Ambien has a
Highlights
- Zolpidem (Ambien) is more commonly indicated for sleep-onset insomnia (trouble falling asleep), while suvorexant (Belsomra) is generally more commonly recommended for sleep-maintenance insomnia (trouble staying asleep).
- Ambien is available in several formulations, while Belsomra is only available as an oral tablet.
- Both medications can cause next-day drowsiness and complex sleep behaviors, but Ambien has a higher risk of dependence and withdrawal.
- Zolpidem is intended for short-term use with strict FDA guidelines. Suvorexant may be used for a longer duration. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendation on the duration of treatment.
Insomnia is a rising health concern with approximately
Among the many sleep medications available, Belsomra and Ambien are two of the most common ones. The question you may have is “Which of these two is better?” Let’s find that out by exploring similarities, differences, and other details.
Belsomra vs. Ambien at a Glance
What Is Belsomra?
What Is Ambien?
Ambien contains the active ingredient zolpidem, which is a
Belsomra | Ambien | |
Availability | Brand only (no generic available) | Brand and generic |
Active Ingredient | Suvorexant | Zolpidem |
Drug Class | Dual orexin receptor antagonist | Nonbenzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic |
Dosage Forms & Strengths | 5, 10, 15, 20 mg oral tablets |
|
Approved for | Adults | Adults |
Generic Available | No | Yes |
Cost | $530 to $590 for 30 tablets (20 mg) | Brand: $830 to $860 for 30 tablets (10 mg) |
Key Differences Between Belsomra and Ambien
While Belsomra and Ambien share the primary indication of treating insomnia, they drastically differ in their chemical structures and how they work in the body. Listed below are some of the differences.
Working Mechanism
Being an orexin receptor antagonist,
On the other hand,
Belsomra and Ambien work in different ways so they may not feel the same for every individual. Usually, Belsomra feels like a fading away of wakefulness and as a gentle deepening of tiredness and sedation. Ambien, on the other hand, can cause a rapid feeling of sedation and physical relaxation. When stopped abruptly, Ambien may cause withdrawal symptoms; although these symptoms
Dosage Forms and Generics Availability
Ambien has an advantage with formulation flexibility in comparison to Belsomra. Ambien is available as a standard immediate-release tablet and an extended-release tablet (
Dosage and Administration
Typical
Both Belsomra and Ambien should be taken before bed, but the exact instructions are a little different for each medication. Belsomra should be taken within 30-60 minutes of going to bed, while Ambien should be taken just before bedtime and on an empty stomach. Having food in your stomach can significantly delay the time to onset for Ambien. Any of these medications should only be taken if someone anticipates having at least 7-8 hours to sleep.
Typical dosages are provided for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider and follow their instructions.
Cost
Ambien sold under its brand name is more expensive ($830 to $860 for 30 tablets of 10 mg) than the generic version ($22 to $72 for 30 tablets of 10 mg); coupons are available for both options.
The cost of a 30-tablet supply of 10 mg Belsomra is from $530 to $590, depending on the pharmacy; coupons are also available. Some insurance plans cover these medications as well.
How Are Belsomra and Ambien Similar?
Along with the same use, there are other similarities, such as:
- Federally Controlled Status: Both Belsomra and Ambien are federally controlled in the United States and classified under
Schedule IV[11] substances. This indicates that they have some potential for misuse and dependence. - Onset of Action: Both medications take approximately 30 minutes to work. Note that the onset of action may differ depending on individual factors; never exceed the prescribed dose.
- Approved Age: For adults over 18 years of age.
- Drug Interactions: Certain medications and substances can interact with Belsomra and Ambien, such as alcohol, opioids, seizure medications, antibiotics, antifungals, benzodiazepines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants.
Is Belsomra Better Than Ambien?
According to the
To determine which medication may work better, healthcare providers evaluate the type of sleep problems someone is having as well as the details of health history and currently experienced symptoms.
Sleep Onset vs Sleep Maintenance
If someone is having problems with sleep onset, or with falling asleep when lying down, Ambien may be a common fit. It has a rapid onset of action and is eliminated from the body quickly. This allows it to deliver powerful sedative effects right away without lingering in the body all night.
