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

Most common
Drowsiness (up to 41%)
Headache (up to 20%)
Dry mouth (up to 30%)
Dizziness (up to 28%)

Restoril

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

Trazodone vs. Restoril Dosage

Trazodone

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

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

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

Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore

Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.