Compare Sonata vs. Remeron
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Helps you fall sleep.
Sonata (zaleplon) aids in falling asleep, but it's not as good with helping you stay asleep or with waking up in the middle of the night.
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2.9/ 5 average rating with 175 reviewsforSonata
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
- Effectively helps people fall asleep faster.
- Doesn't last as long in the body like some other sleep medicines, so it may cause less side effects the next morning.
- Generic is available, so it's affordable.
- 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 and hasn't been shown to be effective for chronic insomnia.
- Doesn't last as long in the body as other sleep medicines, so it's not as good at helping you stay asleep.
- Not recommended if you can't sleep at least 7-8 hours a night.
- 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
- Pill
- Dissolving tablet
Price
Lowest price
$13.99
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$10.59
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Reviews
175 reviews so far
42%
saidit'sworth it
23%
saiditworked well
27%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Sonata (zaleplon)?
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
- Headache42%
- Dizziness9%
- Nausea8%
- Lack of energy7%
- Abdominal pain6%
- Sleepiness6%
- Memory problems4%
- Menstrual cramps4%
- Burning/prickling sensation3%
- Eye pain3%
- Malaise2%
- Loss of appetite2%
- Feelings of detachment2%
- Decreased touch sensations2%
- Tremor2%
- Abnormal vision2%
- Increased sensitivity to sound2%
- Smell disorder2%
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 Sonata (zaleplon) for 2 weeks or more
- Hangover feeling the next day
- Alcohol
- Taking other medications that make you less alert
- Less than 7 hours of sleep
- CNS depressants and abnormal thoughts
- Undiagnosed psychiatric conditions
- Performing activities while asleep
- Taking Sonata (zaleplon) with alcohol or drugs that cause drowsiness
- Serious allergic reactions
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Women of childbearing age
- Breastfeeding
- 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