In the case of problems with staying asleep throughout the night (sleep maintenance), Belsomra may be a more suitable choice for some people. Belsomra has a longer half-life of 12 hours, meaning it takes longer for it to get eliminated from the body. This allows the medication to continue working throughout the night to keep your brain from receiving signals to wake up. Extended-release Ambien can extend the time that the medication works in the body, allowing it to work up to 7 or 8 hours.
Who May Be A Better Fit For Belsomra or Ambien?
When determining if Belsomra or Ambien may be a better fit, the following factors may be taken into consideration:
- Age: Belsomra is often preferred in older adults due to Ambien’s risk for certain side effects such as motor incoordination, confusion, and risk of falls.
- Substance-Use History: Although both medications are controlled substances, Belsomra is often considered safer for people who have had a history of abusing alcohol or other substances. It has a lower risk of abuse and physiological dependence compared to Ambien.
- Issues With Swallowing: Belsomra is only available as a tablet that you swallow, while Ambien is available in several forms, including capsules, tablets, sublingual tablets (they melt on or under the tongue), and an oral spray. Ambien may be a better option for people who need a specific formulation.
- Certain Pre-Existing Conditions: Both medications should be avoided in certain people. Belsomra is contraindicated in individuals who have narcolepsy. Ambien is contraindicated in people who have an allergic reaction to zolpidem or who have experienced complex sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking, after taking Ambien.
- Duration of Action: Belsomra has a half-life of about 12 hours and can work all night to help with maintaining sleep. Immediate-release Ambien has a shorter half-life of about 2 to 3 hours and is better for falling asleep. Extended-release Ambien has a similar half-life to immediate-release, however, has prolonged releases throughout the night.
- Expected Time of Treatment: Ambien is recommended for short-term treatment (4 to 5 weeks) due to the risk of abuse and physiological dependence. Belsomra may be prescribed for longer-term use as long as the process is being monitored by a healthcare professional.
If you want to learn more about insomnia treatment, our licensed medical providers at MEDvidi are here to assess your symptoms, define whether you may need medication, and prescribe it online if deemed appropriate.
Belsomra vs. Ambien Side Effects
Both Ambien and Belsomra may cause complex sleep behaviors, such as sleep-walking, sleep-driving, preparing food, or making phone calls while completely asleep. Ambien carries a serious FDA boxed warning for these behaviors. If you experience such effects, worsening symptoms of depression, or suicidal thoughts, contact your healthcare provider immediately to discontinue the medication.
Because Belsomra acts by blocking signals in the brain to keep you asleep, it can cause unique side effects such as vivid dreams and sleep paralysis. Ambien is more likely to cause side effects due to its extreme sedation, including dizziness and motor incoordination.
Many of the common side effects of the two medications are the same, including:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Mood changes (anxiety, irritability, confusion)
- Abnormal dreams
- Upper respiratory infections
Note that there are also differing adverse reactions; read the label of your medication carefully and discuss any concerns with your medical provider.
If you experience complex sleep behaviors (performing activities while not being fully awake), the symptoms of depression, or suicidal thoughts, contact your healthcare provider to adjust your treatment.
|
Drowsiness |
✅ (7%) |
✅ (8%) |
|
Dizziness |
✅ (3%) |
✅ (5%) |
|
Headache |
✅ (7%) |
✅ (7%) |
|
Diarrhea |
✅ (2%) |
✅ (3%) |
|
Dry mouth |
✅ (2%) |
✅ (3%) |
|
Abnormal dreams |
✅ (2%) |
✅ (1%) |
|
Cough |
✅ (2%) |
✅ (less than 1%) |
|
Upper respiratory tract infection |
✅ (2%) |
Frequency not reported |
|
Palpitation |
Frequency is not reported |
✅ (2%) |
|
Nausea |
Frequency is not reported |
Frequency is not reported |
|
Allergy |
Frequency is not reported |
✅ (4%) |
|
Back pain |
❌ |
✅ (3%) |
|
Lethargy |
❌ |
✅ (3%) |
What Is Safer, Ambien or Belsomra?
Neither medication is universally safer for everyone, as different medications can be a better, or safer, choice for certain individuals. As mentioned above, both medications are Schedule IV controlled substances, which means they carry some risk of dependency, tolerance, and misuse.
