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Compare Sonata vs. Remeron

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

Key takeaways

Zaleplon (Sonata) and mirtazapine (Remeron) are both medications that can help with sleep, but they belong to different drug classes. Zaleplon is a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic, often called a "z-drug," and is specifically FDA-approved for treating insomnia by helping you fall asleep. Mirtazapine, on the other hand, is an antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults, but can cause sleepiness as a side effect and is often used off-label for insomnia. Zaleplon is taken orally right before bed and works quickly, while mirtazapine is taken once daily, usually at night. Zaleplon is a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence, whereas mirtazapine is not. Common side effects of zaleplon include headache and dizziness, while mirtazapine can cause sleepiness, dry mouth, and weight gain. Both medications should not be mixed with alcohol and have a number of drug interactions. Your prescriber will work with you to determine the right medication for you.

  • Zaleplon
    Mirtazapine (Remeron)
  • Zaleplon
    Mirtazapine (Remeron)

  • Summary of Sonata vs. Remeron

    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 Atypical antidepressant
    Prescription only

    Mirtazapine (Remeron) is an atypical antidepressant (or more specifically, tetracyclic antidepressant). It's used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Mirtazapine (Remeron) is available as an oral tablet and orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that's taken once daily, typically at night. Some common side effects of this medication include sleepiness and dry mouth. Mirtazapine (Remeron) can also raise your appetite and put you at risk for weight gain.

  • Indications of Sonata vs. Remeron

    Indications for
    •Insomnia (trouble falling asleep)
    Indications for
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Sonata vs. Remeron

    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 Atypical antidepressant
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    •Available as a dissolvable tablet for those who can't swallow pills
    •Less likely to cause sexual side effects compared SSRIs
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can take up to 2 months before you feel the the full benefits
    •More likely than other antidepressants to cause weight gain
    •Can cause sleepiness
    •Risk of withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it

  • Common Side Effects of Sonata vs. Remeron

    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 (54%)
    •Dry mouth (25%)
    •Feeling more hungry (17%)
    •Constipation (13%)
    •Weight gain (12%)
    •Weakness (8%)
    •Dizziness (7%)

  • Warnings of Sonata vs. Remeron

    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
    •Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior
    •Higher risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Withdrawal
    •Risk factors: Stopping mirtazapine (Remeron) suddenly
    •Not for bipolar disorder
    •Glaucoma
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Seizures
    •Low blood sodium levels
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablets only

  • Prices with our coupons for Sonata vs. Remeron

    Learn more about Zaleplon
    Learn more about Mirtazapine

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