If you\u2019re having trouble sleeping at night, you are not alone. It is estimated that every year, nearly 70 million Americans are affected by insomnia symptoms, which is estimated to be about one-third of the adult population. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Luckily, many treatment options target specific symptoms associated with sleep disturbances and treat the underlying cause of your insomnia. In this article, we will discuss two popular medications used for treating insomnia, Lunesta and Doxepin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you need a compassionate healthcare provider who is experienced in treating insomnia or other sleep disturbances, Klarity can help. Schedule an appointment<\/a>, and we will connect you with a licensed provider within 48 hours who will help you determine which, if any, sleep medication is best for you. <\/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 or eszopiclone is a unique drug and is considered a sedative-hypnotic medication. This medication works by activating and modulating GABA inhibitory receptors. These GABA receptors, when activated, slow down the signaling and activity within the brain, resulting in sedation and allowing the brain to enter a sleep state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lunesta or its generic equivalent, eszopiclone, are available in tablets only. When taking the medication, your healthcare provider will start you on the lowest dose of a 1 mg tablet, to be taken immediately before bed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The dose can be increased over time, as needed, but should not exceed 3 mg daily. Lunesta is considered a schedule-IV controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and dependence. After long-term continuous use, you will need to be slowly tapered off of the medication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lunesta tablets are available in the following doses: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lunesta is FDA-approved to treat insomnia, primarily for those who have problems with sleep onset, or falling asleep, and sleep maintenance, or staying asleep throughout the night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Insomnia is a fairly common sleep disturbance or disorder and can also present differently from person to person. Some may experience difficulty falling asleep, while others may not be able to stay asleep, with frequent nighttime awakenings or an inability to enter a deep sleep state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Overall, your sleep pattern is disturbed, and you\u2019re not getting the good quality sleep your body needs. Without adequate sleep, your body cannot function properly, physically and cognitively. The effects of sleep deprivation can have detrimental effects on your personal and professional lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some common secondary symptoms caused by insomnia include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n In comparison to Doxepin, Lunesta is fairly expensive. The price of your medication will vary based on your dose, insurance coverage, and the pharmacy you use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The average retail price for name-brand Lunesta is roughly $586 for a month’s supply without insurance. For uninsured people, large name-brand pharmacies have coupon codes that significantly lower the cost of a 30-day supply to under $7. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As with most medications, there are associated risks you should consider before starting a new medication. The majority of the adverse effects associated with Lunesta are mild, but if you start to experience severe or bothersome side effects after starting the medication, call your healthcare provider immediately, <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the most common side effects associated with Lunesta include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a few serious adverse effects associated with taking Lunesta that should be discussed with your healthcare provider before starting the medication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lunesta can sometimes result in complex sleep behaviors, where the individual is not fully awake or conscious but is engaging in physical activities. Some examples of complex sleep behaviors include sleepwalking or even sleep-driving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As you can imagine, these complex sleep behaviors can be very dangerous and even potentially fatal for those involved. It is important to discontinue Lunesta if you experience any complex sleep behaviors after starting the medication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lunesta (eszopiclone) is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). This classification is due to the potential for abuse and dependence associated with the medication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to dependence, long-term use of Lunesta carries an increased risk of behavioral changes like suicidal ideation and thoughts of self-harm. These changes may also include irritability, agitation, bizarre behavior, hallucinations, and dissociation or depersonalization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lunesta might not be right for you if you have preexisting psychiatric conditions or a history of substance use disorder<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are unhappy with your medication and thinking of discontinuing it, it is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider beforehand. They will tell you how to slowly taper off the medication safely to avoid adverse withdrawal symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you discontinue the medication after prolonged use of high daily doses (over 3 mg), you are often advised to come off the medication at a slower rate. It may also be suggested to use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for insomnia while tapering the dose for a successful transition off of the medication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Several drugs interact with Lunesta, so you should carefully review your current medications and supplements with your healthcare provider before starting this medication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is important to avoid drinking alcohol or using any other central nervous system (CNS) depressants due to the potential dangers of the enhanced negative side effects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Common drug interactions with Lunesta include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) medication commonly used to treat anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Doxepin can also be used topically to treat itching associated with eczema or neuropathic pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n TCAs work by blocking the reuptake or increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain to improve mood. Doxepin has sedating effects, making it an effective choice for treating insomnia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Doxepin is available in capsules, tablets, and as an oral solution for treating insomnia. In addition, Doxepin is available as a topical cream when prescribed for itching. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Doxepin capsules are available in the following doses: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Doxepin tablets are available in the following doses: <\/p>\n\n\n\n The oral solution is available in 10 mg\/mL dosing only and is typically reserved for the pediatric population and those who cannot tolerate swallowing oral medication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Doxepin is a TCA antidepressant medication. It is most commonly used to treat depression, insomnia, and anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n TCA medications, such as Doxepin, are among the oldest medications used to treat depression. Depression can present itself in many different forms, and some may experience changes in their sleep patterns due to their depressive symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some common symptoms of depression include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Doxepin is known to be a highly effective medication for the treatment of insomnia due to its sedating effects on the body. In addition, Doxepin is used to treat depression and anxiety, which could be beneficial for someone who has an underlying mood disorder or anxiety symptoms that may be contributing to insomnia as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned above, insomnia can lead to serious problems in your everyday life due to the physical and psychological effects that sleep deprivation causes. