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Compare Sonata vs. Estazolam

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

Key takeaways

Zaleplon (Sonata) and estazolam (formerly branded as Prosom) are both medications used to treat insomnia, but they have some key differences. Zaleplon is a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic that helps you fall asleep quickly but doesn't help you stay asleep. Estazolam , on the other hand, is a benzodiazepine that helps you both fall asleep and stay asleep. Zaleplon is only recommended for short-term use (up to 30 days) and is available as a generic. Estazolam is also meant for short-term use and is only available as a generic since the brand name is no longer on the market. Both medications can be habit-forming and may cause dependence, but estazolam has a higher risk of causing drowsiness and affecting your concentration the next day. Additionally, estazolam is not recommended for older adults due to the increased risk of falls, while zaleplon may cause fewer next-day drowsiness issues. Both medications can cause unusual sleep behaviors like sleep-walking or sleep-driving, and you should avoid alcohol and other sedatives while taking them.

  • Zaleplon
    Estazolam (Prosom)
  • Zaleplon
    Estazolam (Prosom)

  • Summary of Sonata vs. Estazolam

    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 Benzodiazepine
    Prescription only

    Estazolam (Prosom) is a sleeping pill that can help adults with insomnia fall asleep and stay asleep. It's a benzodiazepine medication that's not a first-choice treatment option for trouble sleeping, and it's only meant for short-term use since it can be habit-forming. It comes as a tablet that you take by mouth right before you get into bed. It's only available as a generic since the brand-name medication, Prosom, is no longer on the market. In addition to causing sleepiness, other common side effects can include headache, weakness, and nervousness.

  • Indications of Sonata vs. Estazolam

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (trouble falling asleep)
    Indications for
    •Short-term treatment of insomnia

  • Pros and Cons of Sonata vs. Estazolam

    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 Benzodiazepine
    Pros
    •Helps you fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Don't need to take every day for it to work well
    Cons
    •Is a controlled substance, so there is a risk for misuse and dependency
    •Can cause sleep-driving or unusual behaviors during sleep
    •Might not be safe in older adults since it raises the risk of falls

  • Common Side Effects of Sonata vs. Estazolam

    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
    •Sleepiness (42%)
    •Headache (16%)
    •Weakness (11%)
    •Slow muscle movement (8%)
    •Nervousness (8%)
    •Dizziness (7%)
    •General discomfort (5%)

  • Warnings of Sonata vs. Estazolam

    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
    •Sedation and difficulty breathing
    •Misuse, dependence, and withdrawal
    •Effect on driving and concentration
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Abnormal behaviors during sleep
    •Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

  • Prices with our coupons for Sonata vs. Estazolam

    Learn more about Zaleplon
    Learn more about Estazolam

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