{"id":4202,"date":"2019-05-24T09:35:46","date_gmt":"2019-05-24T13:35:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=4202"},"modified":"2021-05-13T13:03:03","modified_gmt":"2021-05-13T17:03:03","slug":"trazodone-vs-ambien","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/trazodone-vs-ambien\/","title":{"rendered":"Trazodone vs. Ambien: Differences, similarities, and which one 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

According to the <\/span>American Sleep Association<\/span><\/a>, insomnia is a common condition, affecting between 50 to 70 million people in the United States.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trazodone and Ambien are two medications that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Both medicines are used to <\/span>help people sleep<\/span><\/a>. Trazodone is indicated for the treatment of depression, but is used off-label for insomnia. Trazodone causes a sedative effect of sleepiness and drowsiness, which is why many doctors prescribe it as a sleep aid for sleep problems.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambien is classified as a sedative-hypnotic and is thought to work by slowing down <\/span>brain activity<\/span><\/a>. Ambien helps you fall asleep. Ambien CR, an extended-release formulation, releases over time to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although both medications are used for sleep, they have many differences. Continue reading to learn about trazodone and Ambien.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the main differences between trazodone and Ambien?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Trazodone<\/span><\/a> is classified as an antidepressant. It is also known as an atypical antidepressant and serotonin modulator. Trazodone is a generic medication. The brand name of trazodone is Desyrel. However, Desyrel is no longer commercially available.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambien is classified as a sedative-hypnotic medication. It is a <\/span>controlled substance<\/span><\/a>. This means it is habit-forming and has the potential for abuse or dependence. It is available in both brand and generic form. Generally, women start at a lower dose of 5 mg. Men can start at 5 mg or a higher dose of 10 mg. Ambien should be taken immediately before bedtime.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambien is also available in an extended-release formulation, called Ambien CR. The generic name for Ambien is zolpidem. Ambien is indicated for short-term use; however, some people take Ambien for a more extended time under close supervision of the doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Main differences between trazodone and Ambien<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nTrazodone<\/b><\/td>\nAmbien<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nAntidepressant (atypical antidepressant, serotonin modulator)<\/span><\/td>\nSedative-hypnotic (also called benzodiazepine receptor agonist)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nGeneric<\/span><\/td>\nBrand and generic<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/b><\/p>\n

What is the brand name?<\/b><\/td>\n

Brand: Desyrel<\/span><\/td>\nGeneric: zolpidem<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nTablet<\/span><\/td>\nAmbien: tablet<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambien CR: tablet<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nFor depression<\/b>: The starting dose is 150 mg by mouth daily in divided doses. May increase by 50 mg per day every 3 to 4 days to a maximum of 400 mg per day in divided doses<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Off-label for insomnia<\/b>: The dose is usually 50 to 100 mg <\/span>by mouth <\/span>at bedtime.<\/span><\/td>\n

Starting dose is 5 mg by mouth at bedtime for women, and 5 or 10 mg by mouth at bedtime for men. The medication should only be taken once at nighttime (it should not be taken again during the night), immediately before bed, with at least 7 to 8 hours to sleep. The maximum dosage is 10 mg at bedtime.\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nVaries<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term, varies<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nAdults\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by trazodone and Ambien<\/span><\/h2>\n

Trazodone is indicated to treat major depressive disorder (depression) in adults. It is also used off-label for insomnia treatment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambien is used to treat insomnia on a short-term basis. However, some people take Ambien for a longer time, under the close supervision of their doctor. Ambien CR is an extended-release formulation, and it is designed to release over time to help people fall and\/or stay asleep.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/b><\/td>\nTrazodone\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\nAmbien\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Treatment of major depressive disorder in adults<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nNo\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Short-term treatment of insomnia<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/a><\/td>\nYes (Ambien)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Insomnia with difficulty falling and\/or staying asleep<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes (Ambien CR)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is trazodone or Ambien more effective?<\/span><\/h2>\n

One study<\/span><\/a> looked at trazodone vs Ambien for insomnia. Both drugs were tolerated well with few side effects. Both trazodone and Ambien helped people in the study sleep better during the first week, but only Ambien helped people sleep better the second week. The study found Ambien to be more effective than trazodone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical <\/span>guidelines<\/span><\/a> recommend the following:<\/span><\/p>\n

