Sonata vs. Restoril
See how Sonata and Restoril compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Both Sonata and Restoril are Schedule IV controlled substances approved only for short-term insomnia, not for long-term nightly use.
Sonata's very short half-life allows flexible dosing later in the night, while Restoril lasts longer and carries a heavier next-day sedation risk.
Restoril carries an added boxed warning for dangerous interactions with opioids, while Sonata's boxed warning centers on complex sleep behaviors like sleep-walking.
Sonata vs. Restoril Drug Summary
Sonata
Sonata (zaleplon) is a nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic used for short-term treatment of insomnia in adults. It comes as an oral capsule taken once nightly at bedtime, and its very short half-life means it can even be taken in the middle of the night if at least four hours of sleep time remain.
Restoril
Restoril (temazepam) is a benzodiazepine hypnotic used for short-term treatment of insomnia, typically no more than 7 to 10 days. It is taken as an oral capsule once daily at bedtime, with dosing that ranges from a starting 7.5 mg up to a maximum 30 mg depending on response and tolerability.
Sonata vs. Restoril Side Effects
Sonata
Restoril
Sonata vs. Restoril Dosage
Sonata
Restoril
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg once nightly | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg once nightly | 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 |
Sonata
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg once nightly | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg once nightly | 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 |
Sonata vs. Restoril Indications
Sonata
Sonata is FDA-approved for short-term treatment of insomnia in adults who have trouble falling asleep. It is not approved for long-term nightly use or for anyone under 18. Its short duration of action makes it best suited for sleep-onset difficulty rather than staying asleep through the night.
Approved for adults with sleep-onset insomnia
Not approved for chronic, nightly use
Not approved for patients under 18
Can be taken mid-night if 4+ hours of sleep remain
Restoril
Restoril is FDA-approved for short-term treatment of insomnia, generally limited to 7 to 10 days of use. It is not approved for anxiety disorders or for routine use beyond that window. Its longer duration of action can help with both falling asleep and staying asleep.
Approved for short-term insomnia treatment
Not approved for anxiety disorders
Not approved for routine use beyond 7-10 days
Longer duration may help with sleep maintenance
Sonata vs. Restoril Pros and Cons
Sonata
Sonata's ultra-short half-life limits next-day grogginess for many patients and allows flexible dosing later in the night. It is metabolized differently than most CNS depressants, leading to fewer drug interactions, though it still carries a boxed warning for complex sleep behaviors.
Pros
Very short half-life means less next-day sedation for many
Can be taken mid-night if 4+ hours of sleep remain
Fewer drug interactions due to non-CYP metabolism
Cons
Contains tartrazine dye, a concern for allergy-prone patients
Less effective for staying asleep than for falling asleep
Still a controlled substance with abuse/dependence potential
Restoril
Restoril's longer duration of action can help patients who wake frequently overnight, but it also raises the risk of lingering next-day impairment. It carries boxed warnings for both abuse and addiction risk and for dangerous interactions with opioids, and its list price runs far higher than generic Sonata.
Pros
Longer duration may help with staying asleep overnight
Established option with decades of clinical use since 1981
Available in a wider range of dose strengths for titration
Cons
Higher risk of next-day sedation given longer half-life
Boxed warning for dangerous interactions with opioids
Contraindicated in pregnancy due to fetal harm risk
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