Compare Ambien vs. Remeron
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.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 1375 reviewsforAmbien
Improves mood.
Remeron (mirtazapine) improves your mood and helps you sleep better, but can cause more weight gain than any other antidepressant.
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3.3/ 5 average rating with 152 reviewsforRemeron
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 relieving some depression symptoms.
- Starts to work more quickly than most antidepressants.
- Can help you fall asleep if you have trouble sleeping.
- Can also help relieve anxiety.
- Good option if you are underweight or frail, because it can help you gain weight.
- Available as a generic.
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.
- Makes you more tired than other antidepressants.
- More likely to cause minor weight gain (1-5 pounds) and raise cholesterol than any other antidepressant.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Oral spray
- Sublingual pill
- Pill
- Dissolving tablet
Price
Lowest price
$17.87
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$8.84
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Reviews
1375 reviews so far
67%
saidit'sworth it
50%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Ambien (zolpidem)?
Leave a review152 reviews so far
45%
saidit'sworth it
39%
saiditworked well
26%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Remeron (mirtazapine)?
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%
17possible side effects
- Sleepiness54%
- Dry mouth25%
- Increased appetite17%
- Increased appetite17%
- Constipation13%
- Weight gain12%
- Lack of energy8%
- Dizziness7%
- Flu syndrome5%
- Abnormal dreams4%
- Abnormal thinking3%
- Back pain2%
- Swelling in limbs2%
- Muscle pain2%
- Tremor2%
- Confusion2%
- Urinary frequency2%
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
- Serotonin syndrome
- Using other medications that affect serotonin
- Heart problems
- History of heart problems
- History of liver problems
- Higher dose
- Driving impairment
- Alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Weight gain
- Blood disorders