Lunesta vs Plan B: side-by-side comparison
Lunesta (Sleep Aids and Hypnotics) and Plan B (Hormones and Birth Control) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely interchangeable. This page compares the medications' purposes, mechanisms and the situations where each is used.
| Property | Lunesta | Plan B |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Eszopiclone | Levonorgestrel |
| Manufacturer | Sunovion | Foundation Consumer Healthcare |
| Class | Sleep Aids and Hypnotics | Hormones and Birth Control |
| Strengths | 1mg, 2mg, 3mg | 1.5mg |
| Forms | tablet | tablet |
What's the same
Lunesta and Plan B are used in very different patients, and the points in common are limited. The main shared element is that both meet regulatory standards for efficacy and safety and benefit from pharmacist oversight.
Key differences
Lunesta belongs to Sleep Aids and Hypnotics while Plan B belongs to Hormones and Birth Control. Indications, mechanisms and target populations differ. The comparison is most useful when a clinician has mentioned both medications and the patient wants to understand where each fits.
Mechanism and action
Lunesta: Eszopiclone is a positive allosteric modulator of the GABA-A receptor at a site close to the benzodiazepine binding site. Plan B: Plan B's primary mechanism is delaying or preventing ovulation when taken before the LH surge.
When Lunesta is preferred
Lunesta is approved in adults for the treatment of insomnia, including difficulty falling asleep and difficulty maintaining sleep.
When Plan B is preferred
Plan B is indicated for emergency contraception after unprotected intercourse or known/suspected contraceptive failure, in women of reproductive age.
Frequently asked questions
Is Lunesta or Plan B better? ▾
Lunesta and Plan B are not interchangeable — they treat different conditions. Asking which is "better" is meaningful only when a clinician has weighed both for the same specific clinical scenario.
Can I switch from Lunesta to Plan B? ▾
Switching between Lunesta and Plan B is rarely an appropriate decision since they belong to different classes and treat different conditions. The real question is usually whether the diagnosis calls for one medication or the other — which the prescriber resolves.
Do Lunesta and Plan B have the same side effects? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each medication has its own prescribing information.
More Lunesta comparisons
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.