Lunesta (generic name: Eszopiclone) is a prescription medication primarily used to treat insomnia in adults. It belongs to a class of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics (often called Z-drugs). Unlike some older sleep aids, it is specifically designed to help with the two main types of sleep struggles:
1. Falling asleep - Lunesta helps to reduce sleep latency, which is the medical term for how long it takes you to drift off. It typically begins working within 20 to 30 minutes, making it easier for the mind and body to transition into sleep.
2. Staying asleep - one of the distinct features of Lunesta compared to some other sleep medications is its slightly longer half-life. This helps you to stay asleep longer throughout the night, decrease the number of times you wake up after initially falling asleep and prevent waking up too early in the morning.
HOW IT WORKS
Lunesta works by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain. GABA is a chemical messenger that tells your nervous system to calm down. By enhancing the effect of GABA, the drug slows down brain activity to induce a state of relaxation and sleepiness.
Lunesta (generic name: Eszopiclone) is a prescription medication used to treat insomnia, specifically helping adults to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It belongs to a class of drugs known as non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics, often referred to as Z-drugs. It works by enhancing the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that slows down brain activity to promote sleep.
HOW TO TAKE
Since Lunesta is taken only at bedtime, you will not be on a frequent dosing schedule. Never take this medicine if you do not have at least 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again. Do not take extra medicine to make up a missed dose.
Initial dose: 1 mg orally immediately before bedtime.
Maintenance dose: 1 to 3 mg orally immediately before bedtime.
Maximum dose: 3 mg orally immediately before bedtime.
Take Lunesta exactly as it was prescribed for you. This medicine is for short-term use only. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Lunesta will make you fall asleep. Never take this medicine during your normal waking hours unless you have at least 7 to 8 hours to dedicate to sleeping.
Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking Lunesta and talk to your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.
You should not not use Lunesta if you are allergic to Eszopiclone.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: liver disease; a breathing disorder; a history of depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts; or a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
It is not known whether Lunesta will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
It is not known whether eszopiclone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
The sedative effects of Lunesta may be stronger in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take sedatives. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking this medicine.
Lunesta may be habit-forming. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away Lunesta is against the law.
Avoid taking this medicine within 1 hour after eating a high-fat or heavy meal. This will make it harder for your body to absorb the medication.
Take Lunesta only if you are able to get a full night's sleep before you have to be active again. Never take this medicine during your normal waking hours, unless you have at least 7 to 8 hours to dedicate to sleeping.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 to 10 days of treatment, or if they get worse.
Do not stop using Lunesta suddenly after taking it over several days in a row, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using this medicine.
Store Lunesta at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep track of the amount of the medicine used from each new bottle. Lunesta is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Lunesta. It can increase some of the side effects of eszopiclone, including drowsiness.
Avoid taking Lunesta during travel, such as to sleep on an airplane. You may be awakened before the effects of the medication have worn off. Amnesia (forgetfulness) is more common if you do not get at least 8 hours of sleep after taking this medicine.
Lunesta can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking this medicine. Until you know how this medicine will affect you during waking hours, be careful if you drive, operate machinery, pilot an airplane, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
