{"id":3325,"date":"2018-12-04T19:08:23","date_gmt":"2018-12-05T00:08:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3325"},"modified":"2026-03-04T16:25:31","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T21:25:31","slug":"belsomra-vs-ambien","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/belsomra-vs-ambien\/","title":{"rendered":"Belsomra vs. Ambien: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Drug overview & main differences<\/a> | Conditions treated<\/a> | Efficacy<\/a> | Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/a> | Side effects<\/a> | Drug interactions<\/a> | Warnings<\/a> | FAQ<\/a><\/p>\n

Insomnia<\/span><\/a> is a <\/span>sleep disorder<\/span> that can make it difficult to fall and\/or stay asleep. People with insomnia often get too little sleep, or the sleep is of <\/span>poor quality<\/span><\/a>. Insomnia is one of the most common sleep complaints. <\/span>About 30% of adults <\/span><\/a>experience short-term insomnia, while about 10% experience <\/span>chronic insomnia<\/span> that lasts a month or longer. Patients use a variety of techniques to try to improve sleep, such as taking the <\/span>supplement<\/span> melatonin<\/span><\/a> to regulate sleep cycles or talking to a mental health professional with <\/span>cognitive behavioral therapy<\/span>. However, sometimes prescription medication is needed to address <\/span>sleep problems<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Belsomra<\/span> and <\/span>Ambien<\/span> are two <\/span>brand-name<\/span> sleep aid<\/span> medications prescribed for the <\/span>treatment of insomnia<\/span>. <\/span>Belsomra<\/span> is made by <\/span>Merck<\/span>, and <\/span>Ambien<\/span> is made by Sanofi-Aventis. <\/span>Ambien<\/span> also has a generic, <\/span>zolpidem<\/span><\/a>, which is made by various manufacturers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Belsomra<\/span> (<\/span>suvorexant<\/span>) is classified in a group of medicines called <\/span>orexin receptor antagonists<\/span>. <\/span>Belsomra<\/span> works by<\/span><\/a> blocking the action of a substance in the brain that causes wakefulness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambien<\/span> (<\/span>zolpidem<\/span>) is classified in a group of medicines called sedative-hypnotics. <\/span>Ambien<\/span> works<\/span><\/a> by slowing down activity in the brain to help the patient sleep.<\/span><\/p>\n

Belsomra<\/span> and <\/span>Ambien<\/span> are <\/span>prescription drugs<\/span> approved by the U.S. <\/span>Food and Drug Administration<\/span> (<\/span>FDA<\/span>). Both drugs are <\/span>controlled substances<\/span><\/a>, classified as Schedule IV. This means they have some potential for abuse and dependence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although both medications are <\/span>insomnia drugs<\/span>, they are not exactly the same. Continue reading to learn more about these two sleeping medications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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

Belsomra<\/span> is classified as an <\/span>orexin receptor antagonist<\/span>. It contains the ingredient <\/span>suvorexant<\/span>, but is not available as a generic at this time. <\/span>Belsomra<\/span> is available as an oral tablet that is taken by mouth at bedtime. Belsomra is approved for adults and is not approved for children under age 18.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambien<\/span> is classified as a sedative-hypnotic<\/span>. <\/span>Ambien<\/span> contains the ingredient <\/span>zolpidem<\/span> and is available in both brand and generic forms. <\/span>Ambien CR<\/span><\/a> contains <\/span>zolpidem<\/span> extended-release. Although this article focuses on <\/span>Ambien<\/span>, it is important to note that <\/span>zolpidem<\/span> is also available under various other <\/span>brand names<\/span>:<\/span><\/p>\n