Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Sonata vs. Silenor

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

Key takeaways

Zaleplon (Sonata) and doxepin (Silenor) are both medications used to treat insomnia, but they work in different ways and have distinct characteristics. Zaleplon is a sedative-hypnotic that helps you fall asleep quickly by working on amma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in your brain. It is a controlled substance and can be habit-forming, so it's only recommended for short-term use. On the other hand, doxepin (Silenor) is a tricyclic antidepressant that helps you stay asleep by blocking histamine receptors. Unlike zaleplon, doxepin is not addictive and is not a controlled substance. Zaleplon is best taken right before bedtime without food, while doxepin should be taken on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before bed. Both medications can cause unusual behaviors while asleep, but doxepin also carries a risk of worsening depression or suicidal thoughts, especially in younger people. Zaleplon is available as a lower-cost generic, whereas doxepin (Silenor) also has a generic form available.

  • Zaleplon
    Doxepin (Silenor)
  • Zaleplon
    Doxepin (Silenor)

  • Summary of Sonata vs. Silenor

    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 (Silenor) is a tricyclic antidepressant that's used to help adults who have insomnia (trouble sleeping) stay asleep. Doxepin (Silenor) is a tablet that you take by mouth 30 minutes before bedtime. As expected, the most common side effects are sleepiness and tiredness, so only take the medication when you're ready to fall asleep for the night. Unlike some other sleep medications, doxepin (Silenor) isn't considered a controlled substance. Doxepin (Silenor) is available as brand-name and generic versions.

  • Indications of Sonata vs. Silenor

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

  • Pros and Cons of Sonata vs. Silenor

    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 once a day close to bedtime
    •Few side effects (other than sleepiness)
    •Non-addictive sleep medication
    Cons
    •Shouldn't take with food (must take at least 3 hours before or after food)
    •Risk of doing activities while you're not fully awake and not remembering that you did them the next day
    •Not approved for people younger than 18 years of age

  • Common Side Effects of Sonata vs. Silenor

    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 or tiredness (up to 9%)

  • Warnings of Sonata vs. Silenor

    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
    •Check for other causes of insomnia
    •Behavior changes
    •Worsened depression and risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Sleepiness and tiredness

  • Prices with our coupons for Sonata vs. Silenor

    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 ValiumLunesta vs RemeronLyrica vs RemeronPaxil vs RemeronRemeron vs CymbaltaRemeron vs EffexorRemeron vs ElavilRemeron vs OleptroRemeron vs PristiqRemeron vs ProzacRemeron vs RestorilRemeron vs SeroquelRemeron vs TrazodoneRozerem vs Remeron
View More

Browse medications

View All

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