Ashwin Lewis
Lunesta, also known as eszopiclone, is a sedative-hypnotic sleep medicine used to treat insomnia in adults. It is a controlled substance that can be habit-forming and should be taken only by the person it was prescribed for. While Lunesta can be effective in improving sleep, it also has several side effects, including next-day impairment of driving and other activities requiring alertness, complex sleep behaviors, worsening depression, and allergic reactions. Combining Lunesta with other sleep medications or certain HIV medications can increase the risk of side effects. Therefore, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional and carefully consider the benefits and risks before taking Lunesta, especially when taking it in conjunction with other medications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drug Name | Lunesta (Eszopiclone) |
| Drug Class | Non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics |
| Use | Treat insomnia |
| Mechanism of Action | Enhances the effects of GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain |
| Side Effects | Next-day impairment of driving and other activities requiring alertness, drowsiness, dizziness, worsening depression, allergic reactions, sleepwalking, sleep-driving, memory loss, complex sleep behaviors |
| Dosage | Starting dose of 1 mg, can be increased to 2 mg or 3 mg |
| Precautions | Not to be taken with other sleep medications, cannabis, or alcohol; not suitable for elderly patients or patients with severe liver disease/hepatic impairment |
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What You'll Learn
Potential side effects of Lunesta
Lunesta (eszopiclone) is a sedative-hypnotic sleep medicine used to treat insomnia in adults. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage of Lunesta to reduce the risk of potential side effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that Lunesta can cause next-day impairment of driving and other activities requiring alertness. As a result, the recommended starting dose has been lowered to 1 mg, which can be increased to 2 mg or 3 mg if needed. However, higher doses are more likely to cause next-day impairment.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: The morning after taking Lunesta, individuals may experience drowsiness or dizziness, especially if they have taken a higher dose, consumed alcohol, or taken other medicines that induce drowsiness. This can impact their ability to drive or perform tasks requiring full alertness.
- Memory loss: Lunesta may cause short-term memory loss, impacting an individual's ability to remember activities performed while under the influence of the medication.
- Complex sleep behaviors: Some individuals may engage in activities while not fully awake, including sleepwalking, sleep-driving, or performing other tasks. These behaviors can lead to serious injuries or even death. It is recommended to discontinue Lunesta if such behaviors occur.
- Depression and suicidal thoughts: Lunesta may worsen depression, including increased suicidal thoughts and actions, in individuals with pre-existing depression. It is important to monitor mood changes and seek medical advice if concerns arise.
- Allergic reactions: Although rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Lunesta, including hives, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Other side effects: Lunesta has been associated with various other side effects, including headaches, dehydration, fatigue, joint pain, weight changes, asthma, and rhinitis. It is important to discuss any concerns or unusual symptoms with a healthcare provider.
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Dosage recommendations
Lunesta (eszopiclone) is a sedative-hypnotic sleep medicine used to treat insomnia in adults. It is a controlled substance that can be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. It is not known to interact with any lab tests. However, it is important to inform your doctor about all medicines that you take or have recently taken, as some medicines may alter the blood levels of eszopiclone.
The recommended starting dose of Lunesta has been lowered to 1 mg from 2 mg, to be taken once each evening immediately before bedtime. The 1 mg dose can be increased to 2 mg or 3 mg if needed, but the higher doses are more likely to impair next-day activities that require full alertness, such as driving. The total dose of Lunesta should not exceed 3 mg per day. Elderly patients, patients with severe liver disease, and patients with hepatic impairment should not be prescribed doses of more than 2 mg.
It is important to take Lunesta exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not take extra or double doses, and do not take Lunesta with meals or right after a heavy, high-fat meal. Take it on an empty stomach, right before getting into bed or when you are already in bed but having trouble falling asleep. Make sure you have at least 7 to 8 hours to dedicate to sleeping when you take Lunesta.
Lunesta may cause next-day drowsiness, dizziness, and memory loss. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you during waking hours. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Lunesta, as it can increase certain side effects, including drowsiness. If you experience any unusual sleep behaviors, such as sleepwalking or sleep-driving, stop taking Lunesta and consult your healthcare provider immediately.
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Interactions with other medications
Lunesta (eszopiclone) is a sedative-hypnotic sleep medicine used to treat insomnia in adults. It is a controlled substance and can be habit-forming. It is not known to interact with any lab tests. However, it is important to note that Lunesta interacts with several other medications, and it is imperative to consult a healthcare professional before taking Lunesta with any other drugs.
