Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Lunesta (eszopiclone) and Lorazepam (Ativan) are both medications used to help with sleep and anxiety, but they work in different ways and are used for different purposes. Lunesta is a sedative-hypnotic used to treat insomnia, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It is taken right before bedtime and can cause side effects like a bad taste in your mouth and headaches. Lorazepam, on the other hand, is a benzodiazepine used for short-term treatment of anxiety and is also available as an injection for seizures. It can cause sleepiness and dizziness and has a higher risk of dependence and withdrawal symptoms compared to Lunesta. While both medications are controlled substances, Lorazepam is more likely to be habit-forming. Additionally, Lorazepam should not be taken with alcohol or opioid pain medications due to the risk of severe side effects, including trouble breathing.
Lunesta (eszopiclone)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Lunesta (eszopiclone)
Lorazepam (Ativan)
Summary of Lunesta vs. Ativan
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.