There is
Dependence, Withdrawal, and Rebound Insomnia
Belsomra did not demonstrate withdrawal or rebound insomnia in clinical trials. It has been shown to be safe to use long-term. Ambien is recommended only for short-term treatment, typically 4 to 5 weeks maximum. Prolonged use of the medication can lead to physiological dependency or drug tolerance, which means the same dose may become less effective over time in such cases. Abruptly stopping Ambien can trigger withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, tremors, or rebound insomnia.
Warnings and Precautions
Like every medication, Ambien and Belsomra come with a set of warnings and precautions to keep in mind when starting and during use. Some of these include:
- Not suitable for children under 18 years of age.
- Before taking these medications, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, medical history, and the medications you already take.
- Be careful, as there is a high chance of injuries because of adverse effects like drowsiness and sleepwalking.
- The medication should not be taken in the middle of the night. Also, it is important to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep to avoid diminished alertness.
- Certain individuals need extra caution when being prescribed any of these medications:
- People with breathing problems.
- Individuals dealing with depression or suicidal thoughts.
Pregnant[16] or breastfeeding patients.
Can You Take Belsomra and Ambien Together?
Ambien and Belsomra should not be taken together. Both medications work towards the same purpose by inducing sleep but in different ways. Combining the two medications can drastically increase sedation, in turn causing dangerous adverse effects such as complex sleep behaviors, respiratory depression, severe next-day impairment, and others.
Switching Between Ambien and Belsomra
If you experience side effects and they are getting worse, or if the chosen treatment is not proving to be effective in improving your insomnia symptoms, you can discuss the transition to another treatment with your healthcare provider.
When switching from Ambien to Belsomra or vice versa, it’s important to start taking the new medication only after the previous one is no longer in the system to avoid overlapping effects. This period may differ depending on the medication’s half-life and the dosage you’ve been taking. Some other health factors may also make it necessary to choose another treatment rather than Belsomra or Ambien. So, it’s important to discuss the details with your medical provider and follow their instructions.
Alternatives
Insomnia can be treated in many ways depending upon the severity of symptoms. Although Ambien and Belsomra are some of the common treatment options, there are alternatives for those who cannot take them for some reason. Some options include:
- Other brand versions of zolpidem (Ambien’s active ingredient):
Edluar[17] andZolpimist[18] . - Other prescription medications for insomnia, such as:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) sleep aids, including antihistamines, magnesium, and melatonin supplements that help induce sleep.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before taking OTC supplements for sleep.
Non-Medication Alternatives
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (
Your healthcare provider may also suggest other measures to accompany talk therapy to add to its effectiveness, such as:
- Regular exercise.
- Reduced use of caffeine, alcohol, and other stimulants.
- Reduced screen time before bed.
- Having a comfortable sleeping environment and a consistent sleeping routine.
It is important to note that only a qualified healthcare professional can decide on the most suitable alternative for you based on your health status, cause of insomnia, medical history, possibility of side effects, and risk factors.
How to Get Help for Insomnia
If you experience symptoms of chronic insomnia and its consequences, such as feeling tired throughout the day or memory difficulties, it’s important to seek help.
The first-line treatment for insomnia is
At MEDvidi, you can have an online consultation for insomnia treatment. Our medical professionals can evaluate your symptoms, make a diagnosis, and prescribe medication online if deemed appropriate in your case.
Conclusion
There is no one simple answer to whether Belsomra or Ambien is better, since the decision is based on many clinical and individual factors. Depending on your symptoms, the duration and severity of insomnia, and the details of your health history, a healthcare provider may decide whether Belsomra can be more suitable for you compared to Ambien or if you might benefit from another treatment option. Book an appointment today to discuss different options, their pros and cons, and get a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
FAQs
Is Belsomra the same as Ambien?
Is Belsomra stronger than Ambien?
Does Ambien or Belsomra cause weight gain or loss?
There is
Can I use Ambien or Belsomra while pregnant?
Can I use Belsomra or Ambien with alcohol?
Is Lunesta similar to Ambien or Belsomra?
Can you switch from Ambien to Belsomra?
Does Adderall make you age faster?
No, Adderall does not make you age faster; however, this might appear to be the case if you don’t manage side effects like insomnia and decreased appetite. Weight loss and dehydration can cause the skin to appear older, and sleep is crucial for cell repair.
