Restoril vs Halcion: See the Difference

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, with about 30% of the population in the  US suffering from it. People with insomnia are typically treated with a drug class called Benzodiazepines that help them to sleep properly. Both Restoril and Halcion are commonly used insomnia drugs. They belong to the same category but function a bit differently. 

 A healthcare provider’s prescription is a must as it takes some trials to determine which drug and its dosage works the best for you. So, here in this blog, you’ll get all the details about Restoril vs Halcion and the uses, forms, doses, dosages, colors, side effects, and precautions when using these drugs.

Comparison Between Restoril and Halcion

Restoril

Restoril is a brand-name medication drug used to treat insomnia in individuals. It is a prescription-only medicine and must only be used after consultation with a healthcare provider. It belongs to a class of drugs known as Benzodiazepines. The drug is also available in a generic variant called temazepam which is also the active ingredient present in this medication. 

It affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with sleep problems. Restoril acts by slowing down the central nervous system (CNS), causing drowsiness which helps patients fall asleep faster. This medicine has been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US.

Halcion

Halcion is another branded drug used for short-term treatment of insomnia in patients. It is a prescription-only medicine and must only be used after consultation with a healthcare expert. It belongs to the same class of drugs known as Benzodiazepines. 

The drug is also available in a generic variant called triazolam which is also the active ingredient present in this medication. This medicine has been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US.

Uses of Restoril & Halcion

Halcion

Halcion is generally prescribed to individuals suffering from insomnia. In some cases, it may also be prescribed for its anxiety-reducing properties. However, it’s usually reserved for short-term use due to the potential risk of dependence and tolerance. 

Halcion may be used as a premedication before surgical procedures to induce sedation and reduce anxiety in patients who are nervous about the surgery. Dentists may also prescribe Halcion to patients who experience fear before dental procedures.

It can help relax patients and make their experience more comfortable. In some cases, the drug may be used off-label as a muscle relaxant, typically for conditions where muscle tension or spasms are the cause of sleep disturbances.

Restoril

Similar to Halcion, Restoril is primarily prescribed to help individuals with insomnia, especially those who have difficulty falling or staying asleep during the night. Restoril is sometimes used off-label to help manage anxiety symptoms in addition to its primary use for insomnia. 

However, like Halcion, it’s usually reserved for short-term use due to the risk of dependence and tolerance. This medication may be used as a premedication before surgical procedures to induce sedation and reduce anxiety in patients who fear before going for surgery.

In some cases, it may be used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms as it can help in managing these symptoms during the detoxification process.

Doses & Dosages

Restoril

Restoril is available in oral tablet form and has different dosage strengths. These strengths are as follows:

• • 7.5 mg

• • 15 mg
    

• • 22.5 mg

• • 30 mg, with 30 mg being the highest dosage strength for this drug.

This medicine can be taken with or without food as prescribed by the healthcare professional. The dosage strengths may vary depending on the formulation and the country in which you live.

Halcion

Halcion is available in oral tablet form. It has different dosage strengths which are as follows:

• • 0.125 mg

• • 0.25 mg

• • 0.5 mg, with 0.5 mg being the highest dosage strength for this medicine.

The recommended dosage is 0.25 mg taken once daily before bedtime. A dosage of 0.125 mg taken once daily may be sufficient for patients with low body weight. A dosage of 0.5 mg should be used only for patients who do not respond well to a lower dose.

This medicine can be taken with or without food as prescribed by the healthcare provider. The dosage strengths may vary depending on the formulation and the region you live in. 

Color

Halcion

The color of Halcion tablets may vary depending on the manufacturer and the country they are available in. Usually, the tablets are small and round, and they may have different colors to distinguish different strengths. Their colors include:

• • White

• • Light Yellow

• • Blue

Remember that the appearance of the drug may change over time, and different manufacturers might manufacture tablets with slightly different appearances or colors. People should always consult with their healthcare experts if they have any concerns about the appearance or color of their medicine.

Restoril

Restoril tablets are available in different colors depending on the manufacturer and specific formulation. These colors include:

• • White

• • Yellow

• • Blue

• • Green

Always know that the appearance of medications can vary depending on the manufacturer and the region you live in. Patients should always check the label of their medicine and consult a doctor if they have any questions about the appearance or color of the tablets.

Side Effects

Both Restoril and Halcion belong to the drug class of Benzodiazepines and are primarily used for treating insomnia. These medications have the same side effects which are as follows.

Common side effects include:

• • Dizziness

• • Drowsiness 

• • Headache

• • Feeling lightheaded

• • Upset stomach

• • Nausea

• • Confusion

• • Memory problems

Severe side effects include:

• • Respiratory depression

• • Paradoxical reactions

• • Withdrawal symptoms

• • Dependence 

• • Severe allergic reactions

• • Suicidal thoughts

• • Unusual behavior

Precautions:

• • Before consuming Restoril or Halcion, inform the healthcare professional if you are allergic to them or to the category of other benzodiazepine drugs. These drugs may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other adverse effects. Consult a doctor for more details.

• • Inform the healthcare expert about your medical history, especially of kidney disease, liver disease, lung problems, mental problems, personal or family history of overuse of or addiction to drugs or alcohol, personal or family history of sleepwalking, and myasthenia gravis before using these medicines.

• • Since these medications make you feel dizzy or drowsy, do not drive or do anything that needs alertness. Avoid alcoholic beverages and consult a doctor if under the influence of marijuana. Before having any surgery, tell the healthcare provider about all the products you use such as prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs and herbal products.

• • Women should avoid getting pregnant while using Restoril or Halcion drugs. They may harm the unborn baby. Mothers of newborns and pregnant women who use either of these medications may experience symptoms such as shallow breathing, shakiness, trouble feeding, etc.