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.
