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Compare Lunesta vs. Belsomra

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

Key takeaways

Lunesta (eszopiclone) and Belsomra (suvorexant) are both medications used to treat insomnia, but they work in different ways and have some distinct differences. Lunesta is a sedative-hypnotic that may interact with GABA proteins in the brain to help you feel calmer and sleepier. It is available as a lower-cost generic and is typically taken right before bedtime. On the other hand, Belsomra is an orexin receptor antagonist that blocks the action of orexin, a chemical that promotes wakefulness and is only available as a brand-name medication. While both medications are controlled substances with potential for misuse, Belsomra is noted for its risk of causing sleep paralysis and muscle weakness in the legs, which are not common with Lunesta. Additionally, Lunesta can cause a bad taste in your mouth and has a risk of abnormal sleep behaviors like sleepwalking, whereas Belsomra may lead to vivid dreams and memory problems. Both medications should be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of depression or other mental health issues.

  • Lunesta (eszopiclone)
    Belsomra (suvorexant)
  • Lunesta (eszopiclone)
    Belsomra (suvorexant)

  • Summary of Lunesta vs. Belsomra

    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.

    Summary for Orexin receptor antagonist
    Prescription only

    Belsomra (suvorexant) is used to treat insomnia in adults. It's helpful for those who have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep. This sleep medication belongs to the drug class called orexin receptor antagonists. You take a dosage within 30 minutes of bedtime as needed for sleep. It's common to feel drowsy the next day as a side effect. Belsomra (suvorexant) is a controlled substance because of the risk of misuse and becoming habit-forming. It's available as a brand-name medication only.

  • Indications of Lunesta vs. Belsomra

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep)
    Indications for
    •Insomnia (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep)

  • Pros and Cons of Lunesta vs. Belsomra

    Pros and Const for Sedative-hypnotic
    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
    Pros and Const for Orexin receptor antagonist
    Pros
    •Might be another option if other sleep aids don't work
    •Works within an hour to help most people fall asleep
    Cons
    •Must have at least 7 hours of planned sleep before taking
    •Not recommended for long-term use
    •Not for people with narcolepsy

  • Common Side Effects of Lunesta vs. Belsomra

    Common Side Effects for
    •Bad taste in mouth (17-34%)
    •Headache (17-21%)
    •Sleepiness (8-10%)
    •Dizziness (5-7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness (7%)
    •Headache (7%)

  • Warnings of Lunesta vs. Belsomra

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling drowsy and having trouble focusing the next day
    •Risk of worsening of depression and suicidal thoughts
    •Doing things while asleep
    •Sleep paralysis, hallucinations, and weakness in the legs
    •Caution use in people with breathing problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Lunesta vs. Belsomra

    Learn more about Lunesta
    Learn more about Belsomra

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