Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Sonata vs. Doxepin

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

Key takeaways

Zaleplon (Sonata) and doxepin (formerly branded as Sinequan) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Zaleplon is a sedative-hypnotic used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, specifically to help you fall asleep. It works quickly by acting on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain and is typically taken right before bedtime. In contrast, doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) used to treat depression and anxiety by affecting serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Doxepin can take 2 to 3 weeks to show its full effects for depression and is usually taken once daily. Zaleplon is a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and dependence, while doxepin is not. Both medications can cause drowsiness, but doxepin has a broader range of side effects, including dry mouth, constipation, and potential worsening of mood symptoms, especially in younger individuals. Additionally, doxepin requires careful monitoring for suicidal thoughts or behavior, particularly in people under 24 years old.

  • Zaleplon
    Doxepin (Sinequan)
  • Zaleplon
    Doxepin (Sinequan)

  • Summary of Sonata vs. Doxepin

    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.

    Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Doxepin (Sinequan) is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). It comes as a capsule that's taken by mouth to treat depression or anxiety in people over the age of 12. But it's not a first-choice option for these conditions because of the risk of side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and weight gain. The typical dose of doxepin (Sinequan) ranges from 75 mg to 150 mg by mouth once daily. It's available as a generic capsule and oral solution; the brand name (Sinequan) is discontinued. <br> Note: Doxepin (Silenor) tablets are FDA-approved for insomnia.

  • Indications of Sonata vs. Doxepin

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (trouble falling asleep)
    Indications for
    •Depression
    •Anxiety

  • Pros and Cons of Sonata vs. Doxepin

    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
    Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Typically taken once daily
    •Available as oral capsules and solution
    Cons
    •Need to avoid alcohol while taking it
    •Can take 2 to 3 weeks before you notice the full effects for depression
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking the medication suddenly

  • Common Side Effects of Sonata vs. Doxepin

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Blurred vision
    •Dry mouth
    •Constipation
    •Trouble passing urine

  • Warnings of Sonata vs. Doxepin

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Unmasking of bipolar disorder
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Drowsiness

  • Prices with our coupons for Sonata vs. Doxepin

    Learn more about Zaleplon
    Learn more about Doxepin

Compare other Insomnia drugs

Dayvigo vs SonataLunesta vs SonataSonata vs AtivanSonata vs BelsomraSonata vs ButisolSonata vs DalmaneSonata vs DoxepinSonata vs EstazolamSonata vs HetliozSonata vs KlonopinSonata vs OleptroSonata vs RemeronSonata vs RestorilSonata vs RozeremSonata vs SilenorSonata vs UnisomSonata vs ValiumElavil vs OleptroLexapro vs OleptroLunesta vs OleptroNefazodone vs OleptroOleptro vs RestorilOleptro vs ValiumPamelor vs OleptroPaxil vs OleptroPristiq vs OleptroProzac vs OleptroRemeron vs OleptroRozerem vs OleptroTriazolam vs Oleptro
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.