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.
