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Compare Lunesta vs. Trazodone

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

Key takeaways

Lunesta (eszopiclone) and trazodone are both used to help with sleep, but they belong to different medication classes. Lunesta is a sedative-hypnotic specifically approved by the FDA to treat insomnia, while trazodone is an atypical antidepressant primarily approved for major depressive disorder (MDD) but used off-label for insomnia. Lunesta is taken as a single dose right before bedtime, whereas trazodone can be taken once or several times a day, depending on the condition being treated. Lunesta is a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence, while trazodone is not. Both medications cause drowsiness, but common side effects of Lunesta also include a bad taste in the mouth and headache, while trazodone often causes dry mouth and dizziness. Both medications can interact with alcohol and other substances that cause drowsiness, but trazodone also has a risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with other medications that affect serotonin. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic.

  • Lunesta (eszopiclone)
    Trazodone
  • Lunesta (eszopiclone)
    Trazodone

  • Summary of Lunesta vs. Trazodone

    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

    Trazodone is an atypical antidepressant. It's FDA-approved to treat depression in adults, but it isn't a first-choice option. In addition, trazodone is sometimes prescribed off-label for difficulty sleeping (insomnia). This medication is taken by mouth, typically once or a few times a day, depending on your condition. Common side effects of this medication include sleepiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. Brand name Desyrel has been discontinued.

  • Indications of Lunesta vs. Trazodone

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

  • Pros and Cons of Lunesta vs. Trazodone

    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
    •Fewer sexual side effects than some other antidepressants
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Starts to work within a week for treating depression
    Cons
    •Not a first-choice medication for depression
    •Can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it

  • Common Side Effects of Lunesta vs. Trazodone

    Common Side Effects for
    •Bad taste in mouth (17-34%)
    •Headache (17-21%)
    •Sleepiness (8-10%)
    •Dizziness (5-7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (up to 41%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 34%)
    •Dizziness or lightheadedness (up to 28%)
    •Headache (up to 20%)
    •Blurred vision (up to 15%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (up to 13%)

  • Warnings of Lunesta vs. Trazodone

    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
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Dizziness from lower blood pressure
    •Risk of bleeding
    •Prolonged and painful erection
    •Glaucoma
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •Withdrawal

  • Prices with our coupons for Lunesta vs. Trazodone

    Learn more about Lunesta
    Learn more about Trazodone

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