Compare Ambien vs. Oleptro
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
Improves mood and helps you sleep.
Oleptro (Trazodone) works well as a sleep aid, but has more side effects when used at higher doses for treating depression.
●●●●●
3.6/ 5 average rating with 59 reviewsforOleptro
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.
- Commonly used in lower doses to help treat sleep problems (insomnia).
- Safer sleep medication than others (benzodiazepines or Unisom) for people age 65 and older.
- Fewer sexual side effects than many other antidepressants.
- Has been used for sleep and depression for a long time. There's a lot of information available about how it works and how safe it is.
- Comes as a generic medication and is cheaper than many other sleep aides.
- Six out of ten people who use an antidepressant for the first time find that it works for them.
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.
- Not as effective as other medications for depression.
- More sedating than other antidepressants.
- Causes more side effects when used at higher doses for depression. Includes sleepiness, dizziness, upset stomach, and irregular heartbeat.
- Like most antidepressants, can cause higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior for people age 24 and younger.
- The first antidepressant you try doesn't always work or it can cause side effects you really don't like. You might need to try a few different medications until you find one that works for you.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Oral spray
- Sublingual pill
- Pill
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$27.69
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$4.00
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 review59 reviews so far
73%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
24%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Oleptro (Trazodone)?
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%
29possible side effects
- Somnolence/Sedation46%
- Drowsiness41%
- Dry Mouth34%
- Headache33%
- Dizziness/Lightheadedness28%
- Dry mouth25%
- Dizziness25%
- Nausea21%
- Blurred Vision15%
- Fatigue15%
- Nausea/Vomiting13%
- Diarrhea9%
- Constipation8%
- Skin Condition/Edema7%
- Weight Loss6%
- Nasal/Sinus Congestion6%
- Abdominal/Gastric Disorder6%
- Syncope5%
- Musculoskeletal Aches/Pains5%
- Tremors5%
- Nightmares/Vivid Dreams5%
- Weight Gain5%
- Back pain5%
- Vision blurred5%
- Sexual dysfunction5%
- Hypotension4%
- Incoordination2%
- Ejaculation disorders2%
- Decreased libido2%
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)
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Age 24 years or younger
- Seizures
- History of seizures
- Alcoholism
- Eating disorder
- Higher dose
- Drug interactions
- Painful erection
- Low blood pressure
- Age 65 years or older
- Driving impairment
- Alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert