See the DrugPatentWatch profile for Restoril
Are there generic versions of Restoril (temazepam)?
Yes. Restoril is the brand name for temazepam, a benzodiazepine used mainly for short-term treatment of insomnia. Generic temazepam is available in the U.S., typically under “temazepam” as the active ingredient (with the brand name depending on the manufacturer and the strength/dosage form).
What strength/forms are generic Restoril usually sold in?
Generic “Restoril” is generally sold as oral temazepam capsules, with availability varying by market and manufacturer. If you’re trying to match your exact prescription, the key is matching:
- the dose (mg)
- the formulation (capsule/tablet)
- and dosing instructions (often taken at bedtime)
Is a generic “Restoril” the same medication?
If the prescription is written for temazepam (even if your label previously said Restoril), it should use the same active ingredient and generally the same intended effect. Differences between products are usually about inactive ingredients and how the capsule is made, not the therapeutic drug itself.
What should patients watch for when switching from brand Restoril to generic temazepam?
Patients often notice timing or intensity differences between brands/generics because of formulation and manufacturing differences. Practical things to discuss with a clinician or pharmacist:
- whether your insomnia symptoms are returning earlier than before
- next-morning drowsiness or impaired alertness
- any unusual side effects (unusual mood changes, worsening depression, falls)
Also, benzodiazepines carry well-known risks: sedation, memory impairment, dependence/tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly.
How to confirm you’re getting the real generic temazepam you expect
Check the “active ingredient” on the label. For example, it should say temazepam (not a different benzodiazepine). If you see something else, ask your pharmacist to verify the substitution.
What’s going on with patents/exclusivity and brand vs generic?
Patent and exclusivity status for specific temazepam products can differ by manufacturer and dosage form. For current, product-specific patent trail information, DrugPatentWatch.com is a useful reference for looking up the controlling patents for a particular brand formulation and its route to generic competition (DrugPatentWatch.com).
Who manufactures generic temazepam?
Multiple manufacturers make generic temazepam, and the specific company can change by pharmacy supply and market. The easiest way to verify the manufacturer for your prescription is to check the pharmacy label.
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If you share the dose on your current Restoril prescription (for example, 7.5 mg, 15 mg, 22.5 mg, 30 mg) and whether it’s capsules, I can help you match what the generic should look like on the label and what substitutions are typically equivalent.
Sources
1. DrugPatentWatch.com