{"id":3300,"date":"2018-12-01T00:00:33","date_gmt":"2018-12-01T05:00:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3300"},"modified":"2025-04-22T14:56:34","modified_gmt":"2025-04-22T18:56:34","slug":"lunesta-vs-ambien","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/lunesta-vs-ambien\/","title":{"rendered":"Lunesta vs. Ambien: Which sleep aid is better for you?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lunesta<\/span><\/a> (eszopiclone) and <\/span>Ambien<\/span><\/a> (zolpidem) are two popular prescription medications used as <\/span>sleep aids<\/span><\/a>. 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Continue reading to learn more about the differences between Lunesta and Ambien.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between Lunesta vs. Ambien<\/b><\/h2>\n

Lunesta<\/span> and Ambien contain different active ingredients<\/span><\/h3>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Lunesta lasts longer than Ambien<\/span><\/h3>\n

Lunesta generally lasts longer than regular (immediate-release) Ambien. It has a longer half-life of <\/span>six hours<\/span><\/a> compared to a half-life of around <\/span>2.5 hours<\/span><\/a> with Ambien. People may be able to fall asleep and stay asleep longer with Lunesta than with Ambien.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/span>faster<\/span><\/a> than Ambien.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Lunesta and Ambien are available in different strengths and formulations<\/span><\/h3>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambien CR<\/span><\/a> is an extended-release version of <\/span>Ambien<\/span><\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Both Lunesta and Ambien are Schedule IV <\/span>controlled substances<\/span><\/a>, which means they have a risk for abuse and dependence.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nLunesta<\/b><\/td>\nAmbien<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nSedative-hypnotic<\/span><\/td>\nSedative-hypnotic<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand and generic available<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic available<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/b><\/td>\nEszopiclone<\/span><\/td>\nZolpidem<\/span> tartrate<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nTablet<\/span><\/td>\nTablet<\/span><\/p>\n

Extended-release tablet<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nStarting dose: 1 mg just before bedtime (with at least 7 to 8 hours before you have to wake up)<\/span><\/p>\n

Maximum dosage of 3 mg once daily<\/span><\/td>\n

Starting dose of 5 or 10 mg just before bedtime (with at least 7 to 8 hours before you have to wake up)<\/span><\/p>\n

Maximum dosage of 10 mg once daily<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\n Varies<\/span><\/td>\nVaries (FDA approval is for short-term use, but it is often used for longer periods with close supervision by the healthcare provider)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults<\/span><\/td>\nAdults<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Related: <\/b>Belsomra vs. Ambien<\/b><\/a> | <\/b>Quviviq vs. Ambien<\/b><\/a> | <\/b>Restoril vs. Ambien<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Conditions treated by Lunesta and Ambien<\/b><\/h2>\n

Lunesta and Ambien are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat <\/span>insomnia<\/span><\/a>. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/b><\/td>\nLunesta<\/b><\/td>\nAmbien<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Insomnia<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is Lunesta or Ambien more effective?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Although Lunesta has a longer half-life, clinical studies have shown that Lunesta and Ambien are similarly effective for treating insomnia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Research has found that Lunesta and Ambien are <\/span>comparable in efficacy<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some studies<\/span><\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>2022 study<\/span><\/a> 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\u2014while Ambien was also effective but had a higher chance of side effects that led to people stopping the medicine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of Lunesta vs. Ambien<\/b><\/h2>\n

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, <\/span>eszopiclone<\/span><\/a>. The average cash price of Lunesta is $1,247 for a standard supply. Using a <\/span>SingleCare discount card for Lunesta<\/span><\/a> could help reduce the cash price of generic Lunesta (eszopiclone) to as low as $13.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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 <\/span>Ambien discount card<\/span><\/a> may help lower the cash price of generic Ambien (zolpidem) to as low as $5.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nLunesta<\/b><\/td>\nAmbien<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nYes, the generic version is usually covered<\/span><\/td>\nYes, the generic version is usually covered<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nYes, the generic version is usually covered<\/span><\/td>\nYes, the generic version is usually covered<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/b><\/td>\n30, 3 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n30, 10 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Medicare copay<\/b><\/td>\n$1\u2013$20 for generic eszopiclone<\/span><\/td>\n$0\u2013$20 for generic zolpidem<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\n$13+ for generic eszopiclone<\/span><\/td>\n$5+ for generic zolpidem<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Common side effects of Lunesta vs. Ambien<\/b><\/h2>\n

The most common side effects of Lunesta include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n