Navigating sleep disorders can be physically and emotionally draining, especially when you don\u2019t know where to turn for relief. With so many options available to treat insomnia, it\u2019s difficult to know which medication is right for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we\u2019ll discuss the pros and cons of Lunesta and Sonata, medications used to alleviate problems with sleeping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
At Klarity, we provide access to insomnia treatment <\/a>that\u2019s affordable, secure, and fast. Schedule an appointment<\/a>, and we\u2019ll match you with an insomnia-trained provider who will determine which, if any, medication is right for your symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This article discusses suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately at 800-273-8255.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lunesta is a sedative or hypnotic used to treat sleep issues. This medication binds to the brain\u2019s GABA receptors to help you relax and fall asleep. GABA receptors are neurotransmitters that block specific signals to your central nervous system, producing a calming effect and improving sleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lunesta is a tablet in 1, 2, and 3 mg doses. Your dose depends on your current symptoms, health history, and the recommendation of your care provider. You can expect to start at 1 mg daily to be taken right before bed. You should take Lunesta without food, and when you have seven to eight hours before you must be awake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also known as eszopiclone in its generic form, Lunesta is prescribed to treat insomnia or trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. Lunesta can also be used off-label for anxiety, PTSD, depression, and schizophrenia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Off-label use is when a drug is prescribed for something other than its FDA-approved use. FDA approval requires intensive testing and extensive resources, which aren\u2019t available for each use of every medication. Off-label prescriptions are safe, ethical, and often effective forms of treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The price of Lunesta varies based on your dose, your insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use. For 30 tablets at a 1 mg dosage, you can pay anywhere from $7.53 to $86.61. You can also speak with your care provider about taking the generic Lunesta (eszopiclone), which is often more affordable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you adjust to your dosage, you may experience some common side effects that will likely dissipate over time. Those side effects include the following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Medication misuse warning:<\/strong> Lunesta is a controlled substance that\u2019s classified as a Schedule IV sedative-hypnotic that carries a risk of dependency if used improperly or for an extended period. Dependency may occur when the body becomes accustomed to the drug’s effects, leading to a reduced response and a potential need for higher doses. Abruptly stopping Lunesta after regular use can also result in withdrawal symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To minimize the risk of dependency, it is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and duration provided by your healthcare professional. Lunesta is typically intended for short-term use, usually lasting one to two weeks, and is not recommended for prolonged usage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have concerns about dependency or need to discontinue Lunesta, consult with your prescribing provider to receive guidance on gradually tapering off the medication and exploring alternative treatments for insomnia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lunesta can cause severe allergic reactions, so if you experience hives, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, seek emergency medical care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people who take Lunesta engage in complex sleep behaviors while not fully awake. These activities can include walking, driving, or making phone calls. If you notice any changes in behavior, thoughts of self-harm, suicidal ideation, aggression, agitation, or hallucinations, contact your care provider immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are 355 drugs that interact with Lunesta, with 53 major interactions, 300 moderate interactions, and two minor interactions. Of the medications most frequently checked, Lunesta has a major interaction with Tramadol and moderate interactions with the following, in addition to alcohol:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always discuss the medications you\u2019re taking with your healthcare provider to ensure that Lunesta is safe for you to take. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sonata, also known as Zaleplon in its generic form, is a sleep aid medication used to treat insomnia. Like Lunesta, Sonata is a hypnotic that slows your brain activity, so it\u2019s easier for you to fall asleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll take anywhere from 5 to 20 mg of Sonata per day, depending on the recommendation of your healthcare provider. Sonata comes as a capsule and should only be taken at night before bed when you have seven to eight hours before you need to wake up. You should also avoid eating a high-fat meal before taking this medication so that it\u2019s the most effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sonata is a hypnotic that\u2019s a short-term treatment for difficulty falling asleep. While it doesn\u2019t help you stay asleep longer, it does decrease the number of times you wake up throughout the night. Sonata can also be used in an off-label capacity to help Alzheimer\u2019s patients sleep better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Prices may vary depending on your insurance, dose, and pharmacy. For 30 zaleplon capsules at 10 mg, you can expect to pay anywhere from $12.12 to $34.33. Brand-name Sonata can cost more than $300 for 30-days\u2019 