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Compare Dayvigo vs. Sonata

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

Key takeaways

Dayvigo (lemborexant) and zaleplon (Sonata) are both medications used to treat insomnia, but they work in different ways and have some key differences. Dayvigo is an orexin receptor antagonist that helps you fall asleep and stay asleep by blocking a chemical in your brain that promotes wakefulness. Zaleplon, on the other hand, is a sedative-hypnotic that works on GABA receptors to make you drowsy and help you fall asleep quickly, but it doesn't help you stay asleep. Dayvigo is only available as a brand-name medication, which can make it more expensive, while zaleplon is available as a lower-cost generic. Dayvigo is taken right before bed and requires at least 7 hours of sleep, whereas zaleplon works in about 20 to 30 minutes and is also best taken right before bed. Both medications can cause next-day drowsiness and have risks of dependence and unusual sleep behaviors, but zaleplon is typically used for short-term treatment and may cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly.

  • Dayvigo (lemborexant)
    Zaleplon
  • Dayvigo (lemborexant)
    Zaleplon

  • Summary of Dayvigo vs. Sonata

    Summary for Orexin receptor antagonist
    Prescription only

    Dayvigo (lemborexant) CIV is a medication that's used to help adults who have trouble falling or staying asleep (insomnia). This sleep medication belongs to the drug class called orexin receptor antagonists. The typical dosage for the Dayvigo (lemborexant) tablets is 5 mg or 10 mg that's taken by mouth right before bedtime. You should take the medication only if you know you can get at least 7 hours of sleep before you need to wake up the next day. Common side effects include sleepiness and headache. Dayvigo (lemborexant) is a controlled substance because it has a risk for misuse.

    Summary for Sedative-hypnotic
    Prescription only

    Zaleplon, once sold under the brand name Sonata, is a prescription sleep medication for adults. It helps with insomnia (trouble falling asleep). It's a type of sedative-hypnotic called a non-benzodiazepine, or "z-drug." You take it by mouth right before bed or when you're already in bed and can't fall asleep. Zaleplon is a controlled substance because it has a risk of misuse and dependence. Side effects can include headache and dizziness.

  • Indications of Dayvigo vs. Sonata

    Indications for
    •Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep (insomnia)
    Indications for
    •Insomnia (trouble falling asleep)

  • Pros and Cons of Dayvigo vs. Sonata

    Pros and Const for Orexin receptor antagonist
    Pros
    •Can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer
    •Taken right before you plan to go to sleep
    •Not likely to cause withdrawal if you stop taking the medication suddenly
    Cons
    •Can cause daytime sleepiness, especially if you get less than the recommended 7 hours of sleep after you take the medication
    •Not recommended for people with severe liver problems
    •Not known if it's safe or if it works well for children
    Pros and Const for Sedative-hypnotic
    Pros
    •Works within 30 minutes or so to help you fall asleep
    •Low risk of causing daytime sleepiness since it doesn't stay very long in the body
    Cons
    •Not shown to help with staying asleep throughout the night
    •Not usually recommended to take for more than 30 days because it can be habit-forming

  • Common Side Effects of Dayvigo vs. Sonata

    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling sleepy or tired (up to 10%)
    •Headache (up to 6%)
    •Nightmares or unusual dreams (up to 2%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (up to 42%)
    •Dizziness (up to 9%)
    •Nausea (up to 8%)
    •Weakness (up to 7%)
    •Sleepiness the next day (6%)
    •Stomach pain (up to 6%)

  • Warnings of Dayvigo vs. Sonata

    Common Side Effects for
    •Daytime sleepiness
    •Suicidal thoughts and behaviors or worsening depression
    •Sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and cataplexy-like symptoms
    •Abnormal sleep behaviors
    •Use with caution in people with breathing problems
    Common Side Effects for
    •Doing things while not fully awake
    •Sleepiness and trouble focusing the next day
    •Dependence and withdrawal
    •Abnormal thoughts and unusual behavior
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Caution use in people with breathing problems or depression

  • Prices with our coupons for Dayvigo vs. Sonata

    Learn more about Dayvigo
    Learn more about Zaleplon

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