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Compare Lunesta vs. Sonata

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

Key takeaways

Lunesta (eszopiclone) and Sonata (zaleplon) are both sedative-hypnotic medications used to treat insomnia, but they have some key differences. Lunesta helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night, while Sonata mainly helps you fall asleep but isn't as effective for staying asleep. Lunesta can be taken every night if needed, but it may cause side effects like a bad taste in your mouth and headaches. Sonata is typically used for short-term treatment (up to 30 days) and may cause less drowsiness the next morning because it doesn't last as long in the body. Both medications can lead to dependence and have risks of abnormal sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking or sleep driving. Both Lunesta and Sonata are available as generic at lower costs.

drug combination

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  • Lunesta (eszopiclone)
    Zaleplon
  • Lunesta (eszopiclone)
    Zaleplon

  • Summary of Lunesta vs. Sonata

    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 Sedative-hypnotic
    Prescription only

    Zaleplon, once sold under the brand name Sonata, is a prescription sleep medication for adults. It helps with insomnia (trouble falling asleep). It's a type of sedative-hypnotic called a non-benzodiazepine, or "z-drug." You take it by mouth right before bed or when you're already in bed and can't fall asleep. Zaleplon is a controlled substance because it has a risk of misuse and dependence. Side effects can include headache and dizziness.

  • Indications of Lunesta vs. Sonata

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

  • Pros and Cons of Lunesta vs. Sonata

    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 Sedative-hypnotic
    Pros
    •Works within 30 minutes or so to help you fall asleep
    •Low risk of causing daytime sleepiness since it doesn't stay very long in the body
    Cons
    •Not shown to help with staying asleep throughout the night
    •Not usually recommended to take for more than 30 days because it can be habit-forming

  • Common Side Effects of Lunesta vs. Sonata

    Common Side Effects for
    •Bad taste in mouth (17-34%)
    •Headache (17-21%)
    •Sleepiness (8-10%)
    •Dizziness (5-7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (up to 42%)
    •Dizziness (up to 9%)
    •Nausea (up to 8%)
    •Weakness (up to 7%)
    •Sleepiness the next day (6%)
    •Stomach pain (up to 6%)

  • Warnings of Lunesta vs. Sonata

    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
    •Doing things while not fully awake
    •Sleepiness and trouble focusing the next day
    •Dependence and withdrawal
    •Abnormal thoughts and unusual behavior
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Caution use in people with breathing problems or depression

  • Prices with our coupons for Lunesta vs. Sonata

    Learn more about Lunesta
    Learn more about Zaleplon

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