Ambien vs Lunesta

If you’re someone who has experienced trouble sleeping then you would be aware of the multiple options available to treat this condition. You may have already tried some methods but they may not be as effective as taking sleep medication. Ambien and Lunesta are two of the best drugs currently available to enable someone to sleep better. They are both equally effective and it may be difficult to choose one. If you have been feeling like a cat on the wall trying to decide between Ambien and Lunesta, then this blog may help find the right drug for you.

Ambien

Ambien is a sedative non-benzodiazepine and is the brand name for Zolpidem. The drug helps in effectively inducing sleep, usually within fifteen minutes after taking it. Ambien is usually taken when the user has a dedicated sleep time of seven to eight hours available. The drug comes in the dosage strengths of 5 mg and 10 mg. One can also get the controlled release version Ambien Cr in the dosage strengths of 6.25 mg and 12.5 mg. Ambien is a very powerful drug and most physicians are reluctant to prescribe it more often because of the risk of side effects and addiction. However, it is one of the best drugs for treating insomnia.

Lunesta

Lunesta, which is the brand Eszopiclone, is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic that is also very effective in inducing sleep. The drug works by modifying the chemicals in the brain that are causing the sleeping trouble. Using Lunesta will make you feel relaxed at first and then easily fall asleep. The drug comes in dosage strengths of 1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg. This drug is also taken when there is dedicated sleep time of at least seven to eight hours.

Choosing between Ambien and Lunesta for the best sleep

One of the primary factors that will help in deciding between Ambien and Lunesta is the cost of the medication. They are both prescription medications and hence the process of getting the script adds to the overall costs. There are generic options available for both Ambien and Lunesta however the choices are limited for the latter. This means that you may end up paying more for Lunesta than for Ambien. Choosing a Lunesta generic that is least expensive can help.

While making the choice between the two drugs, you may also want to consider the different dosage strengths available and also any potential side effects. Ambien has more potency and also has different dosages but the side effects can be an issue. There is also the risk of developing tolerance and addiction with Ambien. These may not be as much with Lunesta. It is recommended to ask your healthcare provider to prescribe the drug that is more suitable to the severity of the health condition and also according to your budget. Look for generic options to further cut back on the medication costs. This way you can save more and effectively overcome the sleeping problem.