Ambien vs Trazodone: A Comparison of Sleep Medications

With a hectic and fast life in big cities, adults do not easily achieve a normal and sound sleep of 7 to 9 hours. Nearly 1 in 3 people globally have insomnia or sleeping problems. In order to get a restful sleep, doctors prescribe approved hypnotic medicines like Ambien and Trazodone.

Although both the above medicines assist in achieving a better sleep, they differ in their working mechanism, medical uses, doses, and precautions. In this blog, we will look into the details of Ambien and Trazodone medicines to get a better understanding of their uses and the precautions to observe.

Difference Between Ambien and Trazodone Drugs

In this article, we will delve into the differences between Ambien and Trazodone medications with respect to their mechanism, forms, dosage, side effects, and precautions.

Understanding Ambien and Trazodone

Ambien – It is a hypnotic drug and mainly gives relief to people with acute sleeping problems. Ambien is the branded version of zolpidem. This is a sedative and alters the substances in the brain. And, this may have a profound effect on people with sleeping problems.

The US FDA has approved Ambien, a non-benzodiazepine receptor modulator, for the acute treatment of insomnia patients. Taking this drug generates a sound sleep that lets the individual sleep throughout the night without waking up in between.

Trazodone – Although this was developed as an antidepressant, trazodone is now routinely prescribed as an off-label drug that treats insomnia. And to a large extent individuals who may have specific sleeping problems, frequent drug abusers and so on. As it is a sedative, it works by drastically increasing the serotonin levels in the brain.

Mechanism of Drug Action

Ambien – By increasing the concentration of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain, sedation is developed as it pacifies some regions of the brain. Hypothalamus is a tiny structure in the brain that oversees sleep-wake cycles besides regulating different body functions like hunger, dehydration, and degree of hotness. Ambien is a part of the group of tranquilizers, otherwise known as a Z-drug.

Trazodone – Doctors consider this to be an antidepressant medication that treats anxiety, depression and to treat insomnia. It works differently from Ambien. Restricting the uptake of serotonin by nerves in the brain greatly improves manifestations of depressive symptoms.

Medical Uses

Ambien – The FDA has approved this drug for acute treatment of insomnia. The fast-acting version of the tablet instantly helps to aid sleep. One 10 mg tablet is the normal dose, and you can take it before sleeping. As the half-life of Ambien is very short, within 30 minutes, it starts to function in the body.

It comes in the form of tablets and is administered orally. Taking larger doses will help you to stay asleep for a longer time. Its extended-release form, known as Ambien CR, has 2 layers. With the CR version, you get a sleep that lasts long.

Trazodone – The drug is an antidepressant that treats major depressive disorder. This is also used off-label for anxiety, alzheimer disease, substance misuse, bulimia and fibromyalgia.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Ambien – This drug comes in several forms, including capsules, sublingual, IR and ER tablet. And, it also has various dosage strengths, which are listed below:

• 1.75 mg
• 3.5 mg
• 5 mg
• 6.25 mg
• 7.5 mg
• 10 mg
• 12.5 mg

Trazodone – You can take this medicine by mouth, and the IR or ER forms of this medicine have several dosage strengths that are listed here.

• 50 mg
• 100 mg
• 150 mg
• 300 mg

Some Advertse Effects of Ambien and Trazodone

Stop taking these two drugs if you notice any of the below symptoms and visit your doctor.

Side Effects of Ambien

An individual in the age group of 18 to 60 who is not taking other medicines is likely to face common side effects that include:

• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Sweating
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Feeling sick
• Feelings of depression
• Difficulty staying awake
• Hallucinations
• Abnormal behaviors or activities
• Memory loss

Side Effects of Trazodone

Some adverse effects of the drug include:

• Faintness or feeling dizzy
• Dry mouth, and/or headache
• Tiredness that is unusual
• Confusion
• Sweating
• Difficulty with attention
• Decreased appetite, and weight loss
• Prolonged and painful erections in men
• Shortness of breath
• Heartbeat that is slow or fast
• Nervousness
• Feeling of discomfort

Which One Works Better for Sleep?

As per the information provided, we can conclude that trazodone is less potent with less side
effects and complications. The use of trazodone or Ambien depends on:

• Certain needs of the person undergoing treatment,
• Their medical history, and
• Other drugs they are taking.

Using drugs to treat insomnia in patients should only occur on a provisional basis while
practitioners emphasize the primary cause of the sleep disturbance.

Safety Precautions for Ambien and Trazodone Use

Some safety measures that help you maintain a good health include:

• Take Ambien or its extended form only if you want a recommended sleep.
• Ambien tends to be habit-forming. Consult your doctor before taking it and for the shortest time possible.
• Keep this medicine to yourself only & never share it with another person.
• Keep children away from it and store in a safe place.
• Patients having a history of addiction are advised to stay away from Ambien.
• Keep Ambien away from prospective drug seekers.
• Trazodone in combination with other drugs that elevate the serotonin levels gives rise to Serotonin syndrome–a life threatening condition.
• There is an increased tendency for suicidal attempts in teenages and pediatric patients. Keep a close watch on trazodone-treated patients for such harmful attempts.

Conclusion

Both the drugs mentioned above provide effective treatments for insomnia patients on the lookout for a better sleep. Ambien is effective for short-term use, while Trazodone has a longer duration of action and benefits individuals with co-existing health conditions.

Understanding the differences between these medications will help you make an informed and wise decision about the best available treatment for sleep disturbances.