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Comparative Effectiveness Review Summary Guides for Consumers [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US); 2005-.

  • This publication is provided for historical reference only and the information may be out of date.

This publication is provided for historical reference only and the information may be out of date.

Cover of Comparative Effectiveness Review Summary Guides for Consumers

Comparative Effectiveness Review Summary Guides for Consumers [Internet].

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MedicinesPossible Side EffectsWarnings About More Serious Possible Side Effects
Non-benzodiazepine hypnotics
Eszopiclone (Lunesta®)
  • Unpleasant taste in your mouth
  • Headache
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Rash
  • Anxiety
  • Hallucinations
  • Symptoms of the common cold

  • Eszopiclone (Lunesta®), zolpidem (Ambien®), and zaleplon (Sonata®) can cause:
    »

    A severe allergic reaction (swelling of the tongue or throat and trouble breathing).

    »

    Withdrawal symptoms when the amount of the medicine taken is lowered suddenly or the medicine is stopped.

  • People with liver, kidney, or breathing problems should talk with their health care professional before taking eszopiclone (Lunesta®), zolpidem (Ambien®), or zaleplon (Sonata®).
  • Drowsiness could lead to falls, which may lead to severe injury.
Zolpidem (Ambien®)
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
Zaleplon (Sonata®)
  • Drowsiness
  • Lightheadedness
  • Dizziness
  • “Pins and needles” feeling on your skin
  • Trouble with coordination
  • Headache
Orexin receptor antagonist
Suvorexant (Belsomra®)
  • Drowsiness
  • Suvorexant (Belsomra®) can cause sleep paralysis (not being able to move or talk for several minutes while going to sleep or waking up).
  • People with breathing problems should talk with their health care professional before taking this medicine.
Melatonin agonist
Ramelteon (Rozerem®)
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Nausea
  • Worsened insomnia
  • Ramelteon (Rozerem®) can cause a severe allergic reaction (swelling of the tongue or throat and trouble breathing).
  • People with liver problems or sleep apnea should talk with their health care professional before taking this medicine.
Antidepressant
Doxepin (Silenor®)
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • People with sleep apnea should talk with their health care professional before taking this medicine.
Benzodiazepine hypnotic
Temazepam (Restoril®)
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nervousness
  • Nausea
  • Temazepam (Restoril®) can cause:
    »

    A severe allergic reaction (swelling of the tongue or throat and trouble breathing).

    »

    Withdrawal symptoms when the amount of the medicine taken is lowered suddenly or the medicine is stopped.

  • Taking this medicine with opioid medicines, alcohol, or other medicines that cause drowsiness can lead to severe drowsiness, breathing problems, coma, and death.
  • This medicine has a risk of abuse (taking more of the medicine than your health care professional has prescribed) and dependence (feeling like you have to take the medicine and cannot stop).
  • People with liver, kidney, or breathing problems should talk with their health care professional before taking this medicine.

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