Trazodone vs. Restoril
See how Trazodone and Restoril compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Trazodone is FDA-approved for depression, not insomnia, so using it for sleep is an off-label choice at a much lower dose than its antidepressant dose.
Restoril is FDA-approved for short-term insomnia but is a Schedule IV controlled substance meant for only 7 to 10 days of use.
Trazodone carries a lower risk of dependence and withdrawal seizures than Restoril, but Restoril tends to work faster and more predictably for sleep.
Trazodone vs. Restoril Drug Summary
Trazodone
Trazodone is a serotonin antagonist and reuptake inhibitor (SARI) antidepressant that's FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder. At much lower doses, it's widely prescribed off-label as a sleep aid, usually taken once daily at bedtime. It isn't a controlled substance and carries a low risk of dependence.
Restoril
Restoril (temazepam) is a benzodiazepine hypnotic FDA-approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia. It's taken once daily at bedtime, typically for no more than 7 to 10 days. As a Schedule IV controlled substance, it carries a boxed warning for abuse, misuse, and addiction.
Trazodone vs. Restoril Side Effects
Trazodone
Restoril
Trazodone vs. Restoril Dosage
Trazodone
Restoril
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25-50 mg at bedtime | At the start |
| Maximum dose | Up to 150 mg at bedtime | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 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 |
Trazodone
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25-50 mg at bedtime | At the start |
| Maximum dose | Up to 150 mg at bedtime | If needed |
| Dose changes | 3 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 |
Trazodone vs. Restoril Indications
Trazodone
Trazodone's only FDA-approved use is major depressive disorder in adults. It's also commonly prescribed off-label, at lower doses, for insomnia, though this use hasn't been formally reviewed or approved by the FDA.
FDA-approved: Major depressive disorder (adults)
Off-label: Insomnia, usually at lower doses
Off-label: Sleep trouble tied to depression or anxiety
Not approved for use in children or teens
Restoril
Restoril is FDA-approved specifically for the short-term treatment of insomnia, generally limited to 7 to 10 days. It isn't intended for ongoing nightly use and isn't approved to treat anxiety disorders.
FDA-approved: Short-term insomnia (7-10 days)
Not approved for: Long-term nightly use
Not approved for: Anxiety disorders
Schedule IV controlled substance
Trazodone vs. Restoril Pros and Cons
Trazodone
Trazodone is a sedating antidepressant that isn't a controlled substance, which makes it appealing for ongoing nightly use. It lacks FDA approval for insomnia, though, so sleep dosing and duration aren't standardized the way they are with Restoril.
Pros
Not a controlled substance, so no strict refill limits
Low risk of physical dependence or withdrawal seizures
Can be used long-term, unlike short-term-only hypnotics
Cons
Not FDA-approved for insomnia, so sleep dosing is off-label
May work less quickly for falling asleep than a dedicated hypnotic
Boxed warning for suicidal thoughts in children and young adults
Rare but serious risk of priapism (prolonged erection)
Restoril
Restoril is a benzodiazepine hypnotic with FDA approval specifically for short-term insomnia, offering fast, predictable sedation. Its dependence and misuse risks mean it's meant for brief use only, not for nightly long-term therapy.
Pros
FDA-approved specifically for insomnia, with proven short-term efficacy
Benzodiazepine mechanism gives faster, more predictable sedation
Available in four fixed doses for clear step-up dosing
Cons
Schedule IV controlled substance with boxed warning for abuse and addiction
Meant for short-term use only, typically 7 to 10 days
Risk of withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, if stopped abruptly
Roughly $920 to $1,270 per month without insurance, much pricier than trazodone
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