To get a healthy life, people need a good sleep cycle. Approximately 25-30 million adults are suffering from insomnia in the United States. They are often searching for how to get relief from this disorder. Restoril (Temazepam) and Ambien (Zolpidem) are the most prescribed medications for insomnia. These two drugs work similarly but have many differences in their combination, efficiency, and risk. Both are used for short-term management of Insomnia. They slow down the activity in the brain and help to fall asleep faster, but they have different mechanisms. So many people have a question: What is the difference between Restoril vs Ambien?
How is Restoril Different from Ambien?
In case of Insomnia, mainly two medications are prescribed, those are Ambien and Restoril. Both aids work by slowing down the brain activity, but they have different mechanisms. Restoril is a benzodiazepine that treats Insomnia and anxiety, but Ambien is used to treat only Insomnia. Ambien works faster than Restoril and has less effect of drowsiness, but it has side effects like sleepwalking. Although Restoril is more effective, but has a risk of addiction or dependence.
Insomnia is a sleeping disorder. A person suffering from Insomnia faces problems falling asleep. This mainly arises due to depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Insomnia can cause daytime sleepiness, an unhealthy feeling, anxiety, irritation, and mood changes. It directly affects your mental health. By depending upon its effect, there are three types of Insomnia: Short-term insomnia, acute insomnia, and chronic insomnia.
The Short-term Insomnia refers to daytime fatigue and difficulty in concentration. Acute insomnia stays up to a few weeks in your body. When insomnia has its effect up to three months on your body, then it is refers as chronic Insomnia. If you suffer from long-term Insomnia, consult your doctor, as it may cause serious health problems.
What is Restoril?
The brand name of Temazepam is Restoril. It is used for short-term management of Insomnia, works by calming the brain activity. Restoril undergoes in the Benzodiazepines class of drugs, and is taken orally. It takes up to 30 minutes to work after taking it and lasts up to 8 hours.
The brain becomes less active when GABA binds the GABA(A) receptors. Restoril helps in the binding of GABA(A) receptors. It increases the flow of chloride ions, which makes neurons inactive and hyperpolarized.
What is Ambien?
Like Restoril, Ambien acts as a sleeping pill and is also prescribed for the short-term treatment of insomnia, but it has a different chemical structure. Ambien is the brand name of Zolpidem. It has an active ingredient called Zolpidem tartrate. Ambien works by binding some specific subunits, like alpha-1,2 and 3, in GABA(A) receptors. It is because selecting binding can not result in strong muscle relaxation and anti-seizure effects, which produces deep sleep better than other medications.
Side Effects of Both Restoril and Ambien
Both drugs have serious and mild side effects, and both are mentioned below:
- Fatigue
- Sedation
- Lack of appetite
- Fever
- A loss of muscle control
- Low heart rate
- Low pulse
- Falling unconscious
- Breathing problems
- Excessive drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Increased risk of cancer
- Amnesia
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of balance
- Loss of coordination
- Blurred vision
- Indigestion
- Depression
- Memory problems
- Learning problems
Drug Interactions of Both Medications (Restoril vs Ambien)
Ambien and Restoril have some side effects by interacting with some foods and medications. They can also interact with each other and produce mild or major health issues.
- Alcohol
- Other benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, Ativan)
- Opioids (oxycodone, Vicodin, codeine, hydrocodone)
- Sleep medications
- Antipsychotics and some antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
- Antihistamines
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
- Muscle relaxants
Avoid taking Ambien and Restoril with alcohol, pain relievers, and sedatives; they will cause drowsiness, confusion, and falls. Taking Ambien with Restoril can cause oversedation, confusion, or breathing issues. Avoid taking Ambien and Restoril together until your doctor prescribes.
Ambien vs Restoril Doses
The most prescribed dose of Ambien is 5 mg. When a woman suffers from insomnia, she will be prescribed the lowest dose of Ambien 5 mg, according to her needs. In case of a man, he can take either 5 mg or 10 mg of Ambien. If the 5 mg is not effective doctor can prescribe 10 mg, but don’t exceed 10 mg of Ambien in a day. It is taken before going to bed, and once in a day.
The Doses of Restoril are not fixed. In some cases, 7.5 mg works well, and some need 30 mg. 15 mg is mostly prescribed to adults. 7.5 mg is prescribed to older and weaker people, and the strength is increased according to their response.
Conclusion:
Ambien vs Restoril both have high potency to manage Insomnia. They are different from each other due to their mechanism of work, efficiency, and potency of risk. Always take these drugs under your doctor’s prescription. If you are suffering from the side effects, you can choose an alternate treatment under your doctor’s prescription. Don’t use more than enough dose to increase the effect it may cause life-threatening problems. Choose wisely between Ambien and Restoril under the guidance of your doctor according to your needs, side effects, interactions, and risk of addiction.