Restoril vs. Ambien: What’s the Difference?
Humans might have invented the wheel. And the iPhone. But there’s something we’ve yet to discover: The secret to a good night’s sleep. Millions of us have insomnia. Millions more don’t get enough shut-eye every night. Doctors prescribe various prescription drugs for sleeping disorders, but Ambien and Restoril are among the most popular. And with good reason.
Both drugs help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night. These quick fixes often do what the manufacturers say. But few people know the differences between Restoril vs. Ambien. While both drugs treat insomnia and other sleep-related conditions, they do it in very different ways and come with unique side effects.
There’s one thing these drugs have in common. Both Ambien and Restoril are susceptible to abuse, and users might develop a dependence, then an addiction, when taking these sleeping pills.
Whether you have an addiction to sleeping pills or know someone with an Ambien or Restoril problem, we’re on the other side of the phone. Call us at (855) 430-9439.
In this guide, learn about the differences between Restoril vs. Ambien and the benefits of enrolling in Zinnia Health’s treatment center for drug and alcohol abuse.
What Is Ambien?
Ambien is the brand name for a drug called zolpidem, which has sedative-hypnotic qualities. Doctors prescribe Ambien to people with insomnia and sleep problems. However, patients should only take it for one to two weeks in most cases. Ambien works by changing the brain chemicals responsible for sleep and depressing the central nervous system.
There are two types of Ambien:
- Ambien
- Ambien CR, which is a controlled-release form of the drug
Users should take this drug orally and on an empty stomach. The dosage depends on the user’s medical history, age, and other factors. Only a doctor can prescribe Ambien.
Like with other sleeping pills, some people develop a dependency on Ambien and abuse the drug, which leads to addiction. That can happen when someone takes Ambien for longer than prescribed, consumes a higher dose of the drug than recommended, or uses it without a prescription.
Users shouldn’t suddenly stop using Ambien because it can cause severe withdrawal symptoms like stomach cramps, nausea, and skin flushing. Doctors recommend lowering the dose slowly over time.
Zinnia Health can help people in these scenarios. Our extensive experience and knowledge about prescription drug abuse have helped thousands of people overcome addiction for good. The road to recovery is never a straight one, but we provide patients with the tools and techniques they need to live successful lives free from addiction.
We customize our treatment plans based on the substance user’s unique circumstances. That’s because we believe no two people who visit our treatment center are the same.
If you have an addiction to Ambien or want to support a person taking this drug, contact us today. Call (855) 430-9439 now for a 15-minute assessment.
What Is Restoril?
Like Ambien, Restoril is a prescription drug that treats insomnia and other sleep-related conditions. It’s the brand name for temazepam, a benzodiazepine. In addition to insomnia, Restoril can also treat seizures, anxiety, and muscle spasms.
Also like Ambien, Restoril dosage depends on the person’s age, body composition, and other factors. Most users should only take Restoril for 10 days or fewer. Only a doctor can prescribe this sleeping pill.
Some people develop a dependency on Restoril and then an addiction. Again, that happens when someone takes the drug for longer than prescribed, takes too high a dose, or uses the sleeping pill without a doctor’s prescription.
Users also shouldn’t suddenly stop using Restoril because it might cause withdrawal symptoms. (However, these symptoms aren’t typically as severe as those of Ambien.) Doctors recommend lowering the dose slowly over time.
Zinnia Health helps someone with a Restoril addiction by customizing a treatment plan based on that person’s circumstances and lifestyle. Our holistic approach to Restoril recovery also helps the loved ones of those addicted to this drug.
What Are the Differences Between Restoril vs. Ambien?
Here are some differences between Restoril and Ambien:
- Restoril is a benzodiazepine, a group of drugs that lower brain activity. Doctors prescribe these drugs to people who have anxiety, depression, and personality disorders. “Benzos” also increase muscle relaxation and reduce convulsions.
- Ambien isn’t a benzo. It belongs to a group of sedative-hypnotic drugs that affect the chemicals in the brain responsible for sleep.
- Ambien can be more habit-forming and addictive than Restoril. You can reduce dependency on this drug by taking it for the recommended time and not exceeding the suggested dosage.
- Doctors prescribe Ambien for around one to two weeks and Restoril for 10 days or fewer. That’s because the body can get used to both drugs quickly, and the effects wear off.
- Pregnant women can’t use Restoril because it might hurt the baby.
- Those with liver or kidney problems can experience extreme side effects when taking Ambien. Doctors might prescribe Restoril to these patients instead.
- Those over 65 years of age might experience extreme side effects when taking Restoril. Doctors can prescribe Ambien to these patients instead.
- Ambien is more expensive than Restoril.
- Ambien comes in pill form and is also available as an oral spray and sublingual pill. Restoril is only available as a pill.
- The half-life of Ambien is around 2.6 hours. The half-life of Restoril is 16 hours.
- Four hundred and ten drugs interact with Ambien. Three hundred and eighty drugs interact with Restoril.
Ambien and Restoril also carry different side effects:
Short-Term Side Effects of Ambien
- Fatigue
- Sedation
- Nausea
- Lack of appetite
- Fever
- A loss of muscle control
- Low heart rate
- Low pulse
Long-Term Side Effects of Ambien
- Falling unconscious
- Breathing problems
- Constant sedation
- Severe memory loss
- Excessive drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Stumbling
- Becoming unresponsive to certain stimuli
- Increased risk of cancer
Users might sleepwalk or experience night terrors when taking Ambien.
Short-Term Side Effects of Restoril
- Amnesia
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of balance
- Loss of coordination
- Sleeping problems
- Blurred vision
- Tremors
- Indigestion
- Slurred speech
Long-Term Side Effects of Restoril
- Excessive sedation
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
- Memory problems
- Learning problems
- Psychosis
- Rebound insomnia
What Are the Similarities Between Restoril vs. Ambien?
Besides treating insomnia, Ambien and Restoril have various similarities:
- The DEA has labeled both drugs as Schedule IV controlled substances.
- Both drugs have the potential for abuse.
- Both drugs are available without a prescription on the black market.
- Both Ambien and Restoril have side effects that increase in severity when someone takes one of these drugs for too long or increases their dosage.
- Both drugs are potentially dangerous.
How Zinnia Health Helps
Our team understands that while these sleeping pills have some similarities, Ambien and Restoril are two very different drugs. That’s why we customize our treatment plans based on drug type, dosage, and frequency of use. Our evidence-based approach to recovery helps those with an addiction to sleeping pills kickstart their journey to recovery.
Here are some benefits of our drug and alcohol recovery solutions:
- The highest standards of care for every patient.
- A private and intimate environment that promotes rest, relaxation, and, ultimately, recovery.
- Ongoing support from the moment someone contacts us.
- A team with more than 150 years of combined recovery time.
- Individual, group, and family therapies that identify the root cause of an addiction to Ambien or Restoril.
- We work with most major healthcare providers in the U.S.
- We judge no one who visits our treatment center. We welcome everyone.
- Support and resources for loved ones of those with an Ambien or Restoril problem.
- Treatment of co-occurring disorders that might influence a Restoril or Ambien addiction. These disorders include bipolar and borderline personality disorder.
Do you have an Ambien or Restoril addiction? Do you know someone abusing one of these drugs? Zinnia Health helps people start their recovery journeys with an incredible range of evidence-based treatments for addiction. Phone (855) 430-9439 for a 15-minute consultation.
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