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Compare Estazolam vs. Hetlioz

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

Key takeaways

Estazolam (formerly branded as Prosom) and Hetlioz (tasimelteon) are both used to help with sleep issues, but they work in different ways and are used for different conditions. Estazolam is a benzodiazepine that helps you fall asleep and stay asleep by slowing down brain activity. It's only available as a generic and is meant for short-term use due to the risk of dependence and misuse. On the other hand, Hetlioz is a melatonin receptor agonist that helps regulate sleep cycles, especially for people who are totally blind with non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder or those with Smith-Magenis Syndrome. Hetlioz is available in brand and generic forms. Unlike estazolam, Hetlioz is not habit-forming and needs to be taken at the same time every night on an empty stomach. Estazolam works quickly, while Hetlioz can take weeks to months to show effects. Additionally, estazolam is a controlled substance, whereas Hetlioz is not.

  • Estazolam (Prosom)
    Tasimelteon (Hetlioz)
  • Estazolam (Prosom)
    Tasimelteon (Hetlioz)

  • Summary of Estazolam vs. Hetlioz

    Summary for Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Estazolam (Prosom) is a sleeping pill that can help adults with insomnia fall asleep and stay asleep. It's a benzodiazepine medication that's not a first-choice treatment option for trouble sleeping, and it's only meant for short-term use since it can be habit-forming. It comes as a tablet that you take by mouth right before you get into bed. It's only available as a generic since the brand-name medication, Prosom, is no longer on the market. In addition to causing sleepiness, other common side effects can include headache, weakness, and nervousness.

    Summary for Melatonin receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) is a prescription medication that treats specific sleep problems, including non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder (non-24) in adults and sleep disturbances in both children and adults with Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS). It comes as capsules for adults and a liquid suspension for children. The dosage is typically taken by mouth at the same time every night, about 1 hour before bed. Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) can potentially interact with many medications. Common side effects include headache and nightmares or unusual dreams.

  • Indications of Estazolam vs. Hetlioz

    Indications for
    •Short-term treatment of insomnia
    Indications for
    •Non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder (non-24) in adults
    •Nighttime sleep disturbances in children and adults with Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS)

  • Pros and Cons of Estazolam vs. Hetlioz

    Pros and Const for Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Helps you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Don't need to take every day for it to work well
    Cons
    •Is a controlled substance, so there is a risk for misuse and dependency
    •Can cause sleep-driving or unusual behaviors during sleep
    •Might not be safe in older adults since it raises the risk of falls
    Pros and Const for Melatonin receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Only FDA-approved medication to help people with non-24 and SMS maintain a regular sleep cycle
    •Not a controlled substance so it's not habit forming
    •Available as a liquid suspension for children with SMS
    Cons
    •Can take weeks to months for you to notice any effect
    •Must be taken at the same time every night
    •Interacts with many medications, such as rifampin, fluvoxamine, and metoprolol

  • Common Side Effects of Estazolam vs. Hetlioz

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (42%)
    •Headache (16%)
    •Weakness (11%)
    •Slow muscle movement (8%)
    •Nervousness (8%)
    •Dizziness (7%)
    •General discomfort (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (17%)
    •Abnormal liver tests (10%)
    •Nightmares or unusual dreams (10%)

  • Warnings of Estazolam vs. Hetlioz

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sedation and difficulty breathing
    •Misuse, dependence, and withdrawal
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Abnormal behaviors during sleep
    •Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Interactions with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Estazolam vs. Hetlioz

    Learn more about Estazolam
    Learn more about Tasimelteon

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