Short-term treatment of insomnia (7-10 days)
Not approved for long-term or nightly use beyond 7-10 days
Not approved for anxiety disorders
Lower starting dose recommended for elderly patients
Halcion
Halcion is FDA-approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults, generally limited to 7 to 10 days. Longer-term nightly use without re-evaluation is not recommended.
Short-term treatment of insomnia (7-10 days)
Not approved for long-term nightly use without re-evaluation
Requires lowest effective dose in elderly patients
Contraindicated with strong CYP3A inhibitors
Restoril vs. Halcion Pros and Cons
Restoril
Restoril's intermediate half-life and four dose strengths allow for more gradual titration than Halcion, though this also means more next-day sedation risk for some patients. It typically carries a much higher monthly cost than generic Halcion.
Pros
Wider range of four dose strengths (7.5-30 mg) for tailored dosing
No specific contraindication with common CYP3A-inhibiting drugs
Intermediate half-life may cause less rebound insomnia than Halcion
Cons
Typically costs much more per month (roughly $920 to $1,270) than Halcion
Longer half-life may cause more next-day drowsiness than Halcion
Slower clearance can prolong grogginess in elderly patients
Halcion
Halcion's short half-life may reduce next-day grogginess and comes at a much lower typical monthly cost than Restoril. It carries a higher reported rate of memory-related side effects and cannot be combined with certain common medications.
Pros
Much lower monthly cost (roughly $20 to $65) than Restoril
Very short half-life may reduce next-day drowsiness
Rapid onset suits difficulty falling asleep quickly
Cons
Higher reported rate of anterograde amnesia than other hypnotics
Contraindicated with strong CYP3A inhibitors, limiting drug options
Shorter half-life linked to higher rebound insomnia risk
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.