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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.

Zolpidem

 

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Belsomra

(suvorexant)

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Summary for Ambien

Prescription only

Zolpidem 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.

Indications for Ambien

Pros and Cons for Ambien

Pros

  • 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 pills

Cons

  • 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 dependence

Common Side Effects for Ambien

  • Headache (7%)
  • Sleepiness (2%)
  • Dizziness (1%)
  • Diarrhea (1%)

Warnings for Ambien

  • 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 symptoms

Summary for Belsomra

Prescription only

Belsomra (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 for Belsomra

  • Insomnia (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep)

Pros and Cons for Belsomra

Pros

Cons

  • Must have at least 7 hours of planned sleep before taking
  • Not recommended for long-term use
  • Not for people with narcolepsy

Common Side Effects for Belsomra

  • Drowsiness (7%)
  • Headache (7%)

Warnings for Belsomra

  • 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 problems

Prices with our coupons for Ambien vs. Belsomra

Price Card Drug Icon
Zolpidem30 tablets / 10mg
$11.16$18.94
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Belsomra30 tablets / 10mg
$462.80$597.07
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