worth of capsules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While less likely if you take Sonata directly before bed, you may experience the following common side effects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Medication misuse warning:<\/strong> Like Lunesta, Sonata is also a controlled substance. Specifically, it\u2019s a Schedule IV sedative-hypnotic that carries a risk of dependency if taken in higher doses or for longer than prescribed. Abruptly discontinuing the use of Sonata can also result in withdrawal symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The best way to reduce risk of dependency is to follow your healthcare provider\u2019s instructions on taking it. Sonata is typically recommended for short-term use, usually lasting one to two weeks, and is not intended for long-term usage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re concerned about developing a dependency or want to stop using Sonata, ask your healthcare provider to help you taper off of it while you explore other medications together. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Like Lunesta, Sonata can cause some people to engage in activities like driving, eating, or making phone calls without remembering doing so afterward. If this occurs, stop taking Sonata and discuss your options with your care provider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Serious side effects of Sonata can include mood changes, thoughts of self-harm, suicidal ideation, hallucinations, and unusual behavior. Contact your provider immediately if you notice any shifts in your behavior or mental state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sonata interacts with 362 drugs, with 27 major interactions, 323 moderate interactions, and 12 minor interactions. When cross-referenced with other medications most frequently used, Sonata has a major interaction with Tramadol and moderate interactions with the following, in addition to alcohol: .<\/p>\n\n\n\n Discuss any other medications you\u2019re taking with your healthcare provider to ensure you don\u2019t have any adverse reactions to Sonata. <\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\n\n
\n\t \n<\/th> Lunesta<\/th> Sonata<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n\t Drug Class<\/strong><\/td> Sedative-hypnotic<\/td> Sedative-hypnotic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t Brand \/ Generic Status<\/strong><\/td> Brand name for eszopiclone
\n
\n<\/td>Brand name for zaleplon<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t Form(s) of the Drug<\/strong><\/td> \u2022 Immediate-release tablets<\/td> \u2022 Immediate-release capsule<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t Standard Dosage<\/strong><\/td> Immediate-release tablets:
\n\u2022 1mg
\n\u2022 2mg
\n\u2022 3mg
\n<\/td>Immediate-release capsule:
\n\u2022 5mg
\n\u2022 10mg
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Conditions Treated<\/strong><\/td> FDA-approved:
\n\u2022 Insomnia
\n
\nOff-label:
\n\u2022 Anxiety
\n\u2022 PTSD
\n\u2022 Depression
\n\u2022 Schizophrenia
\n<\/td>FDA-approved:
\n\u2022 Insomnia
\n
\nOff-label:
\n\u2022 Alzheimer\u2019s disease
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Cost<\/strong><\/td> Brand name:
\n\u2022 $7.53 to $86.61 for a 30-day supply
\n
\nGeneric (eszopiclone):
\n\u2022 $5.01 to $91.16 for a 30-day supply
\n<\/td>Brand name:
\n\u2022 $330.60 for a 30-day supply
\n
\nGeneric (zaleplon):
\n\u2022 $12.12 to $34.33 for a 30-day supply
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Side-Effects<\/strong><\/td> Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Day-time drowsiness
\n\u2022 Dizziness
\n\u2022 Memory or concentration issues
\n\u2022 Anxiety
\n\u2022 Depression
\n\u2022 Nervous feeling
\n\u2022 Headache
\n\u2022 Nausea
\n\u2022 Stomach pain
\n\u2022 Constipation
\n\u2022 Loss of appetite
\n\u2022 Dry mouth
\n\u2022 Unusual taste in your mouth
\n\u2022 Mild skin rash
\n<\/td>Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Dizziness
\n\u2022 Drowsiness
\n\u2022 Short-term memory loss
\n\u2022 Difficulty concentrating
\n\u2022 Lack of coordination
\n\u2022 Feeling hungover
\n\u2022 Numbness or tingling
\n\u2022 Anxiety
\n\u2022 Depression
\n\u2022 Nervousness
\n\u2022 Vision problems
\n\u2022 Headache
\n\u2022 Nausea
\n\u2022 Stomach pain
\n\u2022 Loss of appetite
\n\u2022 Constipation
\n\u2022 Dry mouth
\n\u2022 Increased menstrual pain
\n\u2022 Back pain
\n\u2022 Joint or muscle pain
\n\u2022 Mild skin rash
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Warnings For Use<\/strong><\/td> Drug interactions:
\n\u2022 Tramadol
\n\u2022 Ambien
\n\u2022 Clonazepam
\n\u2022 Cymbalta
\n\u2022 Gabapentin
\n\u2022 Klonopin
\n\u2022 Lamictal
\n\u2022 Lexapro
\n\u2022 Lyrica
\n\u2022 Melatonin
\n\u2022 Trazodone
\n\u2022 Xanax
\n\u2022 Zoloft
\n<\/td>Drug interactions:
\n\u2022 Tramadol
\n\u2022 Ativan
\n\u2022 Cymbalta
\n\u2022 Gabapentin
\n\u2022 Klonopin
\n\u2022 Lexapro
\n\u2022 Lisinopril
\n\u2022 Lunesta
\n\u2022 Melatonin
\n\u2022 Seroquel
\n\u2022 Trazodone
\n\u2022 Wellbutrin
\n\u2022 Xanax
\n\u2022 Zoloft
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\nWhat is Lunesta?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lunesta Forms and Doses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conditions Lunesta Treats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lunesta Costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lunesta Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Lunesta Drug Warnings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lunesta Interactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What is Sonata?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sonata Forms and Doses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conditions Sonata Treats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sonata Costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sonata Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Sonata Drug Warnings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sonata Interactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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