Is eszopiclone the same as Ambien?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on Nov 8, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

No, Lunesta (eszopiclone) is not the same as Ambien (zolpidem). They are two prescription medications that may be used to treat insomnia, but have many differences.

Both Lunesta and Ambien belong to the drug class known as sedative-hypnotics, but they contain different active ingredients. They work to promote relaxation and sleep by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain, but the areas of the brain they work in differ. The doses of Lunesta and Ambien are also different.

What are Lunesta and Ambien approved for?

Ambien is FDA approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia where you have trouble falling asleep. Lunesta is also approved for insomnia, but has been proven to help people fall asleep and stay asleep. Both medications are only approved for adults.

Lunesta was FDA approved in 2004, while Ambien was approved in 1992. Lunesta comes as a tablet in 1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg strengths. Ambien comes in immediate-release tablets in 5 mg and 10 mg strengths, and an extended-release tablet (Ambien CR) in 6.25 mg and 12.5 mg strengths.

Which lasts longer, Ambien or Lunesta?

It is recommended to have at least 7-8 hours of sleep remaining before taking either Ambien or Lunesta. The immediate-release tablets of Ambien last about 6-8 hours, and Lunesta lasts for about 8 hours. Ambien has a shorter half-life than Lunesta. Everyone responds differently to medications, so individual responses can vary.

Ambien and Lunesta both have a risk of next-day impairment. Wait at least 8 hours before driving or performing activities that require you to be alert. Even then, the effects of these medications may persist. You can be less alert the next day even if you feel fully awake.

This is not all the information you need to know about Lunesta (eszopiclone) or Ambien (zolpidem) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Ambien [package insert]. Updated August 2024. Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC. Accessed 11/08/2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=c36cadf4-65a4-4466-b409-c82020b42452

Drugs.com. Updated May 2024. Zolpidem: 7 things you should know. Accessed 11/08/2024 at https://www.drugs.com/tips/zolpidem-patient-tips

Lunesta [package insert]. Updated December 2023. Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc. Accessed 11/08/24 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=fd047b2b-05a6-4d99-95cb-955f14bf329f

Richter, G., et. al. 2020. The Z-Drugs Zolpidem, Zaleplon, and Eszopiclone Have Varying Actions on Human GABAA Receptors Containing γ1, γ2, and γ3 Subunits. In: Frontiers. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2020.599812

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2016). FDA drug safety communication: FDA warns of next-day impairment with sleep aid Lunesta (eszopiclone) and lowers recommended dose. Accessed 11/08/2024 at https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-warns-next-day-impairment-sleep-aid-lunesta-eszopiclone-and-lowers

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018). Questions and answers: Risk of next-morning impairment after use of insomnia drugs; FDA requires lower recommended doses for certain drugs containing zolpidem (Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar, and Zolpimist). Accessed 11/08/2024 at https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/questions-and-answers-risk-next-morning-impairment-after-use-insomnia-drugs-fda-requires-lower

Wessell, A. M., et. al. 2005. Eszopiclone (Lunesta) for Treatment of Transient and Chronic Insomnia. In: American Family Physician. DOI: Accessed 11/08/2024 at https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2005/0615/p2359.html

Is Ambien safe for long-term use?

Ambien is not safe for long-term use and should only be prescribed for a maximum of 6 weeks, but ideally should only be used for less than that. But some people find they can’t sleep without Ambien or they develop a habit of using Ambien after using it for recreational reasons. But certain hazardous health and psychological effects may occur with long-term use. Continue reading

Lunesta vs Ambien: How do they compare?

Lunesta (eszopiclone) and Ambien (zolpidem) are both prescription medications used to treat insomnia. Ambien may work faster to help you fall asleep, but Lunesta can help you stay asleep longer. Headache and unpleasant taste are more common side effects with Lunesta. Continue reading

Ambien: What are 11 Things You Need to Know?

If you have had trouble sleeping in the past, then chances are your doctor may have prescribed you Ambien. But is this sedative any better than counting sheep? And what are the dangers associated with long-term use? Continue reading

Is eszopiclone the same as Ambien?

What are Lunesta and Ambien approved for?

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