Trazodone:<\/b> \u201c<\/span>We suggest that clinicians not use trazodone as a treatment for sleep onset or sleep maintenance insomnia (versus no treatment) in adults.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Ambien:<\/b> \u201c<\/span>We suggest that clinicians use zolpidem as a treatment for sleep onset and sleep maintenance insomnia (versus no treatment) in adults.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

However, both recommendations are categorized as weak, which the American Academy of Sleep Medicine defines as a low level of certainty or appropriateness.<\/span><\/p>\n

Therefore, because everyone is different, the most effective medication for a patient should only be determined by a doctor, who can consider the patient\u2019s medical condition(s), history (including history of drug or alcohol abuse) and other medications they are taking that could interact with trazodone or Ambien.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can also talk to your healthcare provider about other recommendations to help with sleep problems, including counseling and sleep hygiene.<\/span><\/p>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of trazodone vs. Ambien<\/span><\/h2>\n

Most insurance and Medicare prescription plans cover trazodone. A typical prescription for 30, 100 mg tablets of trazodone would cost about $80 out-of-pocket, but if you use a free <\/span>SingleCare card<\/span><\/a>, you could pay as little as $4.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most insurance and Medicare prescription plans cover generic Ambien, but they do not cover the brand-name product, or if they do, they charge a much higher copay. A typical prescription for 30, 10 mg tablets of generic Ambien costs about $55 if you pay out-of-pocket, but <\/span>SingleCare coupon<\/span><\/a> can lower the price to approximately $12.<\/span><\/p>\n

As plans vary and are subject to change, contact your insurance provider for the most up-to-date insurance coverage information.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nTrazodone\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\nAmbien\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes (generic)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes (generic)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/b><\/td>\n30, 100 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n30, 10 mg tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typical Medicare copay<\/b><\/td>\n$0-$20<\/span><\/td>\n$0-$20<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\n$4+<\/span><\/td>\n$12+<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Common side effects of trazodone vs. Ambien<\/span><\/h2>\n

The most common side effects of trazodone include blurred vision, dry mouth, dizziness\/lightheadedness, drowsiness, and headache.<\/span><\/p>\n

In short-term clinical trials, the most <\/span>common side effects of Ambien<\/span><\/a> included drowsiness, dizziness, and diarrhea. In people who took Ambien for 28 to 35 nights, the most common side effects were dizziness and a drugged feeling. <\/span><\/p>\n

This is not a complete list of side effects. Other adverse effects may occur. Talk with your healthcare professional about what side effects to expect and how to address them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\nTrazodone\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\nAmbien\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side effect<\/b><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/b><\/td>\nFrequency*<\/b><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/b><\/td>\nFrequency<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Blurred or abnormal vision\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n6-15%<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n>1%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Constipation\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n7-8%<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n2%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dry mouth\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n15-34%<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n3%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
High blood pressure\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n1-20%<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<1%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Low blood pressure\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n4-7%<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<0.1%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Confusion\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n5-6%<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n>1%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dizziness\/lightheadedness<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n20-28%<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n1-5%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drowsiness\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n24-41%<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n2-8%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fatigue\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n6-11%<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<1%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Headache\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n10-20%<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n7%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nervousness\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n6-15%<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<1%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nausea\/vomiting\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n10-13%<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n>1%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Diarrhea\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n0-5%<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n3%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drugged feeling\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nNo\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n3%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

*trazodone data includes inpatient and outpatient groups<\/span><\/p>\n

Source: <\/span>DailyMed (trazodone)<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>DailyMed (Ambien)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Drug interactions of trazodone vs. Ambien<\/span><\/h2>\n

Trazodone should not be used within 14 days of an MAOI antidepressant. Trazodone should not be taken in combination with other drugs that increase serotonin due to the risk of serotonin syndrome. These drugs include other antidepressants, lithium, triptans, St. John\u2019s Wort, opioids, dextromethorphan, and muscle relaxants. Do not take Ambien with other medicines that cause central nervous system (CNS) depression or other drugs that prolong the QT interval.<\/span><\/p>\n

