Lunesta vs. Ambien: Which sleep aid is better for you?

In this article:

• What are the main differences between Lunesta vs. Ambien
• Conditions treated by Lunesta and Ambien
• Efficacy
• Coverage and cost
• Side effects
• Interactions
• Warnings
• FAQs

In this article

• What are the main differences between Lunesta vs. Ambien
• Conditions treated by Lunesta and Ambien
• Efficacy
• Coverage and cost
• Side effects
• Interactions
• Warnings
• FAQs

Lunesta (eszopiclone) and Ambien (zolpidem) are two popular prescription medications used as sleep aids. These medications are part of a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics. Both Lunesta and Ambien are believed to work by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain to produce a sense of calm. While they may have similar effects, they have differences in formulation and how long they last for. 

Continue reading to learn more about the differences between Lunesta and Ambien.

What are the main differences between Lunesta vs. Ambien

Lunesta and Ambien contain different active ingredients

Although both drugs work in similar ways, Lunesta and Ambien contain different ingredients. Lunesta is a brand-name medication that contains eszopiclone while Ambien is a brand-name medication that contains zolpidem tartrate, or zolpidem. 

Lunesta lasts longer than Ambien

Lunesta generally lasts longer than regular (immediate-release) Ambien. It has a longer half-life of six hours compared to a half-life of around 2.5 hours with Ambien. People may be able to fall asleep and stay asleep longer with Lunesta than with Ambien. 

Lunesta reaches peak levels in the blood around one hour after taking it while Ambien reaches peak levels in the blood around 1.5 hours after administration. Therefore, Lunesta may start producing maximum sedative effects slightly faster than Ambien. 

Lunesta and Ambien are available in different strengths and formulations

Lunesta is available as a tablet in strengths of 1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg. Ambien is available as an immediate-release tablet in strengths of 5 mg and 10 mg. 

Ambien CR is an extended-release version of Ambien that is available as a 6.25 mg and 12.5 mg tablet. Ambien CR releases the active ingredient over a longer period of time than regular Ambien to help you stay asleep longer. 

Both Lunesta and Ambien are Schedule IV controlled substances, which means they have a risk for abuse and dependence.

	Lunesta	Ambien
Drug class	Sedative-hypnotic	Sedative-hypnotic
Brand/generic status	Brand and generic available	Brand and generic available
What is the generic name?	Eszopiclone	Zolpidem tartrate
What form(s) does the drug come in?	Tablet	Tablet Extended-release tablet
What is the standard dosage?	Starting dose: 1 mg just before bedtime (with at least 7 to 8 hours before you have to wake up) Maximum dosage of 3 mg once daily	Starting dose of 5 or 10 mg just before bedtime (with at least 7 to 8 hours before you have to wake up) Maximum dosage of 10 mg once daily
How long is the typical treatment?	Varies	Varies (FDA approval is for short-term use, but it is often used for longer periods with close supervision by the healthcare provider)
Who typically uses the medication?	Adults	Adults

 

Related: Belsomra vs. Ambien | Quviviq vs. Ambien | Restoril vs. Ambien

Conditions treated by Lunesta and Ambien

Lunesta and Ambien are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat insomnia. Although they are generally recommended to be used for short-term or temporary insomnia, they may also be used to treat long-term or chronic insomnia, with close monitoring by the healthcare provider. The prescribing information for Lunesta notes that the medicine can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Immediate-release Ambien is used to help you fall asleep, while Ambien CR can help you fall asleep and/or stay asleep.

Condition	Lunesta	Ambien
Insomnia	Yes	Yes

Is Lunesta or Ambien more effective?

Although Lunesta has a longer half-life, clinical studies have shown that Lunesta and Ambien are similarly effective for treating insomnia. 

Research has found that Lunesta and Ambien are comparable in efficacy. 

Some studies have shown that Ambien decreases the time it takes to fall asleep (sleep latency) more than Lunesta. However, the effects on sleep latency may depend on dosage. When given in larger doses in clinical trials, Ambien and Lunesta provide similar effects on improving sleep latency. 

A 2022 study reviewed many clinical trials on insomnia, including various drugs. In regard to Lunesta and Ambien specifically, the researchers found that both medicines worked better than certain other treatments to help with sleep. They noted that Lunesta was effective for both short-term and long-term use, but may cause side effects—while Ambien was also effective but had a higher chance of side effects that led to people stopping the medicine. 

The most effective medication is the one that works best for you depending on your overall health condition. Consult a healthcare provider for medical advice on the best treatment option. Other factors, such as cost and insurance coverage, could also influence which medication is a better choice for you. 

Coverage and cost comparison of Lunesta vs. Ambien

Lunesta is a brand-name medication that may be covered by some insurance plans. Most Medicare and insurance plans cover the cost of the generic version, eszopiclone. The average cash price of Lunesta is $1,247 for a standard supply. Using a SingleCare discount card for Lunesta could help reduce the cash price of generic Lunesta (eszopiclone) to as low as $13. 

