Lunesta vs. Sonata
See how Lunesta and Sonata compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Lunesta is approved for long-term, nightly insomnia treatment, while Sonata is approved only for short-term use, typically two to four weeks.
Both are Schedule IV controlled substances with FDA boxed warnings for complex sleep behaviors such as sleepwalking and sleep-driving.
Sonata's very short half-life means it can sometimes be taken in the middle of the night if at least four hours of sleep time remain, an option Lunesta does not offer.
Lunesta vs. Sonata Drug Summary
Lunesta
Lunesta (eszopiclone) is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic used to treat insomnia in adults. It is taken as an oral tablet once nightly and, unlike many sleep drugs, is approved for long-term nightly use. Its most distinctive side effect is a lingering unpleasant taste that affects a large share of users.
Sonata
Sonata (zaleplon) is a nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic used for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults. It is taken as an oral capsule once nightly, and its very short half-life clears it from the body quickly. It is not approved for ongoing, nightly long-term use.
Lunesta vs. Sonata Side Effects
Lunesta
Sonata
Lunesta vs. Sonata Dosage
Lunesta
Sonata
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 3 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg once nightly | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg once nightly | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Lunesta
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 3 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Sonata
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 5 mg once nightly | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 20 mg once nightly | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Lunesta vs. Sonata Indications
Lunesta
Lunesta is FDA-approved for the treatment of insomnia in adults, with no set limit on how long it can be used. It works by slowing brain activity to help people fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. It has not been established as safe or effective in children.
Approved for adults with insomnia
Can be used for long-term nightly treatment
Taken as a tablet once daily at bedtime
Not approved for pediatric insomnia
Sonata
Sonata is FDA-approved for the short-term treatment of insomnia in adults, generally intended for use of two to four weeks. It works quickly because of its short half-life, making it well suited for people who have trouble falling asleep rather than staying asleep. It is not approved for long-term nightly use or for anyone under 18.
Approved for short-term insomnia in adults
Best suited for trouble falling asleep
Taken as a capsule once nightly
Not approved for long-term nightly use
Lunesta vs. Sonata Pros and Cons
Lunesta
Lunesta stands out for being approved for long-term, nightly use, making it suited for chronic insomnia rather than just occasional sleeplessness. Its longer duration of action can help with staying asleep, but it carries a distinctive unpleasant taste that affects many users. As a brand-name drug, its list price runs considerably higher than generic zaleplon.
Pros
Approved for long-term, nightly insomnia treatment
Longer duration of action can help with staying asleep
No middle-of-the-night sleep-window restriction like Sonata's
No tartrazine (Yellow No. 5) dye in the formulation
Cons
Signature unpleasant taste affects up to 26% of users
Costs roughly $1,300 to $1,600 per month, far more than generic zaleplon
Small risk of hallucinations, up to 2%
More CYP3A4 drug interactions than Sonata
Sonata
Sonata's very short half-life lowers the risk of next-morning grogginess if taken early enough in the night, and it produces fewer drug interactions since it bypasses CYP metabolism. It is approved only for short-term use, so it is not intended for ongoing nightly treatment. Generic zaleplon is inexpensive and widely available.
Pros
Generic zaleplon costs roughly $25 to $115 per month, far less than brand Lunesta
Very short half-life allows dosing mid-night if at least 4 hours of sleep remain
Fewer drug interactions due to non-CYP metabolism
Rapid onset suited to trouble falling asleep
Cons
Approved for short-term use only, not chronic nightly insomnia
Contains tartrazine (Yellow No. 5), a possible allergen
Highest reported side effect is headache, up to 28%
Short duration of action may not help with staying asleep all night
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