Restoril vs. Ambien: What’s the Difference?

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.

Windward Way Recovery can help people in these scenarios. Our extensive experience and knowledge about prescription drug abuse have helped thousands of people in California 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. Email Windward Way Recovery or call (855) 491-7694 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. As well as 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 ten 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.

Windward Way Recovery 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.

If you have an addiction to Restoril or know someone that abuses this drug, contact us today. Email Windward Way Recovery or phone (855) 491-7694 for a 15-minute assessment.

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 affects 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 for Ambien is around 2.6 hours. The half-life for Restoril is 16 hours.
• 410 drugs interact with Ambien. 380 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?

As well as 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 which increase in severity when someone takes one of these drugs for too long or ups their dosage.
• Both drugs are potentially dangerous.

How Windward Way Recovery Helps

Our team understands 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 kick-start 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 over 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 all major healthcare providers in the U.S.
• We judge no one who visits our treatment center in California. 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.

What People Say About Windward Way Recovery

• “Windward Way Recovery is an amazing treatment center with staff that really cares about each and every individual. If you need to learn the coping skills to overcome addiction like I did then, I would highly recommend this center.” — Teddy J.
• “Cardinal is a great place for addiction recovery. The staff here truly care about each individual. The daily classroom sessions are very informative. Case managers and therapists are here to help you through the process of recovery, but the individual has to be wanting it to exceed in sobriety. Getting the opportunity to go to outside AA and NA meetings is a huge plus along with the sober activities that are planned for the weekends. I personally feel that Cardinal taught me great tools to use in the next chapter of my life. I strongly recommend Windward Way Recovery for anyone willing to get sober.” — John G.
• “Everybody here is amazing! I recommend Windward Way Recovery to anyone who is having troubles being sober or having any mental health issues. They helped me and changed my life in so many ways. It was like having another family.” — Greg S.
• “I am so thankful for Windward Way Recovery! When I finally made that call for help, I had reached my bottom. After drinking for 35 years, I had enough and knew I had to take this seriously. I felt broken and alone. The decision was not easy but necessary. I stayed at Cardinal for 30 days and felt so welcomed. Everyone I came into contact with at Cardinal was caring and made everything I was going through a little easier.” — Carol L.
• “Cardinal was a God-send for me. The staff and house are awesome, and it’s a very good program. They cater to your every need to make sure you feel at home.” — Robert C.
• “The therapist and clinical staff were great. Staff at the house were as well. I had my favorites but not going to name drop. They know who they are! Overall, a pretty good experience that I would recommend to anyone looking for help.” — Jamie W.
• “Windward Way Recovery was truly a great experience, and it was exactly what I needed. I wasn’t sure about traveling for treatment at first, but I’m so glad that I did. Getting away allowed me time to focus on my issues. Their admissions team was the best. Thank you, Rob!” — Brent L.

Do you have an Ambien or Restoril addiction? Do you know someone abusing one of these drugs? Windward Way Recovery helps people start their recovery journeys with an incredible range of evidence-based treatments for addiction. Email us or phone (855) 491-7694 for a 15-minute consultation.