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Comparing Ambien vs Lunesta

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
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Ambien zolpidem

Lunesta eszopiclone

Ambien induces sleep; however, Ambien CR in particular may impair physical and mental capabilities the next day. Ambien has also been associated with complex or dangerous sleep-related behaviors,... View more

Prescribed for Insomnia. Lunesta may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

View all 518 reviews

View all 284 reviews

Drug Class

Miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics

Miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics

Side Effects

Common side effects include: dizziness.

See the full Ambien side effects document.

Common side effects include: infection, drowsiness, and unpleasant taste.

See the full Lunesta side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance

Quantity	4 tablet
Dosage	10 mg
Per Unit^*	$5.02
Cost^*	$20.08

View all Ambien prices and generic prices

Quantity	10 tablet
Dosage	3 mg
Per Unit^*	$5.63
Cost^*	$56.31

View all Lunesta prices and generic prices

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Generic Availability

Yes

Dosage Form(s) Available

Oral tablet

Oral tablet

Brand Names

Other zolpidem brands include: Ambien CR, Edluar, Zolpimist

N/A

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

2.6 hours

6 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.

Some potential for abuse

Has a low potential for abuse relative to those in schedule 3. It has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. Abuse may lead to limited physical dependence or psychological dependence relative to those in schedule 3.

Some potential for abuse

Pregnancy Category

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

FDA Alerts (5)

FDA Alerts (3)

Drug Interactions

A total of 402 drugs are known to interact with Ambien:

27 major drug interactions (148 brand and generic names)
372 moderate drug interactions (1421 brand and generic names)
3 minor drug interactions (10 brand and generic names)

A total of 330 drugs are known to interact with Lunesta:

51 major drug interactions (198 brand and generic names)
277 moderate drug interactions (1183 brand and generic names)
2 minor drug interactions (4 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

You should avoid the use of alcohol while being treated with zolpidem. Alcohol can increase the... View more

Taking eszopiclone with a high-fat or heavy meal may delay the onset of sleep. For faster sleep... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

December 16, 1992

December 15, 2004

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

More Information

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer