Ativan vs Restoril: side-by-side comparison
Ativan (Anti-anxiety Medications) and Restoril (Sleep Aids and Hypnotics) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely interchangeable. This page compares the medications' purposes, mechanisms and the situations where each is used.
| Property | Ativan | Restoril |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Lorazepam | Temazepam |
| Manufacturer | Pfizer | Mallinckrodt |
| Class | Anti-anxiety Medications | Sleep Aids and Hypnotics |
| Strengths | 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg | 7.5mg, 15mg, 22.5mg, 30mg |
| Forms | tablet, oral concentrate, injection | capsule |
What's the same
Ativan and Restoril are used in very different patients, and the points in common are limited. The main shared element is that both meet regulatory standards for efficacy and safety and benefit from pharmacist oversight.
Key differences
Ativan belongs to Anti-anxiety Medications while Restoril belongs to Sleep Aids and Hypnotics. Indications, mechanisms and target populations differ. The comparison is most useful when a clinician has mentioned both medications and the patient wants to understand where each fits.
Mechanism and action
Ativan: Lorazepam binds the benzodiazepine site of the GABA-A receptor and allosterically enhances inhibitory chloride conductance. Restoril: Temazepam binds the benzodiazepine site of the GABA-A receptor and allosterically enhances inhibitory chloride conductance.
When Ativan is preferred
Ativan is approved in adults for the short-term management of anxiety disorders and anxiety-related insomnia.
When Restoril is preferred
Restoril is approved in adults for the short-term treatment of insomnia, particularly when difficulty maintaining sleep is prominent.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ativan or Restoril better? ▾
Ativan and Restoril are not interchangeable — they treat different conditions. Asking which is "better" is meaningful only when a clinician has weighed both for the same specific clinical scenario.
Can I switch from Ativan to Restoril? ▾
Switching between Ativan and Restoril is rarely an appropriate decision since they belong to different classes and treat different conditions. The real question is usually whether the diagnosis calls for one medication or the other — which the prescriber resolves.
Do Ativan and Restoril have the same side effects? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each medication has its own prescribing information.
More Ativan comparisons
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.