Compare Ambien vs. Lunesta
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Helps you sleep.
Ambien (zolpidem) aids in falling asleep and staying asleep, but it can be habit-forming and might be more likely than other sleep medicines to cause side effects.
●●●●●
3.7/ 5 average rating with 1375 reviewsforAmbien
Helps you sleep.
Lunesta (Eszopiclone) is good for falling asleep and staying asleep. Not as habit-forming as some sleep medicines, but more likely to cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly.
●●●●●
3.3/ 5 average rating with 592 reviewsforLunesta
Upsides
- Effective at helping people fall asleep faster and sleep longer.
- Extended release form is particularly good for staying asleep, and you can use it for longer than the immediate release form.
- Generic is available.
- Effective at helping people fall asleep faster and sleep longer.
- Not as habit-forming, so you can use it for longer than most other sleep medicines.
Downsides
- Not typically used for long-term treatment because it can be habit-forming.
- Some people find that Ambien (zolpidem) becomes less effective over time.
- More likely to cause sleep-walking, sleep-driving, and sleep-eating.
- Might not be safe if you have problems with your liver, kidneys, lungs, or if you have a history of depression.
- More likely to cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly.
- Might not be safe if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, depression, lung disease, or a condition that affects metabolism.
- It's easy to become reliant on sleep medicines. In the long run, it's better to learn good sleeping habits and behavior so that you can sleep better naturally.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Oral spray
- Sublingual pill
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$21.54
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$12.95
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
1375 reviews so far
67%
saidit'sworth it
50%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Ambien (zolpidem)?
Leave a review592 reviews so far
55%
saidit'sworth it
36%
saiditworked well
17%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Lunesta (Eszopiclone)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
18possible side effects
- Drowsiness8%
- Headache7%
- Dizziness5%
- Allergic reactions4%
- Sinus infection4%
- Dry mouth3%
- Back pain3%
- Lack of energy3%
- Drugged feeling3%
- Diarrhea3%
- Sore throat3%
- Flu-like symptoms2%
- Racing heart2%
- Lightheadedness2%
- Depression2%
- Abdominal pain2%
- Constipation2%
- Rash2%
10possible side effects
- Headache15%
- Unpleasant Taste8%
- Dyspepsia6%
- Pain4%
- Diarrhea4%
- Pruritus4%
- Dry Mouth3%
- Abnormal Dreams3%
- Neuralgia3%
- Urinary Tract Infection3%
Risks and risk factors
- Dependence and withdrawal
- Continuous use of Ambien (zolpidem) for 2 weeks or more
- Driving impairment
- Alcohol
- Taking other medications that make you less alert
- Less than 8 hours of sleep.
- Abnormal thoughts
- Undiagnosed psychiatric conditions
- Performing activities while asleep
- Taking Ambien (zolpidem) with alcohol or drugs that cause drowsiness
- Risk of falls and injury
- Higher dose
- Liver problems
- Taking Ambien (zolpidem) with other nervous system depressants
- Long-term use
- Elderly (70 years or older)
- Dependence and withdrawal
- Continuous use for 2 weeks or more
- Driving impairment
- Alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Less than 7 hours of sleep.
- Abnormal thoughts
- Undiagnosed psychiatric conditions
- Sleep driving
- Taking with alcohol or drugs that acts in the brain
- Serious allergic reactions
- Risk of falls and injury
- Elderly
- Higher dose
- Liver problems
- Taking Lunesta (Eszopiclone) with other nervous system depressants
- Long-term use
- Risk to fetus
- Women of childbearing age
- Breast-feeding