If you are researching prescription sleeping medicines, you may have come across Ambien and Restoril and wondered how they compare.
Although both medicines are used to treat insomnia, they are not the same medication. Ambien contains zolpidem, while Restoril contains temazepam. Zolpidem belongs to the group of medicines commonly called Z-drugs, whereas temazepam is a benzodiazepine.
Both medicines can help with sleep, but their differences are important when considering how they work, how long their effects may last, potential side effects and the risks associated with longer-term use.
What Is Ambien?
Ambien is a brand name for zolpidem, a prescription sedative-hypnotic used for insomnia.
Zolpidem can help people fall asleep more quickly and is generally intended for short-term treatment. NHS guidance notes that zolpidem is usually prescribed for a few days or weeks, with treatment generally limited to up to four weeks because tolerance and dependence can develop.
Ambien is available in different formulations, including immediate-release and extended-release products.
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What Is Restoril?
Restoril is the brand name for temazepam, a benzodiazepine prescription medicine used for the short-term treatment of insomnia.
The current U.S. prescribing information specifies Restoril for short-term insomnia treatment, generally 7 to 10 days. (
Temazepam can affect brain activity in a way that produces sedation and can help with sleep onset and sleep maintenance.
Because it is a benzodiazepine, it has important precautions concerning dependence, withdrawal and interactions with other medicines.
Ambien vs Restoril: What Is the Main Difference?
The biggest difference is their drug class and active ingredient.
| Feature | Ambien | Restoril |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Zolpidem | Temazepam |
| Drug class | Z-drug / sedative-hypnotic | Benzodiazepine |
| Main use | Insomnia | Short-term insomnia |
| Prescription medicine | Yes | Yes |
| Dependence potential | Yes | Yes |
| Available formulations | Several zolpidem formulations | Temazepam capsules |
| Typical treatment approach | Short-term | Short-term |
In the UK, local prescribing policies can differ. For example, NHS formulary guidance may place zolpidem and temazepam at different positions within treatment pathways.
How Does Ambien Work?
Zolpidem works through the brain’s GABA system, increasing calming activity and producing a sedative effect that can help with sleep.
It is generally taken shortly before bedtime and should only be taken according to the prescription provided.
Zolpidem can work relatively quickly. NHS information states that it takes around 30 minutes to work, although individual responses vary.
How Does Restoril Work?
Temazepam is a benzodiazepine that enhances the effects of GABA in the brain.
This produces a calming and sedating effect that can help people with insomnia fall asleep and remain asleep.
Unlike zolpidem, temazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine class, which is associated with tolerance, dependence and withdrawal when used regularly or for longer periods.
Which One Lasts Longer?
The duration of a medicine’s effects depends on factors including the formulation, dose, metabolism and individual response.
Zolpidem has a relatively short half-life. NHS information notes that zolpidem generally does not remain in the body for more than about 12 hours, although some people can still experience next-morning sleepiness.
Temazepam has a longer elimination half-life. NHS prescribing guidance lists a half-life of approximately 8–15 hours for temazepam compared with approximately 2 hours for zolpidem.
This does not mean that one medicine is automatically more effective. Duration and next-day effects are important factors for a prescriber to consider.
Ambien vs Restoril for Falling Asleep
Both medicines can be used for insomnia involving difficulty falling asleep.
Zolpidem is specifically used to help people fall asleep more quickly and is commonly prescribed for short-term insomnia.
Temazepam can also improve sleep onset and sleep maintenance. Clinical evidence has examined temazepam for both types of insomnia symptoms.
The appropriate medicine depends on the individual’s symptoms, medical history and treatment plan.
Ambien vs Restoril for Staying Asleep
Insomnia does not always mean difficulty falling asleep. Some people fall asleep normally but wake repeatedly during the night.
Both zolpidem and temazepam have been used in the management of insomnia involving sleep maintenance, although their pharmacological profiles differ.
If you regularly wake during the night, it is important to discuss the pattern with your healthcare professional rather than simply increasing the dose or taking additional medication.
