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Compare Lunesta vs. Rozerem

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

Key takeaways

Lunesta (eszopiclone) and Rozerem (ramelteon) are both used to treat insomnia, but they work in different ways and have distinct characteristics. Lunesta is a sedative-hypnotic that may interact with GABA proteins in the brain to help you feel calmer and sleepier. It is a controlled substance (Schedule IV) and can be habit-forming, with potential side effects like a bad taste in your mouth, headache, and abnormal sleep behaviors such as sleepwalking. On the other hand, Rozerem is a melatonin receptor agonist that mimics the natural hormone melatonin to regulate your sleep cycle. It is not a controlled substance and is not known to be habit-forming. Rozerem should be taken on an empty stomach and can cause side effects like dizziness and fatigue. Unlike Lunesta, Rozerem can cause hormonal changes and is not recommended for people with sleep apnea or severe liver problems. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options for treating insomnia.

  • Lunesta (eszopiclone)
    Ramelteon (Rozerem)
  • Lunesta (eszopiclone)
    Ramelteon (Rozerem)

  • Summary of Lunesta vs. Rozerem

    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

    Ramelteon (Rozerem) is a sleeping pill used to treat insomnia in adults. It belongs to the drug class known as melatonin receptor agonists and works like melatonin. Ramelteon (Rozerem) is taken by mouth, typically about 30 minutes before bedtime. Unlike some other prescription sleep medications, ramelteon (Rozerem) isn't a controlled substance nor known to be habit-forming. Side effects of ramelteon (Rozerem) aren't common, but can include drowsiness and dizziness.

  • Indications of Lunesta vs. Rozerem

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (trouble falling or staying asleep)
    Indications for
    •Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep)

  • Pros and Cons of Lunesta vs. Rozerem

    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
    •Taken by mouth
    •Not a controlled substance and isn't known to be habit-forming
    •Fewer side effects than some other sleep medications
    •Available as a generic medication
    Cons
    •Shouldn't take with or right after a high-fat meal
    •Can interact with many medications, including fluconazole, rifampin, and fluvoxamine
    •Not recommended for people with sleep apnea or severe liver problems

  • Common Side Effects of Lunesta vs. Rozerem

    Common Side Effects for
    •Bad taste in mouth (17-34%)
    •Headache (17-21%)
    •Sleepiness (8-10%)
    •Dizziness (5-7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (4%)
    •Sleepiness (3%)
    •Fatigue (3%)
    •Nausea (3%)
    •Worsening insomnia (3%)

  • Warnings of Lunesta vs. Rozerem

    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
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Changes in behavior and unusual thoughts
    •Other causes of insomnia
    •Caution while driving
    •Hormonal changes

  • Prices with our coupons for Lunesta vs. Rozerem

    Learn more about Lunesta
    Learn more about Ramelteon

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