Ambien and Lunesta are both popular sedative-hypnotics used to reduce sleeplessness or insomnia at night. If you are too much stressed or for any reason feeling trouble to sleep then these pills will help you get peaceful night with a refreshed morning. Both pills are used for short-term use but they differ in their strength and uses according to the individuals. So you should know the Ambien Vs Lunesta differences to choose the suitable pill for your need. Sometimes the sleeping problem is minor and certain change in lifestyle will solve the problem. Therefore, you need to visit a healthcare provider to examine your current condition.
In this article, we will provide a brief description of Lunesta Vs Ambien comparison as well as their safety precautions for optimal use. Lunesta and Ambien are both used as sleeping aids and they also have some similar charecteristics. Therefore most people confused about is Ambien and Lunesta the same? Let’s get clarified below:
Major Contrasts Between Ambien and Lunesta
Uses of Lunesta and Ambien is approved by the FDA, but come with serious warnings to avoid misuse. They comes under schedule-iv controlled substances carrying high chances of abuse, and dependence. So, if you are advised to take any one of the pill then try to use it optimally under the supervision of health professionalist. In this article, contrasts of two pills will help to understand the people as well as health-guide that how to avoid drug interactions and use them safely. These pills are very popular in USA, so some creep people manufactures duplicate version for their benefits. So always prefer a trustworthy site like newlifemedix.com to buy.
What Is Ambien?
People with problems of wakefulness or restlessness can use it to fall asleep easily. It is mostly recommended non-benzodiazepine pill for insomnia due to it’s lesser side effects. This medication is available in tablets and also in an extended-release version. Both versions contain the active ingredient zolpidem, that perfectly fit for short-term treating insomnia. Ambien is available in prescription-only form to restrict its misuse or addiction. In the primary stage of insomnia or sleeplessness for the temporary problem, different doses of ambien might be prescribed. But when those doses are not able to cure, then doctor prescribes the extended version of it.
What Is Lunesta?
Lunesta is also a pill for short-term insomnia disorder. It helps to maintain a proper sleep cycle as well as reducing daytime drowsiness and concentrating. Lunesta contains zopiclone as an active ingredient, which helps to manage insomnia symptoms when other methods like behavioral change haven’t worked. Lunesta should be taken just before going to bed, day time consumption might cause heavy drowsiness at all.
Operating Principle of Ambien And Lunesta
Gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA) is a specific neurotransmitter in the brain that is mainly responsible for neuronal activity and emotional responses. Ambien containing Zolpidem increases the effect of GABA at the GABA-A receptor. It is a selective binding process in which the calming effect is activated without affecting the other functions of GABA. It works fast, generally helps people to sleep within 15-20 minutes.
The sleeping aid Lunesta also affects that GABA for sedative effect. It also enhances GABA action by binding to the GABA-A receptor. But as like Ambien not a selective receptor. The active component of Lunesta Eszopiclone, affects other GABA receptors, so it might give longer sedative effect with in short duration.
Navigating the Ambien Vs Lunesta Differences
The rapidly increasing insomnia problem amplifies the demand for these two pills, Ambien and Lunesta. Because these pills are proven for safe medical use and commonly available in the USA, the user must know that they are not the same. So let’s discuss the major differences between them to clarify their separate uses.
- The effect of Ambien lasts up to 2-3 hours, whereas Lunesta can give its sleeping effect for 6-7 hours. These differences distinguish them in their use in severe cases.
- Both Ambien and Lunesta are effective for falling asleep, but Lunesta additionally helps to sleep longer as compared to Ambien.
- Ambien may cause next-day drowsiness in some rare cases, but Lunesta has less possibility of it due to longer sleep.
- Ambien is usually recommended for short-term use upto 2-3 weeks. But Lunesta is approved for long-term use which makes it preferable for chronic uses.
- Both pills have potential to addiction, but Lunesta is less addictive than the Ambien and other sleeping pills.
- In price comparison, Lunesta is more expensive than the Ambien but both are easily available in online or offline.
These differences notify that although both pills are for sleeping disorders, but you can’t say that they are the same.
When to choose Ambien or Lunesta?
Choosing between these two pills depends on various factors of the patient, like age, any other diseases, tolerability, or lifestyle. But the severity of the disease will clear up whether choosing Ambien or Lunesta. Beyond medicinal treatment, some alternatives are also available for sleeping disorders. To avoid the side effects and for primary conditions, you can choose the alternatives istead of the medicine.
Alternatives to Ambien and Lunesta
People with lower immune power and insomnia disorder should try the alternatives for fewer negative effects. Let’s discuss those below
- Valerian Roots is a herbal supplement to recover insomnia gently. 300-600 gm of this supplement before bedtime can reduce the sleeping problems at night.
- Taking Melatonin supplements also helps to calm the brain neurotransmitters. It is a hormonal treatment that should be guided by the physician.
- Take magnesium-rich foods (such as almonds, spinach, and bananas) that helps to relax muscles and the nervous system, which may lead to better sleep.
- Herbal Teas like Chamomile or lavender tea also improve sleep quality, so take it if possible in every morning.
- You can try gentle Stretching or specific yoga poses for calming mind and making it easy to sleep.
Some negative effects are also associated with Ambien and Lunesta, which can be avoided by these replacements. But if the patient’s condition is most important to be considered for medicinal treatment. Choosing any of the pills should be guided by the physician after proper examining the patient’s current health condition.
Dark Side Of Lunesta And Ambien
It refers to the side effects of Lunesta and Ambien, which is rarely seen but might be possible when doesn’t used properly. As it is directly affects brain, some emotional as well as physical deficiencies might occur. Let’s discuss those in below
Side Effects of Lunesta
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Allergic Reactions
- Breathing Issues
- Dependence
Side Effects of Ambien
- Next day Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Sleepwalking
- Cognitive Impairment
Conclusion
Both Ambien and Lunesta are effective in their own way for reducing insomnia. But it is most important responsibility of a physician to guide the patient about their disorder according to medication. Although they have some similar characteristics, they also have different characteristics. So it need to be carefully consideration before use.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
Which is better, Lunesta or Ambien?
Choosing better between these two pills depends upon the patient and their doctor. Because although they are used for sleeping problems, they have precise differences to use in different cases. So deciding the better option between Lunesta and Ambien fully depends on the patient’s current health condition. For example, Lunesta can be used for a long time, but Ambien can be used for a few weeks. So the people who needs longer treatment of insomnia should choose Lunesta instead of Ambien.
Which is safer: Ambien vs Lunesta for elderly people?
Elderly people always prefer a safer option toi avoid any critical situation. Some factors must be considered like age, other medicinal use, allergies, or health issues. Because it will dangerously affect use of sleeping pill to them. Before prescribing the pill, do a proper health examination and medical history, then recommend them according to their condition. In further studies it has been said that Lunesta is more safer than the Ambien for elderly people due to negligible side effects.