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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)

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Doxepin

(Silenor)

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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 Silenor

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 for Silenor

  • Insomnia (specifically trouble staying asleep)

Pros and Cons for Silenor

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 for Silenor

  • Sleepiness or tiredness (up to 9%)

Warnings for Silenor

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Eszopiclone30 tablets / 3mg
$12.67$211.86
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Price Card Drug Icon
Doxepin30 tablets / 3mg
$53.04$315.60
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