Getting a good night’s sleep may feel like a luxury to some, and if you experience insomnia, you know how not getting enough sleep impacts multiple aspects of your life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t let your insomnia symptoms go untreated. Many different prescription sleep aids can help you get a good night’s rest, but the key is finding the right one for your specific symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we\u2019ll take a deeper look at the similarities and differences between two medications that are commonly prescribed for the treatment of insomnia, Dayvigo and Lunesta. It’s important to understand how these medications compare before discussing how to treat insomnia symptoms with your healthcare provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Accessing mental health providers who can help you find the right insomnia medication should be easy. Klarity can help. Schedule an appointment<\/a>, and we\u2019ll connect you with a licensed medical provider who specializes in insomnia treatment<\/a> in as little as 48 hours.<\/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 Dayvigo is also known by its generic name, lemborexant, and is commonly prescribed for the treatment of insomnia. The medication is part of a class of drugs called orexin receptor antagonists, and as its name describes, it works by blocking the effects of orexin in the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Orexin is a neuropeptide that works to help regulate appetite, arousal, and wakefulness. Therefore, when the orexin receptors are blocked, these effects are suppressed, promoting a sleep state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dayvigo or lemborexant is available in tablet form in dosages of 5 mg and 10 mg. The recommended dose starts at 5 mg but may be increased to a maximum dose of 10 mg based on your healthcare provider\u2019s advice. This medication is taken at night, immediately before going to bed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dayvigo is a prescription drug that is FDA-approved for treating classic insomnia symptoms in individuals over the age of 18. It\u2019s often best for those who have trouble falling or staying asleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Insomnia is a common sleep disorder in the United States with classic symptoms, including delayed sleep onset and disrupted sleep maintenance. Delayed sleep onset describes the time it takes for someone to fall asleep, and sleep maintenance describes the ability to stay asleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dayvigo works by blocking the receptors that are associated with wakefulness and arousal, which promotes a healthy sleep state and improves both sleep onset and maintenance. This medication is not only helpful in helping you fall asleep, but it also allows you to stay asleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Insomnia can dramatically impact your personal and professional life as well, as not getting adequate rest throughout the night can cause a number of secondary symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Common secondary symptoms of insomnia include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Like most medications, the cost of a month’s supply of Dayvigo will greatly depend on your insurance coverage, dosage, and pharmacy. Since Dayvigo is a relatively newer drug, there are only a few coupon codes that cover the medication, and the savings are significantly less than what is typically expected when using a coupon code. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The retail price of a 30-day supply of Dayvigo is around $350 but can be reduced to around $300 with the use of select coupon codes, such as GoodRx. Dayvigo may or may not be covered by your insurance plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a few serious side effects associated with the use of Dayvigo, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you experience any serious adverse effects, such as complex sleep behaviors, worsening depression or suicidal ideation, it is important to contact your healthcare provider and immediately discontinue the medication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dayvigo is associated with a few serious adverse effects and should be carefully monitored when starting the medication. In addition to the warnings listed below, those with liver or pulmonary issues should not be started on Dayvigo, as well as in the elderly population over the age of 65. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Complex sleep behaviors include any activity where the individual is not fully awake, such as sleepwalking or even sleep driving. This type of behavior can be dangerous for not only the person partaking in the activities but for those surrounding the person as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Therefore, if you begin to experience any complex sleep behaviors while taking Dayvigo, it is important to immediately discontinue the medication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dayvigo is a Schedule IV controlled substance that is not suitable for long-term use because it carries a risk for dependency and habit formation. Prolonged use of Dayvigo may lead to reliance on the medication to achieve normal sleep patterns. It is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage and duration as directed by your healthcare provider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Abrupt discontinuation of Dayvigo can result in withdrawal symptoms, including rebound insomnia, anxiety, and agitation. If you experience any concerning symptoms or feel dependent on Dayvigo, consult your healthcare provider for guidance on tapering off the medication and exploring alternative treatment options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When