Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Klonopin (clonazepam) and Lunesta (eszopiclone) are both medications that require a prescription, but they are used for different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Klonopin is a benzodiazepine used to treat seizures and panic disorder, while Lunesta is a sedative-hypnotic used to treat insomnia. Klonopin is typically taken two or three times a day, whereas Lunesta is taken once daily right before bedtime. Klonopin can cause side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and poor movement control, and it carries a risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms. On the other hand, Lunesta can cause a bad taste in the mouth, headache, and sleep behaviors like sleepwalking or sleep driving. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics.
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Lunesta (eszopiclone)
Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Lunesta (eszopiclone)
Summary of Klonopin vs. Lunesta
Summary for Benzodiazepine
Prescription only
Clonazepam (Klonopin) is a benzodiazepine. It's approved to treat seizures in adults and children, and panic disorder in adults only. Clonazepam (Klonopin) is taken by mouth, typically two or three times a day. It's also available as orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) for people who have trouble swallowing. Some common side effects of this medication include drowsiness, dizziness, and poor movement control. Before stopping clonazepam (Klonopin), speak with your prescriber to come up with a plan to lower your dose slowly over time to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Summary for Sedative-hypnotic
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.