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Ambien vs. Melatonin

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

Key takeaways

Melatonin and Ambien (zolpidem) are both used to help with insomnia (trouble sleeping). But melatonin is a supplement that’s available over the counter, and Ambien is prescription only. Melatonin may help with sleep issues like jet lag and short-term insomnia, and it has fewer side effects than Ambien. Ambien is a controlled substance that works quickly to help you fall asleep, but comes with more serious risks (such as sleepwalking) and potential for dependence and misuse. Melatonin supplements aren’t regulated by the FDA so it’s important to know how to choose a supplement that’s high-quality.

Zolpidem

 

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Melatonin

 

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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 Melatonin

Over-the-counter

Melatonin is a supplement that's taken to help with sleep problems due to conditions like insomnia or jet lag. It's available over-the-counter and comes in many different formulations, including oral pills and sprays, skin patches, and topical creams. Various melatonin products have different instructions and age recommendations, so speak with your provider or pharmacist to check if it's safe for children. Melatonin is pretty well tolerated, but possible side effects include daytime sleepiness, headaches, and nausea.

Indications for Melatonin

Pros and Cons for Melatonin

Pros

  • Generally well tolerated with very few side effects
  • Usually not habit-forming like some other sleep aids
  • Available over the counter (OTC) in many different dosage forms and strengths
  • Available as a lower-cost generic

Cons

Common Side Effects for Melatonin

Warnings for Melatonin

  • Worsening of certain medical conditions
  • Overdose in children
  • Interactions with other medications

Prices with our coupons for Ambien vs. Melatonin

Price Card Drug Icon
Zolpidem30 tablets / 10mg
$11.16$18.94
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Price Card Drug Icon
Melatonin30 tablets / 3mg
$6.53$7.65
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