discontinuing the medication, the dose should be slowly titrated down on a weekly basis until off of the medication. Abruptly discontinuing the medication can cause withdrawal symptoms that include the inability to fall or stay asleep and increased irritability or agitation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As always, it is important to disclose all of your current medications with your healthcare provider, including all over-the-counter medications and supplements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Drugs to avoid when taking Dayvigo include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lunesta is also known by its generic name, eszopiclone, and is FDA-approved to treat traditional insomnia symptoms, including the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. It is a unique medication, as it modulates the actions at the GABA receptors without actually binding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n GABA receptors are considered to be inhibitor receptors that, when activated, slow down the chemical signaling within the brain, resulting in sedation and allowing the brain to transition to a sleep state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lunesta is considered to be a schedule-IV controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and dependence. This is likely due to its action at the GABA receptors, which are activated when using highly addictive substances like alcohol and benzodiazepines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lunesta is available in its generic and name-brand forms in tablets only in the following doses: <\/p>\n\n\n\n The initial starting dose is 1 mg and can be increased on a weekly basis, with a maximum dose of 3 mg per day, depending on your healthcare provider\u2019s recommendation. This medication is not intended for long-term, continuous use due to its potential for abuse and dependency. When coming off the medication from daily high doses, you will need to be slowly titrated off the dose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lunesta is only FDA-approved to treat traditional symptoms of insomnia. These symptoms include trouble falling and staying asleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Insomnia is a very common sleep disorder among adults in the United States, with almost 1 in 3 adults experiencing symptoms of insomnia at any given time. As described above, the traditional symptoms of insomnia include sleep onset, or the time it takes to fall asleep, and sleep maintenance, which describes the ability to stay asleep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The secondary symptoms of insomnia mentioned above can begin to affect your daily life, and this can pose serious issues for some people. Therefore, it is important to address your insomnia symptoms and seek out treatment if you find that your sleep habits are beginning to impact your everyday life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a number of factors that will affect the price of your Lunesta prescription, such as insurance coverage, dosage, use of coupons, and which pharmacy you use. Coupon codes are available at large pharmacies and significantly lower the cost of prescriptions for those with and without insurance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lunesta\u2019s retail price is around $586 for a 30-day supply, but this is dramatically lowered with the use of coupon codes to around $7. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The majority of side effects associated with Lunesta are mild in nature, but there are a few serious adverse effects that are mentioned under the drug warnings section. It is important to contact your healthcare provider if you begin to experience any severe side effects, such as complex sleep behaviors or worsening anxiety or depression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the common side effects associated with Lunesta include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lunesta is associated with a few serious adverse effects, and therefore, when initially starting on Lunesta, you should be closely monitored for any of the following. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Complex sleep behaviors are any behaviors that occur when the individual is not fully awake or conscious. This can include sleepwalking or even sleep-driving. These behaviors can be extremely dangerous for the person involved and those surrounding them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you begin to experience any complex sleep behaviors, it is important to immediately discontinue Lunesta and contact your healthcare provider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lunesta is a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for abuse and dependence. This medication is intended for short-term use and should not be taken consistently for long periods of time. In fact, it\u2019s recommended to use Lunesta for the shortest duration necessary to improve sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Abrupt discontinuation of Lunesta may lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as rebound insomnia, anxiety, and mood changes. Be sure to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about dosage and duration of use. If you have concerns about dependency or experience difficulties when discontinuing Lunesta, consult your healthcare provider for assistance in tapering off the medication and considering alternative treatments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, this medication should not be prescribed to anyone with a current or past history of substance misuse or serious psychiatric disorders. Studies have shown that long-term use of Lunesta can be associated with behavioral changes and psychological