Eszopiclone vs. Trazodone for Insomnia and Depression: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Lunesta

(eszopiclone)

Trazodone

Summary for Eszopiclone

Prescription only

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.

Indications for Eszopiclone

Insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep)

Pros and Cons for Eszopiclone

Pros

Available as a lower-cost generic
Can help you fall asleep and stay asleep
Fewer side effects and less addicting than some other sleep medications

Cons

Can cause sedation, dizziness, and poor coordination the next day, especially at higher doses
Can lead to rebound insomnia after stopping the medication, especially if you've taken it for a long time
Risk of abnormal sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking or sleep driving

Common Side Effects for Eszopiclone

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

Warnings for Eszopiclone

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

Summary for Trazodone

Prescription only

Trazodone is an atypical antidepressant. It's FDA-approved to treat depression in adults, but it isn't a first-choice option. In addition, trazodone is sometimes prescribed off-label for difficulty sleeping (insomnia). This medication is taken by mouth, typically once or a few times a day, depending on your condition. Common side effects of this medication include sleepiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. Brand name Desyrel has been discontinued.

Indications for Trazodone

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

Pros and Cons for Trazodone

Pros

Taken by mouth
Fewer sexual side effects than some other antidepressants
Available as a lower-cost generic
Starts to work within a week for treating depression

Cons

Not a first-choice medication for depression
Can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels
Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it

Common Side Effects for Trazodone

Sleepiness (up to 41%)
Dry mouth (up to 34%)
Dizziness or lightheadedness (up to 28%)
Headache (up to 20%)
Blurred vision (up to 15%)
Nausea or vomiting (up to 13%)

Warnings for Trazodone

Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
Serotonin syndrome
Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
Dizziness from lower blood pressure
Risk of bleeding
Prolonged and painful erection
Glaucoma
Low blood sodium levels
Withdrawal

Prices with our coupons for Eszopiclone vs. Trazodone

Eszopiclone30 tablets / 3mg

$12.67$235.60

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Trazodone30 tablets / 50mg

$9.00$9.00

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Eszopiclone vs. Trazodone

Lunesta

Trazodone

Summary for Eszopiclone

Indications for Eszopiclone

Pros and Cons for Eszopiclone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Eszopiclone

Warnings for Eszopiclone

Summary for Trazodone

Indications for Trazodone

Pros and Cons for Trazodone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Trazodone

Warnings for Trazodone

Prices with our coupons for Eszopiclone vs. Trazodone

Compare other Insomnia and Depression drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Lunesta

Trazodone

Summary for Eszopiclone

Indications for Eszopiclone

Pros and Cons for Eszopiclone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Eszopiclone

Warnings for Eszopiclone

Summary for Trazodone

Indications for Trazodone

Pros and Cons for Trazodone

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Trazodone

Warnings for Trazodone