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Eszopiclone vs. Melatonin

Lunesta (eszopiclone) is used to treat insomnia in people over the age of 18. This medication can help you fall asleep faster and wake up fewer times during the night. Lunesta (eszopiclone) belongs to a drug class called sedative-hypnotics, and it's a controlled substance so there are restrictions on how it can be filled and refilled at the pharmacy. You typically only need to take a dose right before bedtime, but it can cause a headache or leave a bad taste in your mouth as a side effect.

• Insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep)

• Bad taste in mouth (17-34%)
• Headache (17-21%)
• Sleepiness (8-10%)
• Dizziness (5-7%)

• Abnormal sleep behaviors
• Poor mental alertness
• Behavior changes and abnormal thinking
• Severe allergic reactions
• Follow up with provider to check for other reasons for insomnia
• Withdrawal
• Use with caution in older adults and people with certain health conditions

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.

• Short-term insomnia
• Delayed sleep-wake disorder
• Jet lag
• Anxiety around surgery
• Non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder

• Drowsiness
• Daytime sleepiness

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