changes, such as bizarre behavior, hallucinations, or depersonalization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With prolonged use of the medication, it is important that the medication is slowly titrated down on a weekly basis to avoid withdrawal symptoms. For those who are on a relatively high dose for a prolonged period of time, it may also be suggested that CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy may be useful when discontinuing the medication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are unhappy with your current medication or are thinking of discontinuing Lunesta, it is important to discuss this with your healthcare provider so that you can safely taper off and avoid withdrawal syndrome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Similar to Dayvigo, there are a number of medications to avoid when taking Lunesta. As always, it is important to discuss all current medications with your healthcare provider, including all over-the-counter medications and supplements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some common drug interactions with Lunesta include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Both Dayvigo and Lunesta are potent sleep aid medications that are very effective but also associated with some serious adverse effects, as mentioned above. In order to find the right insomnia medication for you, contact your healthcare provider and discuss your current symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\n\n
\n\t \n<\/th> Lunesta<\/th> Dayvigo<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n\t Drug Class<\/strong><\/td> Sedative-hypnotic<\/td> Orexin receptor antagonist
\n
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Brand \/ Generic Status<\/strong><\/td> Brand name for eszopiclone
\n
\n<\/td>Brand name for lemborexant
\n
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Form(s) of the Drug<\/strong><\/td> \u2022 Immediate-release tablets<\/td> \u2022 Immediate-release tablets<\/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 tablets:
\n\u2022 5mg
\n\u2022 10mg
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Typical Treatment Length
\n<\/strong><\/td>Short-term use only<\/td> Short or long-term use
\n
\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 uses:
\n\u2022 Insomnia<\/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 (30-day supply):
\n\u2022 $300 (no insurance)
\n\u2022 $30 to $38 (with insurance)
\n\u2022 $27 (Medicare Part D)
\n\u2022 $48 (Medicaid)
\n
\nGeneric formula not available for Rx
\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
\nSerious side effects:
\n\u2022 Anxiety
\n\u2022 Hallucinations
\n\u2022 Severe depression
\n\u2022 Suicidal thoughts
\n\u2022 Memory loss.
\n\u2022 Somnambulism
\n<\/td>Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Daytime drowsiness
\n\u2022 Muscle weakness
\n\u2022 Unusual sluggishness
\n
\nSerious side effects:
\n\u2022 Sleep paralysis
\n\u2022 Headaches
\n\u2022 Worsening depression
\n\u2022 Suicidal ideation
\n\u2022 Unusual sleep behaviors
\n\u2022 Nightmares
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Warnings For Use<\/strong><\/td> Contraindicated conditions:
\n\u2022 History of substance abuse
\n\u2022 Pregnancy or breastfeeding
\n
\nDrug 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\u2022 Alcohol
\n\u2022 Benzodiazepines
\n\u2022 Other sleep aids
\n\u2022 Opioid pain medications
\n\u2022 Antihistamine drugs
\n\u2022 Most cold and cough medicines
\n\u2022 Muscle relaxants
\n\u2022 Metoclopramide
\n\u2022 Recreational drugs, including marijuana or \u2022 Kratom
\n<\/td>Contraindicated conditions:
\n\u2022 Alcoholism
\n\u2022 Depression
\n\u2022 Liver disease
\n\u2022 Compromised respiratory function
\n\u2022 Narcolepsy
\n
\nDrug interactions:
\n\u2022 Central nervous system depressants
\n\u2022 Certain blood pressure medications
\n\u2022 Some antibiotics
\n\u2022 Antifungals or antimicrobial drugs
\n\u2022 St. John\u2019s Wort
\n\u2022 Narcolepsy medications
\n\u2022 Wellbutrin
\n\u2022 Methadone
\n\u2022 Carbamazepine
\n\u2022 HIV antiviral medications
\n\u2022 Grapefruit juice
\n\u2022 Alcoholic beverages
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\nWhat is Dayvigo?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Dayvigo Forms and Doses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conditions Dayvigo Treats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Insomnia<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Dayvigo Costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dayvigo Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Dayvigo Drug Warnings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Complex Sleep Behaviors <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Dependency Warning<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Withdrawal Syndrome<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Dayvigo Interactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
What is Lunesta?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lunesta Forms and Doses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Conditions Lunesta Treats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Insomnia<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Lunesta Costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lunesta Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Lunesta Drug Warnings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Complex Sleep Behaviors <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Dependency Warning<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Withdrawal Syndrome<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Lunesta Interactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Which Insomnia Medication Should I Take?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n