Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Lunesta vs. Remeron

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

Key takeaways

Lunesta (eszopiclone) and Remeron (mirtazapine) are both medications that can help with sleep, but they are used for different primary purposes and belong to different drug classes. Lunesta is a sedative-hypnotic used to treat insomnia, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep through the night. It is a controlled substance, meaning it has some potential for misuse and dependence. On the other hand, Remeron is an atypical antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. While it can cause sleepiness as a side effect, it is not primarily prescribed for insomnia and is not a controlled substance. Lunesta is typically taken right before bedtime, whereas Remeron is usually taken once daily at night. Common side effects of Lunesta include a bad taste in the mouth and headache, while Remeron can cause weight gain and dry mouth. Both medications have generic forms available, making them more affordable options.

  • Lunesta (eszopiclone)
    Mirtazapine (Remeron)
  • Lunesta (eszopiclone)
    Mirtazapine (Remeron)

  • Summary of Lunesta vs. Remeron

    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 Atypical antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Mirtazapine (Remeron) is an atypical antidepressant (or more specifically, tetracyclic antidepressant). It's used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Mirtazapine (Remeron) is available as an oral tablet and orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that's taken once daily, typically at night. Some common side effects of this medication include sleepiness and dry mouth. Mirtazapine (Remeron) can also raise your appetite and put you at risk for weight gain.

  • Indications of Lunesta vs. Remeron

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep)
    Indications for
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Lunesta vs. Remeron

    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 Atypical antidepressant
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    •Available as a dissolvable tablet for those who can't swallow pills
    •Less likely to cause sexual side effects compared SSRIs
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can take up to 2 months before you feel the the full benefits
    •More likely than other antidepressants to cause weight gain
    •Can cause sleepiness
    •Risk of withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it

  • Common Side Effects of Lunesta vs. Remeron

    Common Side Effects for
    •Bad taste in mouth (17-34%)
    •Headache (17-21%)
    •Sleepiness (8-10%)
    •Dizziness (5-7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (54%)
    •Dry mouth (25%)
    •Feeling more hungry (17%)
    •Constipation (13%)
    •Weight gain (12%)
    •Weakness (8%)
    •Dizziness (7%)

  • Warnings of Lunesta vs. Remeron

    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
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Higher risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Withdrawal
    •Risk factors: Stopping mirtazapine (Remeron) suddenly
    •Not for bipolar disorder
    •Glaucoma
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Seizures
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablets only

  • Prices with our coupons for Lunesta vs. Remeron

    Learn more about Lunesta
    Learn more about Mirtazapine

Compare other Insomnia and Depression drugs

Klonopin vs LunestaLunesta vs AtivanLunesta vs BelsomraLunesta vs ButisolLunesta vs DalmaneLunesta vs DoxepinLunesta vs EstazolamLunesta vs HetliozLunesta vs OleptroLunesta vs RemeronLunesta vs RestorilLunesta vs RozeremLunesta vs SilenorLunesta vs SonataLunesta vs TrazodoneAmbien vs BelsomraOleptro vs RestorilRemeron vs RestorilRestoril vs AmbienRestoril vs AtivanRestoril vs ButisolRestoril vs ChlordiazepoxideRestoril vs DalmaneRestoril vs DoxepinRestoril vs EstazolamRestoril vs HetliozRestoril vs OxazepamRozerem vs BelsomraSonata vs BelsomraTriazolam vs Belsomra
View More

Browse medications

View All

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