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Compare Lunesta vs. Silenor

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

Key takeaways

Lunesta (eszopiclone) and Silenor (doxepin) are both used to treat insomnia, but they belong to different medication classes and work in distinct ways. Lunesta is a sedative-hypnotic that might interact with GABA proteins in the brain to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep. It is a controlled substance (Schedule IV) and can be addictive, with potential side effects like a bad taste in your mouth, headache, and abnormal sleep behaviors such as sleepwalking. On the other hand, Silenor is a tricyclic antidepressant that blocks histamine receptors to help you stay asleep. It is not a controlled substance and is non-addictive, but it must be taken on an empty stomach and can cause sleepiness and tiredness. While Lunesta can be taken right before bedtime, Silenor should be taken 30 minutes before bedtime. Both medications have generic forms available, making them more affordable options.

  • Lunesta (eszopiclone)
    Doxepin (Silenor)
  • Lunesta (eszopiclone)
    Doxepin (Silenor)

  • Summary of Lunesta vs. Silenor

    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 Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Doxepin (Silenor) is a tricyclic antidepressant that's used to help adults who have insomnia (trouble sleeping) stay asleep. Doxepin (Silenor) is a tablet that you take by mouth 30 minutes before bedtime. As expected, the most common side effects are sleepiness and tiredness, so only take the medication when you're ready to fall asleep for the night. Unlike some other sleep medications, doxepin (Silenor) isn't considered a controlled substance. Doxepin (Silenor) is available as brand-name and generic versions.

  • Indications of Lunesta vs. Silenor

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

  • Pros and Cons of Lunesta vs. Silenor

    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 Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Taken once a day close to bedtime
    •Few side effects (other than sleepiness)
    •Non-addictive sleep medication
    Cons
    •Shouldn't take with food (must take at least 3 hours before or after food)
    •Risk of doing activities while you're not fully awake and not remembering that you did them the next day
    •Not approved for people younger than 18 years of age

  • Common Side Effects of Lunesta vs. Silenor

    Common Side Effects for
    •Bad taste in mouth (17-34%)
    •Headache (17-21%)
    •Sleepiness (8-10%)
    •Dizziness (5-7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness or tiredness (up to 9%)

  • Warnings of Lunesta vs. Silenor

    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
    •Check for other causes of insomnia
    •Behavior changes
    •Worsened depression and risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Sleepiness and tiredness

  • Prices with our coupons for Lunesta vs. Silenor

    Learn more about Lunesta
    Learn more about Doxepin

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