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Compare Lunesta vs. Doxepin

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

Key takeaways

Lunesta (eszopiclone) and doxepin are both used to help with sleep, but they work in different ways and are used for different primary purposes. Lunesta is a sedative-hypnotic that helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It is a controlled substance, meaning it has some potential for misuse and dependence. You take it right before bedtime, and it starts working quickly. Common side effects include a bad taste in your mouth and headache. Doxepin, on the other hand, is a tricyclic antidepressant primarily used to treat depression and anxiety, but it can also help with sleep due to its sedative effects. It is not a controlled substance and is available as a lower-cost generic. Doxepin can take 2 to 3 weeks to show its full effects for depression, and common side effects include drowsiness and dry mouth. Unlike Lunesta, doxepin can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly and has a risk of worsening mood symptoms, especially in younger people.

  • Lunesta (eszopiclone)
    Doxepin (Sinequan)
  • Lunesta (eszopiclone)
    Doxepin (Sinequan)

  • Summary of Lunesta vs. Doxepin

    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 Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Doxepin (Sinequan) is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It comes as a capsule that's taken by mouth to treat depression or anxiety in people over the age of 12. But it's not a first-choice option for these conditions because of the risk of side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and weight gain. The typical dose of doxepin (Sinequan) ranges from 75 mg to 150 mg by mouth once daily. It's available as a generic capsule and oral solution; the brand name (Sinequan) is discontinued. <br> Note: Doxepin (Silenor) tablets are FDA-approved for insomnia.

  • Indications of Lunesta vs. Doxepin

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

  • Pros and Cons of Lunesta vs. Doxepin

    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 Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Typically taken once daily
    •Available as oral capsules and solution
    Cons
    •Need to avoid alcohol while taking it
    •Can take 2 to 3 weeks before you notice the full effects for depression
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the medication suddenly

  • Common Side Effects of Lunesta vs. Doxepin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Bad taste in mouth (17-34%)
    •Headache (17-21%)
    •Sleepiness (8-10%)
    •Dizziness (5-7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Blurred vision
    •Dry mouth
    •Constipation
    •Trouble passing urine

  • Warnings of Lunesta vs. Doxepin

    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
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Unmasking of bipolar disorder
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Drowsiness

  • Prices with our coupons for Lunesta vs. Doxepin

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