Because of its CNS depressant effects, do not take Ambien with other drugs with the same effect, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, or alcohol, due to additive effects. Ambien should not be taken with rifampin, because rifampin can decrease Ambien levels. Ambien should not be taken with ketoconazole (or the Ambien dose should be lowered), because ketoconazole can increase Ambien levels.<\/span><\/p>\n

Avoid alcohol if you take trazodone or Ambien.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This is not a full list of drug interactions. Other, serious side effects may occur. See the Warnings section for more information. Consult your doctor for a full list of drug interactions.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Drug<\/b><\/td>\nDrug class<\/b><\/td>\nTrazodone<\/b><\/td>\nAmbien\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Alcohol<\/span><\/td>\nAlcohol<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Phenelzine\u00a0<\/span>
\nSelegiline\u00a0<\/span>
\nTranylcypromine\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n		MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rifampin\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nCYP3A4 inducer<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lithium\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nBipolar disorder agent<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nNo\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Digoxin\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nCardiac glycoside<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nNo\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Clopidogrel\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nAntiplatelet agent<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nNo\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Warfarin\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nAnticoagulant\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nNo\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Amiodarone\u00a0<\/span>
\nChlorpromazine<\/span>
\nDisopyramide\u00a0<\/span>
\nProcainamide\u00a0<\/span>
\nQuinidine\u00a0<\/span>
\nSotalol\u00a0<\/span>
\nThioridazine\u00a0<\/span>
\nZiprasidone<\/span><\/td>\n		Drugs that prolong the QT interval\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nSome (chlorpromazine, thioridazine, ziprasidone)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Itraconazole<\/span>
\nKetoconazole<\/span><\/td>\n		CYP3A4 inhibitor\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
St. John\u2019s Wort\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nSupplement\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Alprazolam<\/span>
\nClonazepam\u00a0<\/span>
\nDiazepam\u00a0<\/span>
\nLorazepam\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n		Benzodiazepines\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Codeine<\/span>
\nFentanyl<\/span>
\nHydrocodone<\/span>
\nHydromorphone<\/span>
\nMethadone<\/span>
\nMorphine<\/span>
\nOxycodone\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>
\nTramadol\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n		Opioids\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Clarithromycin\u00a0<\/span>
\nErythromycin\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n		Macrolide antibiotics\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes (clarithromycin)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Citalopram\u00a0<\/span>
\nEscitalopram\u00a0<\/span>
\nFluoxetine\u00a0<\/span>
\nFluvoxamine\u00a0<\/span>
\nParoxetine\u00a0<\/span>
\nSertraline\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n		SSRI antidepressants<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Desvenlafaxine\u00a0<\/span>
\nDuloxetine\u00a0<\/span>
\nVenlafaxine\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n		SNRI antidepressants<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Amitriptyline\u00a0<\/span>
\nDesipramine\u00a0<\/span>
\nImipramine\u00a0<\/span
\nNortriptyline\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n		Tricyclic antidepressants<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Baclofen\u00a0<\/span>
\nCarisoprodol\u00a0<\/span>
\nCyclobenzaprine\u00a0<\/span>
\nMetaxalone\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n		Muscle relaxants<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Carbamazepine<\/span>
\nDivalproex sodium<\/span>
\nGabapentin<\/span>
\nLamotrigine<\/span>
\nLevetiracetam<\/span>
\nPhenobarbital<\/span>
\nPhenytoin<\/span>
\nPregabalin<\/span>
\nTopiramate\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n		Anticonvulsants<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Diphenhydramine\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nSedating antihistamine\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nYes\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Warnings of trazodone and Ambien<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before taking trazodone or Ambien, talk to your doctor about all of the medical conditions you have and all of the medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and vitamins or supplements. When you fill or refill your trazodone or Ambien prescription, you will receive a Medication Guide that discusses warnings, side effects, and other important information. Read the Medication Guide every time you fill your prescription.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trazodone<\/span><\/h3>\n

Trazodone has a <\/span>black box warning<\/span><\/a>, or boxed warning, which is the most serious warning required by the FDA. All antidepressants, including trazodone, can increase the risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior. The risk is higher in children, adolescents, and young adults. Anyone who takes trazodone should be closely monitored for mood changes and suicidal thoughts and behavior. Trazodone is not approved for use in children.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other trazodone warnings:<\/span><\/p>\n