Are Ambien & Lunesta Similar?Do They Work The Same?
Ambien and Lunesta are mainly prescribed medications for individuals who have insomnia. So Are Ambien & Lunesta Similar?Despite belonging to the same class of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics, they have distinct differences in how they work and the potential side effects they may cause.
Ambien is a short-acting medication typically used to help individuals fall asleep. At the same time, Lunesta is a longer-acting medication that can help individuals stay asleep throughout the night. Both drugs can potentially cause side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness. Still, Ambien has a higher risk of causing dependence and withdrawal symptoms. In this article, we have covered how they are similar and their potential side effects.
What is Lunesta?
Lunesta is a brand-name prescription medication used to treat insomnia, a sleep disorder causing difficulty in falling or staying asleep. Its active ingredient is eszopiclone, a nonbenzodiazepine type of sedative-hypnotic drug that binds to a specific receptor located in the brain that slows down activity and induces sleep.
Lunesta is considered a Schedule IV controlled substance by the US Drug Enforcement Administration due to its potential for abuse and dependence.
Lunesta is typically taken orally as a tablet, usually before bedtime, with or without food. It is essential to follow the dosage based on the prescription provided by a professional healthcare provider to maximize the benefits and minimize the risk of potential side effects.
Lunesta should only be used under the guidance of a medical practitioner, as it can cause side effects and even interact with other medications. Common side effects of Lunesta may include dizziness, headache, dry mouth, and an unpleasant taste.
In rare cases, severe side effects such as hallucinations, memory problems, and suicidal thoughts may occur. So staying cautious is imperative.
Everything You Need To Know About Ambien!
It is a brand name for Zolpidem, a sedative-hypnotic medication used primarily for treating insomnia. It belongs to a class of drugs known as nonbenzodiazepines, which enhance the neurotransmitter GABA’s effects in the brain to promote sleep.
Ambien is typically taken orally, in tablet form, and is intended for short-term use. It is used in general for up to two weeks. It is a fast-acting drug that takes effect within 30 minutes of its Intake. It possesses a relatively short half-life, meaning it is eliminated from the body relatively quickly.
Though Ambien is generally considered safe and effective when used as directed, you can face common side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and diarrhea.
These can also cause serious side effects, such as sleepwalking, sleep driving, and other behaviours that the person may not remember when they wake up.
Additionally, it can cause physical dependence if used for an extended period or at high doses. Therefore, it is essential to use Ambien only as directed and under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Will Ambien Show Up On A Drug Test?
How Does Lunesta Compare To Ambien In Treating Insomnia?
Ambien and Lunesta are both prescription medications used to treat insomnia. While they share some similarities in their effects, they also have significant differences.
One of the primary similarities between Ambien and Lunesta is that they are both considered sedative-hypnotic medications; thus, they primarily work by calming down the central nervous system to help promote sleep. Both drugs are intended for short-term use and are usually prescribed for no more than two weeks.
One key difference between the two drugs is their onset of action. Ambien is generally considered a faster-acting medication, with effects typically felt within 15 to 30 minutes after taking the medication. In contrast, Lunesta may take longer to start working, with results typically felt within 30 to 60 minutes after taking the medication.
Another significant difference between Ambien and Lunesta is their duration of action. At the same time, both drugs are designed to help people who find difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night.
Lunesta may be more effective at maintaining sleep over a more extended period. In clinical trials, patients taking Lunesta reported sleeping for more extended periods and waking up feeling more refreshed than those taking Ambien.
It is essential to consider that Ambien and Lunesta can have side effects. Common side effects of Ambien include dizziness, headache, and nausea. In contrast, typical side effects of Lunesta are the feeling of an unpleasant taste in the mouth and headache. Furthermore, both medications can potentially cause more severe side effects, such as sleepwalking or other behaviours that the person may not remember when they wake up.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing insomnia, you must communicate with your doctor about your favourable treatment options. Your doctor can help you determine whether Ambien or Lunesta is the right option based on your needs and medical history. It is also essential to strictly adhere to your doctor’s instructions carefully and to report at the earliest any side effects that you experience while taking these medications.
