Skip to main content

Compare
Lunesta vs. Desyrel

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

Key takeaways

Lunesta (eszopiclone) and trazodone are both used to help with sleep, but they belong to different medication classes. Lunesta is a sedative-hypnotic specifically approved by the FDA to treat insomnia, while trazodone is an atypical antidepressant that is sometimes used off-label for insomnia. Lunesta is taken as a short-acting tablet right before bedtime, whereas trazodone is usually taken in divided doses throughout the day for depression, or in a single dose before bed for sleep. Lunesta is a controlled substance (Schedule IV) due to its potential for misuse, while trazodone is not. Common side effects of Lunesta include a bad taste in the mouth and headache, while trazodone can cause sleepiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. Both medications can interact with alcohol and other substances that cause drowsiness, but trazodone also has a risk of serotonin syndrome when taken with other medications that affect serotonin levels. le.

Lunesta

(eszopiclone)

Get free coupons

Trazodone

 

Get free coupons

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 Desyrel

Prescription only

Trazodone is an atypical antidepressant. It's FDA-approved to treat depression in adults, but it isn't a first-choice option. In addition, trazodone is sometimes prescribed off-label for difficulty sleeping (insomnia). This medication is taken by mouth, typically once or a few times a day, depending on your condition. Common side effects of this medication include sleepiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. Brand name Desyrel has been discontinued.

Indications for Desyrel

Pros and Cons for Desyrel

Pros

  • Taken by mouth
  • Fewer sexual side effects than some other antidepressants
  • Available as a lower-cost generic
  • Starts to work within a week for treating depression

Cons

Common Side Effects for Desyrel

  • Sleepiness (up to 41%)
  • Dry mouth (up to 34%)
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness (up to 28%)
  • Headache (up to 20%)
  • Blurred vision (up to 15%)
  • Nausea or vomiting (up to 13%)

Warnings for Desyrel

  • Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
  • Serotonin syndrome
  • Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
  • Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
  • Dizziness from lower blood pressure
  • Risk of bleeding
  • Prolonged and painful erection
  • Glaucoma
  • Low blood sodium levels
  • Withdrawal

Prices with our coupons for Lunesta vs. Desyrel

Price Card Drug Icon
Eszopiclone30 tablets / 3mg
$12.67$221.54
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Trazodone30 tablets / 50mg
$9.00$9.00
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Insomnia and Depression drugs

Klonopin vs. LunestaLunesta vs. AtivanLunesta vs. BelsomraLunesta vs. ButisolLunesta vs. Dalmane
Lunesta vs. DoxepinLunesta vs. EstazolamLunesta vs. HetliozLunesta vs. OleptroLunesta vs. RemeronLunesta vs. RestorilLunesta vs. RozeremLunesta vs. SilenorLunesta vs. SonataLunesta vs. TrazodoneAtarax vs. AtivanAtivan vs. AdderallAtivan vs. LibriumAtivan vs. ValiumAtivan vs. XanaxBuspar vs. AtivanHaldol vs. AtivanKlonopin vs. AtivanMidazolam vs. AtivanPaxil vs. AtivanProzac vs. AtivanRestoril vs. AtivanRozerem vs. AtivanSeroquel vs. AtivanSonata vs. Ativan

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.