They are both non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic drugs.
Lunesta is suitable for people who have trouble falling and staying asleep.
The warning for these medicines concerns dangeroussleep behavior.
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Call the SAMHSA national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP anytime, day or night, for nearby counseling and treatment facilities.
Here’s a summary to help you weed through similarities and differences between these medicines.
What Is Insomnia?
There are two maintypes of insomnia:
Many factors can increase the risk of insomnia.
Your healthcare provider can help guide you to a treatment plan that addresses the cause of your insomnia.
How Effective Are Lunesta and Ambien for Insomnia?
Ambien is better for people with trouble falling asleep (sleep-onset insomnia).
Lunesta is better for people who have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep (sleep-maintenance insomnia).
It has a longer half-life in the body than Ambien, meaning it acts for a longer period.
Ambien CR is an alternative to Lunesta for people who have trouble staying asleep.
Some of these include:
Your healthcare providers and pharmacists are excellent resources for personalized advice on medication interactions.
Tell them about all the medications and supplements you take for optimal safety.
Is Lunesta or Ambien Safe for Me?
These medicines have precautions for specific populations.
Some of these include:
Before starting Lunesta or Ambien, discuss your options with healthcare providers.
Your healthcare provider can help you adjust your treatment plan based on effectiveness and tolerability.
Alternative Treatments
Before taking a prescription sleep aid, there are some practical techniques to try first.
Some to consider include:
Summary
Ambien and Lunesta are common prescription medications used to treat insomnia.
Though they have many similarities, there are some distinctions.
They should be used with caution during pregnancy.
Older people and those with liver problems should take a lower dose of Ambien or Lunesta.
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