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider if you are experiencing difficulty sleeping and cannot get a good night’s rest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Anxiety is another condition that can play a role in your inability to fall asleep and\/or stay asleep. Racing, unwanted, or intrusive thoughts may keep you up at night, or you may find it challenging to \u201cslow down your mind\u201d while lying in bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Doxepin is effective in treating certain symptoms associated with anxiety, making this medication an excellent choice for someone who suffers from both anxiety and insomnia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Doxepin is a relatively affordable medication covered by most commercial health insurance plans. The exact price of your medication will vary depending on insurance coverage, dosing, and which pharmacy you use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are uninsured, the use of coupon codes significantly reduces the cost of your medication and are found in most large pharmacies. The average retail price on a 30-day supply of Doxepin is roughly $33, but with the use of these coupons, the cost is lowered between $1-$8. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As with any medication, there are some common adverse effects that may occur when starting a new medication. If you begin to experience serious side effects, contact your healthcare provider or seek medical attention urgently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The common side effects associated with Doxepin include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is important to seek out urgent medical care if you begin to experience any of the following serious side effects: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Due to the side effect profile and potential risk of severe adverse effects when taking tricyclic antidepressants, they are no longer considered to be first-line agents for the treatment of anxiety and depression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Below we have listed a few important and potentially dangerous warnings to consider before starting any TCA antidepressant, including Doxepin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Serotonin is a rare yet serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs from dangerously high levels of serotonin in the body. This most commonly occurs when someone is on multiple medications that increase levels of serotonin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is important to seek out immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Without urgent medical intervention, there are serious complications that may arise, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n TCA antidepressant medication, such as Doxepin, is typically avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the following potential complications: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike Lunesta, Doxepin is not classified as a controlled substance, meaning it is not habit-forming. Doxepin may be a suitable antidepressant for those with a history of substance abuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is always important to disclose all medications you are currently taking to your healthcare provider, including all over-the-counter medications and supplements, before starting a new medication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a number of drug interactions with Doxepin, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n\t \n<\/th> Lunesta<\/th> Doxepin<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n\t Drug Class<\/strong><\/td> Sedative-hypnotic<\/td> Tricyclic antidepressant
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\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Brand \/ Generic Status<\/strong><\/td> Brand name for eszopiclone
\n
\n<\/td>Generic (Brand name: Silenor)
\n
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Form(s) of the Drug<\/strong><\/td> \u2022 Immediate-release tablets<\/td> \u2022 Immediate-release capsules
\n\u2022 Immediate-release tablets
\n\u2022 Clear, blueberry-mint flavored liquid suspension
\n\u2022 Topical cream (for itching)
\n<\/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 10mg
\n\u2022 25mg
\n\u2022 50mg
\n\u2022 75mg
\n\u2022 100mg
\n\u2022 150mg
\n
\nImmediate-release tablets:
\n\u2022 3mg
\n\u2022 6mg
\n
\nLiquid suspension:
\n\u2022 10mg per dose
\n
\nTopical cream:
\n\u2022 5% formula
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Typical Treatment Length<\/strong><\/td> Short-term use only
\n
\n<\/td>Long-term use<\/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 uses:
\n\u2022 Major depressive disorder
\n\u2022 Anxiety disorder
\n\u2022 OCD
\n
\nOff-label uses:
\n\u2022 Itchiness due to atopic dermatitis, pruritus, or lichen simplex chronicus
\n\u2022 Topical neuropathic pain
\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 (Silenor):
\n\u2022 $32 to $525 for a 30-day supply
\n
\nGeneric form (doxepin)
\n\u2022 $36 to $90 for a 30-day supply
\n\u2022 $8 for a 30-day supply with coupons\/discounts
\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 Agitation, confusion
\n\u2022 Black, tarry stools, bleeding gums, blood in urine or stool
\n\u2022 Blurred vision
\n\u2022 A sensation of burning, itching, or \u201cpins and needles\u201d on the skin
\n\u2022 Chest pain or tightness, fast or irregular heartbeat
\n\u2022 Chills, cold sweats
\n\u2022 Urinary retention
\n\u2022 Dizziness upon standing, loss of consciousness
\n\u2022 Headache
\n\u2022 Hearing loss
\n\u2022 Muscle spasms, stiffness, twitching
\n\u2022 Seizures
\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 Thyroid supplements
\n\u2022 Anticholinergic drugs
\n\u2022 Some blood pressure medications: clonidine
\n\u2022 MAO inhibitors: isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue
\n\u2022 SSRIs
\n\u2022 St. John's Wort
\n\u2022 Cimetidine
\n\u2022 Terbinafine
\n\u2022 Drugs to treat irregular heart rate
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\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
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Conditions Lunesta Treats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Insomnia<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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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
Complex Sleep Behaviors<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Dependency Warning<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Withdrawal Symptoms<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Lunesta Interactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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What is Doxepin?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Doxepin Forms and Doses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
Conditions Doxepin Treats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Depression<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Insomnia<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Anxiety<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Doxepin Costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Doxepin Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
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Doxepin Drug Warnings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Serotonin Syndrome <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding on Doxepin<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Not a Controlled Substance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Doxepin Interactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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