Compare Ambien vs. Belsomra
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Belsomra (suvorexant) and Ambien (zolpidem) are both used to treat insomnia. Belsomra is an orexin receptor antagonist that can help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Ambien is a sedative that slows brain activity. The immediate-release version helps you fall asleep. The extended-release version can help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Belsomra is typically taken 30 minutes before bedtime on an empty stomach. Ambien is also taken once a night but can be taken with or without food. It can also be used on an as-needed basis. Belsomra is only available as a brand-name medication, while Ambien is available as a generic. Both medications are only meant for short-term use because they’re controlled substances that can cause dependence and misuse. They can also cause unusual behaviors such as sleepwalking.
- ZolpidemBelsomra (suvorexant)
- ZolpidemBelsomra (suvorexant)
Summary of Ambien vs. Belsomra
Summary for GABA A receptor positive modulatorPrescription onlyZolpidem is a sleeping pill used to treat insomnia, a condition where you have trouble falling or staying asleep. The dose is typically taken at bedtime to help you sleep. Since it's a controlled substance, it has a risk of misuse and dependency. Zolpidem should only be taken for a short period of time, especially since the medication can cause side effects like dizziness, daytime sleepiness, sleepwalking, or sleep driving. It comes as an oral tablet or capsule that you swallow and a sublingual tablet that you place under your tongue.
Summary for Orexin receptor antagonistPrescription onlyBelsomra (suvorexant) is used to treat insomnia in adults. It's helpful for those who have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep. This sleep medication belongs to the drug class called orexin receptor antagonists. You take a dosage within 30 minutes of bedtime as needed for sleep. It's common to feel drowsy the next day as a side effect. Belsomra (suvorexant) is a controlled substance because of the risk of misuse and becoming habit-forming. It's available as a brand-name medication only.
Indications of Ambien vs. Belsomra
Indications for•Insomnia (trouble sleeping)•Waking up in the middle of the night - certain sublingual tablets onlyIndications for•Insomnia (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep)Pros and Cons of Ambien vs. Belsomra
Pros and Const for GABA A receptor positive modulatorPros•Works quickly within 15 to 30 minutes to help you feel sleepy•Available as a lower-cost generic medication•Comes in multiple strengths which can be helpful to determine the right dose for you•Available as a tablet that dissolves under your tongue if you have trouble swallowing pillsCons•Can only be used for short-term treatment of insomnia•Has a serious risk of nighttime sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking, sleep driving, or sleep eating•Can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, such as stomach cramps, sweating, or vomiting, when stopped suddenly•Is a controlled substance with a risk of misuse and dependencePros and Const for Orexin receptor antagonistPros•Might be another option if other sleep aids don't work•Works within an hour to help most people fall asleepCons•Must have at least 7 hours of planned sleep before taking•Not recommended for long-term use•Not for people with narcolepsyCommon Side Effects of Ambien vs. Belsomra
Common Side Effects for•Headache (7%)•Sleepiness (2%)•Dizziness (1%)•Diarrhea (1%)Common Side Effects for•Drowsiness (7%)•Headache (7%)Warnings of Ambien vs. Belsomra
Common Side Effects for•Abnormal sleep behaviors•Daytime sleepiness and lowered alertness•Severe allergic reaction•Abnormal thoughts, behavior changes, and depression•Slowed breathing•Liver damage in people with liver problems•Withdrawal symptomsCommon Side Effects for•Feeling drowsy and having trouble focusing the next day•Risk of worsening of depression and suicidal thoughts•Doing things while asleep•Sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and weakness in the legs•Caution use in people with breathing problemsPrices with our coupons for Ambien vs. Belsomra
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