Ambien is also a brand-name medication that may be covered by some insurance plans. A generic version of Ambien, zolpidem, is available on the market and is generally covered by Medicare and insurance plans. The cash price of Ambien is $768 on average for a prescription. An Ambien discount card may help lower the cash price of generic Ambien (zolpidem) to as low as $5. 

	Lunesta	Ambien
Typically covered by insurance?	Yes, the generic version is usually covered	Yes, the generic version is usually covered
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?	Yes, the generic version is usually covered	Yes, the generic version is usually covered
Quantity	30, 3 mg tablets	30, 10 mg tablets
Typical Medicare copay	$1–$20 for generic eszopiclone	$0–$20 for generic zolpidem
SingleCare cost	$13+ for generic eszopiclone	$5+ for generic zolpidem

Common side effects of Lunesta vs. Ambien

The most common side effects of Lunesta include: 

• Unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness 
• Drowsiness, and next-day drowsiness
• Headache
• Common cold symptoms 

The most common side effects of Ambien include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness, and next-day drowsiness
• Diarrhea
• Feeling groggy or like you have been drugged

More information about side effects of both drugs can be found in the Warnings section. This is not a full list of side effects. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can give you more information about side effects of Lunesta and Ambien. 

Drug interactions of Lunesta vs. Ambien

Before taking Lunesta or Ambien, tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Some examples of drugs and substances that may interact with Lunesta and Ambien include:

• Alcohol (you should not take Lunesta or Ambien with alcohol)
• Any drug that causes drowsiness, such as other sleep medicines, opioid pain medicine, muscle relaxants, or anxiety medicine
• Clarithromycin
• Rifampin
• Ketoconazole
• Sporanox (itraconazole)

This is not a full list of drug interactions and others may occur. Talk to your healthcare provider about drug interactions and how they may affect you.

Warnings of Lunesta and Ambien

Before taking Lunesta or Ambien, be sure to tell your healthcare provider about your medical and family history, including if you have a history of substance abuse, mental health conditions, liver problems, or are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. 

Lunesta and Ambien can cause serious side effects that may result in injury or death. These drugs have a black box warning, which is the most serious warning required by the FDA. In rare cases, these drugs can cause complex sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking or sleep-driving. They can also cause memory loss of these events. Stop taking Lunesta or Ambien and seek help from a healthcare provider if you experience complex sleep behaviors.

Lunesta and Ambien can cause patients to experience significant drowsiness and can lead to impairment the next day. These drugs should be used with caution, especially when driving or operating machinery the next day. You should only take Lunesta or Ambien at night, just before bed, if you have at least 7 to 8 hours before you will have to wake up.

In rare cases, Lunesta and Ambien may cause worsening depression and suicidal thinking. These drugs may also cause individuals to experience abnormal thinking or behaviors, including agitation and hallucinations. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any changes in mood or behavior. If you are in an urgent situation, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or call 911 and go to the nearest emergency room. 

Allergic reactions are rare, but you should get emergency medical help if you have symptoms like hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Additionally, you should not stop using Lunesta or Ambien abruptly (unless directed by your doctor), as it can cause withdrawal symptoms. If you are taking Lunesta or Ambien and wish to stop taking it, consult your provider for a tapering schedule. 

Frequently asked questions about Lunesta vs. Ambien

Are Lunesta and Ambien the same?

Lunesta and Ambien are sleep medications used to treat insomnia. However, they contain different active ingredients and come in different formulations. Lunesta contains eszopiclone, while Ambien contains zolpidem. Lunesta is available as a regular (immediate-release) oral tablet, while Ambien is available as a regular and extended-release oral tablet. 

Is Lunesta or Ambien better?

Lunesta and Ambien are both effective for treating sleep problems. Lunesta has a longer half-life and may last longer than Ambien. Lunesta may also start producing maximum effects slightly faster than Ambien. However, some studies show that Ambien may help put you to sleep faster depending on the dosage prescribed. 

The best medication will be determined based on your overall condition. Other sleep medications may be recommended instead of Lunesta or Ambien, such as Sonata (zaleplon) or over-the-counter melatonin supplements. 

Can I use Lunesta or Ambien while pregnant?

Consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Healthcare providers typically avoid prescribing Lunesta or Ambien in these situations. 

In regard to Lunesta, the prescribing information states that there is not enough information regarding use in pregnancy, and there is no data on the use of Lunesta while breastfeeding. 

Taking Ambien in the third trimester may cause the baby to have breathing problems and other complications. Ambien should not be used if you are breastfeeding. 

Can I use Lunesta or Ambien with alcohol?

Alcohol can slow down the central nervous system and cause side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. Drinking alcohol with Lunesta or Ambien can increase the risk of drowsiness and dizziness. You should avoid alcohol while taking Lunesta or Ambien. If you have any concerns, talk to your healthcare provider. Another treatment may be more appropriate for you. 

Does Lunesta help with anxiety?

It’s important to note that Lunesta can cause anxiety as a side effect. However, chronic insomnia may be linked to anxiety and depression. Lunesta is sometimes used to treat insomnia and sleep disorders associated with anxiety.