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Compare Lunesta vs. Hetlioz

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

Key takeaways

Lunesta (eszopiclone) and Hetlioz (tasimelteon) are both used to help with sleep, but they work in different ways and are used for different conditions. Lunesta is a sedative-hypnotic that helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It is a controlled substance and can be habit-forming. You take it right before bedtime, and it starts working quickly. Common side effects include a bad taste in your mouth and headaches. On the other hand, Hetlioz is a melatonin receptor agonist that helps regulate your sleep cycle, especially if you are totally blind or have Smith-Magenis Syndrome, known health conditions to have problems with ciracadian rhythms. It is not a controlled substance and is not habit-forming. You need to take it at the same time every night on an empty stomach, and it can take weeks or months to notice an effect. Common side effects include headaches and abnormal liver tests. Both medications are available as generics.

  • Lunesta (eszopiclone)
    Tasimelteon (Hetlioz)
  • Lunesta (eszopiclone)
    Tasimelteon (Hetlioz)

  • Summary of Lunesta vs. Hetlioz

    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 Melatonin receptor agonist
    Prescription only

    Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) is a prescription medication that treats specific sleep problems, including non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder (non-24) in adults and sleep disturbances in both children and adults with Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS). It comes as capsules for adults and a liquid suspension for children. The dosage is typically taken by mouth at the same time every night, about 1 hour before bed. Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) can potentially interact with many medications. Common side effects include headache and nightmares or unusual dreams.

  • Indications of Lunesta vs. Hetlioz

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep)
    Indications for
    •Non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder (non-24) in adults
    •Nighttime sleep disturbances in children and adults with Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS)

  • Pros and Cons of Lunesta vs. Hetlioz

    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 Melatonin receptor agonist
    Pros
    •Only FDA-approved medication to help people with non-24 and SMS maintain a regular sleep cycle
    •Not a controlled substance so it's not habit forming
    •Available as a liquid suspension for children with SMS
    Cons
    •Can take weeks to months for you to notice any effect
    •Must be taken at the same time every night
    •Interacts with many medications, such as rifampin, fluvoxamine, and metoprolol

  • Common Side Effects of Lunesta vs. Hetlioz

    Common Side Effects for
    •Bad taste in mouth (17-34%)
    •Headache (17-21%)
    •Sleepiness (8-10%)
    •Dizziness (5-7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (17%)
    •Abnormal liver tests (10%)
    •Nightmares or unusual dreams (10%)

  • Warnings of Lunesta vs. Hetlioz

    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
    •Sleepiness
    •Interactions with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Lunesta vs. Hetlioz

    Learn more about Lunesta
    Learn more about Tasimelteon

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