Compare Benadryl vs. Restoril

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)

Prescription or OTC

Restoril (Temazepam)

Prescription only
Treats allergy symptoms and helps you sleep.

Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is great for allergies, but curl up on the couch after taking it and get ready for a nap.

4.1/ 5 average rating with 294 reviewsforBenadryl
Helps you relax and sleep.

Restoril (Temazepam) is a good short-term option to help you sleep, but it shouldn't replace good sleep habits.

3.9/ 5 average rating with 51 reviewsforRestoril
Upsides
  • Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) is often better than other antihistamines at treating allergy symptoms and hives.
  • It can provide quick relief of allergy symptoms for both kids and adults.
  • It makes you sleepy, so it'll help if your allergies are bothering you at night.
  • The effects wear off in 4 to 6 hours, so side effects don't last that long.
  • It comes as a tablet, capsule, liquid, and quick dissolving tablet.
  • Helps you fall asleep and stay asleep.
  • Can be helpful to reduce anxiety.
  • Shouldn't make you drowsy the next day as long as you're using normal doses of it.
Downsides
  • Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) makes you more tired than Claritin, Allegra, or Zyrtec.
  • You shouldn't drive after taking Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) until you know how it affects you.
  • Talk to a pediatrician before giving Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) to a child.
  • It can increase the risk of falls, so elderly people shouldn't use Benadryl (Diphenhydramine).
  • Don't use Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) if you are breastfeeding.
  • Can be habit-forming, meaning you'll start to rely on Restoril (Temazepam) to sleep.
  • Your body can get used to Restoril (Temazepam) and it may not work as well long-term.
  • It's not recommended for people age 65 years or older.
  • Can't be used by pregnant women since it'll cause harm to the baby.
  • If it's used everyday for more than 2 to 4 weeks and you decide to stop taking Restoril (Temazepam), you'll need to work with your doctor to slowly get off the drug to avoid extra side effects.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Oral solution
  • Cream, gel, or ointment
  • Pill
Price
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Reviews
294 reviews so far
86%
saidit'sworth it
59%
saiditworked well
8%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)?

Leave a review
51 reviews so far
65%
saidit'sworth it
55%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Restoril (Temazepam)?

Leave a review
Side effects
The Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
The Restoril (Temazepam) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Overdose
    • Using other drugs with the same ingredients
  • Increased side effects
    • Age 65 years or older
  • Driving impairment
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
  • Hyperactivity
    • Children age 6 years and younger
  • Trouble urinating
    • Enlarged prostate
    • History of bladder problems
  • Vision changes
    • Glaucoma
  • Breastfeeding
    • Nursing mothers
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Tolerance and dependence
    • Taking more than the prescribed dose
    • Taking longer than 4 weeks
    • History of drug abuse
  • Withdrawal
    • Long-term use
  • Harm to fetus
    • Women of childbearing age
  • Driving impairment
    • Alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
  • Memory problems
  • Falls
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking with other drugs that acts in the brain
    • Age 65 or older
See more detailed risks and warnings