Are Ambien & Lunesta Similar?Do They Work The Same?
Ambien and Lunesta are commonly prescribed medications for individuals suffering from 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 that is typically used to help individuals fall asleep, while Lunesta is a longer-acting medication that can help individuals stay asleep throughout the night. Both medications have the potential to cause side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness, but Ambien has a higher risk of causing dependence and withdrawal symptoms.In this article we have covered in detail how they are similar and what are their potential side effects.
What is Lunesta?
Lunesta is a brand-name prescription medication used to treat insomnia, which is a sleep
disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Its active ingredient is eszopiclone, which is a non-benzodiazepine type of sedative-hypnotic drug that works by binding to a specific receptor 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 right before bedtime, with or without food. It is important 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 can even interact with other medications. Common side effects of Lunesta may include dizziness, headache, dry mouth, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
In rare cases, severe side effects such as hallucinations, memory problems, and suicidal thoughts may even occur. So staying cautious is imperative.
What is Ambien?
Ambien is a brand name for the drug Zolpidem, which is a sedative-hypnotic medication used primarily for treating insomnia. It belongs to a class of drugs known as nonbenzodiazepines, which work by enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter GABA 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 not more than two weeks. It is a fast-acting drug that typically 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 some common side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and diarrhea. It can also cause serious side effects such as sleepwalking, sleep driving, and other behaviors that the person may not remember when they wake up.
Additionally, it can cause physical dependence if used for an extended period of time or at high doses. Therefore, it is important 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, there are also important differences between them.
One of the primary similarities between Ambien and Lunesta is that they are both considered to be 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 a period of no more than two weeks.
One key difference between the two drugs is their onset of action. Ambien is generally considered to be 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 effects typically felt within 30 to 60 minutes after taking the medication.
Another major difference between Ambien and Lunesta is their duration of action. While both drugs are designed to help people fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.
Lunesta may be more effective at maintaining sleep over a longer period of time. In clinical trials, patients taking Lunesta reported sleeping for longer periods of time and waking up feeling more refreshed than those taking Ambien.
It is important to consider that Ambien and Lunesta can have side effects. Common side effects of Ambien include dizziness, headache, and nausea, while common side effects of Lunesta include an unpleasant taste in the mouth and headache. Furthermore, both medications have the potential to cause more serious side effects, such as sleepwalking or other behaviors that the person may not remember when they wake up.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing insomnia, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about your treatment options. Your doctor can help you determine whether Ambien or Lunesta is the right option for you, based on your individual needs and medical history. It is also important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and to report at the earliest any side effects that you experience while taking these medications.
