Compare Ambien vs. Unisom
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
Treats allergy symptoms and helps you sleep.
Unisom Sleeptabs (Doxylamine) can help you get a good night's sleep, but you can have a hard time waking up if you don't give yourself enough time to sleep.
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3.3/ 5 average rating with 585 reviewsforUnisom
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.
- Works well to help you fall asleep and doesn't make you feel groggy the next morning.
- Has fewer side effects than prescription sleep aid medications.
- Available over the counter without a prescription.
- Not habit-forming like other sleep aids can be.
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.
- Shouldn't be used unless you have a full night to sleep.
- You shouldn't drive after taking Unisom Sleeptabs (Doxylamine) until you know how it affects you.
- Drinking alcohol while taking Unisom Sleeptabs (Doxylamine) isn't recommended.
- It can increase the risk of falls, so elderly people shouldn't use Unisom Sleeptabs (Doxylamine).
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Oral spray
- Sublingual pill
- Pill
- Chewable tablet
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$17.95
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$6.47
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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 review585 reviews so far
58%
saidit'sworth it
32%
saiditworked well
11%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Unisom Sleeptabs (Doxylamine)?
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%
The Unisom Sleeptabs (Doxylamine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
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)
- Overdosage
- Using other drugs with similar ingredients
- Increased side effects
- Age 65 years or older
- Driving impairment
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Hyperactivity
- Children age 6 years or younger
- Trouble urinating
- Enlarged prostate
- History of bladder problems
- Vision changes
- Glaucoma
- Breastfeeding
- Nursing mothers