Sleeping is something we all used to cherish before we entered our hectic lifestyle. Many people today are deprived of sleep due to various reasons, and it has become very common for patients dealing with sleep disorders to take medications to have a sound sleep. Lunesta and Trazodone have become the two medications that doctors find most effective in helping their patients with sleep problems. Thus, the debate of Lunesta vs Trazodone also arises as people wonder which medicine will work for them more efficiently than the other. So let’s get a better understanding of both the medicines and understand them for ourselves.
Lunesta vs Trazodone Comparison: Their Uses, Differences, and Efficacy
What is Lunesta?
A nonbenzodiazepine drug, also known as Eszopiclone, Lunesta, the brand name, is prescribed by doctors for treating sleeping issues. It is a Schedule IV drug, which makes it very abusive. Lunesta makes one feel sleepy after its use when it reacts with the neurotransmitters that are called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors. They are present in our brain. Once it binds with the receptors and slows down brain activity, it induces sleep. This effect makes one feel very relaxed, calm and sometimes even euphoric, too. Lunesta is available in the market in three dosages: 1 mg, 2 mg and 3 mg.
What is Trazodone?
Primarily used to treat anxiety and depression, Trazodone is also prescribed for sleep issues and insomnia. As a sedative, it works by blocking serotonin receptors in the brain. This slows down activity in the brain and helps one fall asleep for a long period of time without any trouble. Trazodone is available in the market with brand names like Oleptro and Desyrel. It’s not a controlled substance, yet it is only permitted when prescribed. It’s not approved to be a sleep aid, but in lower doses, trazodone works effectively in making a person doze off and sleep tight in the night.
What Are The Differences Between Lunesta and Trazodone?
The difference between Trazodone and Lunesta spans from their use to their side effects, their mechanisms, and much more. We will break down and thoroughly understand these differences.
| Categories | Lunesta | Trazodone |
| Use | Lunesta can only treat insomnia. | Trazodone is an antidepressant also used off-label to treat sleeping issues. |
| Mechanism | Binds with GABA receptors to make the brain feel sleepy. | Blocks serotonin receptors to slow down brain activity. |
| Drug Schedule | It is a Schedule IV drug. | It is not a controlled substance. |
| Side Effects | Bad taste, drowsiness, and feeling tired. | Headaches, anxiety, vomiting, and feeling dizzy. |
| Half-Life | Lunesta takes around 6 hours to start affecting the receptors fully | Trazodone takes 7.5 hours to reach its full effectiveness. |
| Serious Risks | Include various abnormal sleeping behaviours such as sleep talking and walking, joint pains, swelling, stomach cramps, and so on. | It can lead to many serious issues, like high blood pressure and increased heart rate. |
Can You Take Lunesta and Trazodone Together?
No, it is not advisable to take Lunesta and Trazodone together. While they work in similar manners for somewhat the same purpose, yet their combined usage can bring with it a lot of risks and consequences. Some of these effects are:
- Confusion
- Extreme drowsiness
- Not being able to walk, talk and make decisions properly
- Sleep disorders
- Losing concentration
- Blurred vision and speech
- Slowed breathing
- Nausea and vomiting
The reason behind not taking both drugs together is that Lunesta and Trazodone are sedatives that can depress the nervous system more than required. We need to keep in mind that Trazodone and Lunesta affect our brains. This is why one should avoid overdosing on both medicines without understanding the long-lasting issues that can show up if one gets addicted to them.
Which is Better: Lunesta or Trazodone?
Doctors will always prefer Lunesta over Trazodone because Trazodone is not a direct solution for disorders like insomnia. Lunesta, though a scheduled drug, works way more effectively as it is approved for this use. Trazodone is good for patients having sleeping issues related to anxiety and depression, yet it is not prescribed for patients only dealing with a lack of sleep. But it is not right to say that Lunesta is “better” than Trazodone for sleep; both have their own share of side effects and risks, but because Lunesta is dedicated to curing insomnia, Trazodone is given a red flag by the doctors.
Conclusion
Having a sound sleep is of utmost importance, and pills like Lunesta and Trazodone are the answer to anything that disrupts your sleep. While Lunesta goes into your body as the only solution for insomnia, trazodone does the double duty of improving your mental health, too. But we have to use these two drugs carefully, or side effects can affect our sleep and health at the same time.