Ambien Side Effects
Possible side effects of zolpidem include:
- Daytime sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dry or unusual taste in the mouth
- Reduced alertness
- Problems with coordination or memory
The FDA also warns about rare but serious complex sleep behaviours, including sleepwalking and sleep-driving, associated with zolpidem and certain other Z-drugs.
Restoril Side Effects
Possible side effects of temazepam include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Reduced alertness
- Confusion
- Problems with coordination
- Memory problems
- Daytime sedation
Temazepam can also cause dependence, particularly with continued use.
Its prescribing information carries important warnings about combining benzodiazepines with opioids because the combination can cause profound sedation and respiratory depression and can be life-threatening.
Which Has a Higher Risk of Dependence?
Both medicines can lead to dependence.
Zolpidem is generally prescribed for a short period because tolerance and dependence can develop.
Temazepam is a benzodiazepine and also carries a significant dependence and withdrawal risk.
For this reason, neither medicine should be taken more frequently, at a higher dose or for longer than prescribed.
If you have been taking either medicine regularly for an extended period, speak with your healthcare professional before stopping it.
Can You Take Ambien and Restoril Together?
Do not combine Ambien and Restoril unless specifically instructed to do so by a healthcare professional.
Both medicines have sedative effects. Taking them together could increase excessive sedation and other risks.
You should also tell your prescriber about other medicines that cause drowsiness.
Can You Drink Alcohol With Ambien or Restoril?
Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of sleep medicines.
The NHS specifically advises avoiding alcohol while taking zolpidem because the combination can result in very deep sleep and difficulty waking.
Restoril also carries important warnings concerning central nervous system depressants. In particular, combining temazepam with opioids can result in severe sedation and respiratory depression.
Ambien vs Restoril: Which Is Better?
There is no single answer to which medicine is better for everyone.
The appropriate choice depends on factors such as:
- The type of insomnia
- How long the sleep problem has been present
- Other medicines being taken
- Age
- Medical history
- Risk of dependence
- Previous response to sleep medicines
- Risk of next-day sedation
In the UK, prescribing guidance also varies according to local formularies. Some NHS formularies place zolpidem ahead of temazepam for short-term insomnia treatment, while others may use different pathways.
Are Ambien and Restoril Long-Term Treatments?
Generally, neither should be viewed as a routine long-term solution for chronic insomnia.
The NHS states that sleeping pills are now rarely prescribed for insomnia and, when used, are generally prescribed for only a few days or weeks because of their potential risks and dependence.
For persistent insomnia, healthcare professionals may investigate underlying causes and consider approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) alongside sleep-habit changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ambien the same as Restoril?
No. Ambien contains zolpidem, while Restoril contains temazepam. They belong to different medication classes. (
Is Restoril stronger than Ambien?
It is not useful to describe one as simply “stronger.” They are different medicines with different pharmacological properties, and their effects vary between individuals.
Does Ambien work faster than Restoril?
Zolpidem can begin working relatively quickly, with NHS guidance stating that it takes around 30 minutes. The onset of temazepam can vary according to the individual and formulation.
Can Restoril be used every night?
Restoril is intended for short-term treatment. Its U.S. prescribing information specifies generally 7–10 days for short-term insomnia.
Can Ambien cause dependence?
Yes. Regular use can lead to tolerance and dependence, which is why zolpidem is generally prescribed for a short period.
Can you switch from Restoril to Ambien?
A switch should be planned with a healthcare professional. The medicines are not equivalent on a milligram-for-milligram basis, so you should not substitute one for the other yourself.
Final Word
Ambien and Restoril are both prescription medicines used for insomnia, but they contain different active ingredients and belong to different drug classes. Ambien contains zolpidem, while Restoril contains temazepam.
Both can cause drowsiness and dependence, and both are generally intended for short-term use. The choice of treatment depends on the individual’s sleep difficulties, medical history, other medicines and response to treatment.
If insomnia is persistent, treating the underlying cause and considering non-drug approaches such as CBT-I may be more appropriate than relying on sleeping medication indefinitely.
