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Lunesta vs. Estazolam

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

Key takeaways

Lunesta (eszopiclone) and estazolam (Prosom) are both medications used to treat insomnia, but they belong to different drug classes. Lunesta is a sedative-hypnotic, while estazolam is a benzodiazepine. Lunesta is available as a generic and is typically taken right before bedtime to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Estazolam, also available as a generic, is only meant for short-term use due to its potential for habit-forming. Both medications are Schedule IV controlled substances, meaning they have a potential for misuse and dependence. Common side effects of Lunesta include a bad taste in the mouth and headache, whereas estazolam can cause sleepiness, headache, and weakness. Additionally, both medications can lead to abnormal sleep behaviors like sleepwalking or sleep driving, but estazolam is not recommended for long-term use and may not be safe for older adults due to the risk of falls.

Lunesta

(eszopiclone)

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Estazolam

(Prosom)

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Summary for Lunesta

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.

Indications for Lunesta

  • Insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep)

Pros and Cons for Lunesta

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

Common Side Effects for Lunesta

Warnings for Lunesta

  • 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

Summary for Estazolam

Prescription only

Estazolam (Prosom) is a sleeping pill that can help adults with insomnia fall asleep and stay asleep. It's a benzodiazepine medication that's not a first-choice treatment option for trouble sleeping, and it's only meant for short-term use since it can be habit-forming. It comes as a tablet that you take by mouth right before you get into bed. It's only available as a generic since the brand-name medication, Prosom, is no longer on the market. In addition to causing sleepiness, other common side effects can include headache, weakness, and nervousness.

Indications for Estazolam

Pros and Cons for Estazolam

Pros

  • Helps you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night
  • Available as a lower-cost generic medication
  • Don't need to take every day for it to work well

Cons

  • Is a controlled substance, so there is a risk for misuse and dependency
  • Can cause sleep-driving or unusual behaviors during sleep
  • Might not be safe in older adults since it raises the risk of falls

Common Side Effects for Estazolam

  • Sleepiness (42%)
  • Headache (16%)
  • Weakness (11%)
  • Slow muscle movement (8%)
  • Nervousness (8%)
  • Dizziness (7%)
  • General discomfort (5%)

Warnings for Estazolam

  • Sedation and difficulty breathing
  • Misuse, dependence, and withdrawal
  • Effect on driving and concentration
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Abnormal behaviors during sleep
  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Prices with our coupons for Lunesta vs. Estazolam

Price Card Drug Icon
Eszopiclone30 tablets / 3mg
$12.67$211.86
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Price Card Drug Icon
Estazolam30 tablets / 2mg
$27.90$161.02
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