Firstly, Lunesta should not be taken with other sleep medications. Both Lunesta and other sleep medications are central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which slow down brain activity to help you fall asleep. Combining sleep medications can increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness, confusion, sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating. This is also true of taking Lunesta with other CNS depressants, such as antihistamines, medicine for hay fever, allergies, colds, tranquilizers, prescription pain medicine, muscle relaxants, anesthetics, and certain HIV medications.
Secondly, Lunesta should not be taken with benzodiazepines. Lunesta is not a benzodiazepine, but it has benzodiazepine-like effects, and combining the two can lead to CNS depression.
Thirdly, Lunesta should not be taken with cannabis or cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD). Both Lunesta and cannabis are CNS depressants, and combining them can increase the risk of serious side effects, including extreme sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and confusion.
It is also important to note that Lunesta may cause complex sleep behaviors, where patients get out of bed and engage in activities without being fully awake, and may not remember these activities the next morning. This can include sleep-walking, sleep-driving, making phone calls, preparing and eating food, and even sexual activity. This risk is increased when Lunesta is combined with alcohol or other medicines that make one sleepy.
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Risks and warnings
Lunesta (eszopiclone) is a sedative-hypnotic sleep medicine used to treat insomnia in adults. It is a controlled substance and can be habit-forming. It should be taken only when you cannot sleep and when your schedule permits you to get a full night's sleep (7 to 8 hours). It should not be taken during your normal waking hours, unless you have at least 8 hours to dedicate to sleeping.
- Next-day impairment: Lunesta can cause next-day impairment of driving and other activities that require alertness, such as operating machinery or piloting an airplane. This effect can last more than 11 hours after receiving an evening dose. Elderly patients and patients with severe liver disease should not take doses of more than 2 mg.
- Allergic reactions: Lunesta may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Stop taking Lunesta and seek emergency medical help if you experience hives, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Complex sleep behaviors: Lunesta may cause you to get up and do activities while not fully awake, such as sleepwalking, sleep-driving, making phone calls, preparing and eating food, or having sex. These activities may be dangerous or inappropriate, and you may not remember them the next morning. If you find out that you have done any of these activities after taking Lunesta, stop taking the medication and contact your healthcare provider immediately.
- Memory loss: Lunesta may cause short-term memory loss.
- Worsening depression: Lunesta has been associated with worsening depression, including suicidal thoughts and actions, in patients with pre-existing depression. Tell your healthcare provider if your mood worsens or you have thoughts of harming yourself.
- Drug interactions: Lunesta may interact with other medications, including sleep medications, HIV medications, and cannabis products. Taking Lunesta with another sleep medication or with certain HIV medications can increase the risk of side effects. Lunesta and cannabis are both central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and using them together can increase the risk of serious side effects, including extreme sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and confusion. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist of any medications or substances you are taking.
- Side effects: As with any medication, Lunesta may cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion. These side effects may be more likely or severe when combined with other substances, such as alcohol or medications that cause sleepiness. Always follow the recommended dosage and do not take Lunesta with alcohol or other sleep medications unless advised by your healthcare provider.
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Alternatives to Lunesta
Lunesta (eszopiclone) is a sedative-hypnotic sleep medicine used to treat insomnia in adults. It is known to cause next-day impairment of driving and other activities that require full alertness. Some people may also experience sleepiness during the day, memory loss, worsening depression, and complex sleep behaviours. Due to these side effects, some people may be looking for alternative options.
Some alternatives to Lunesta include:
- Elavil (amitriptyline)
- Ambien (zolpidem)
- Temazepam
- Doxylamine
- Ativan (a benzodiazepine)
- Belsomra (suvorexant)
- Doxepin
- Over-the-counter (OTC) insomnia medicines
- Supplements like l-theanine, magnesium, lithium orotate, PharmaGaba, and tryptophan
It is important to note that not all alternatives are suitable for everyone, and it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting or switching medications. Additionally, some alternatives may have their own side effects and interactions, so it is crucial to be well-informed before making any decisions regarding your health.
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Frequently asked questions
Lunesta is a sedative-hypnotic sleep medicine used to treat insomnia in adults. It is also known as eszopiclone.
The most common side effects of Lunesta include next-day drowsiness, dizziness, and memory loss. In rare cases, it may cause serious injury or death due to complex sleep behaviours such as sleepwalking, sleep-driving, or making phone calls while not fully awake. Lunesta may also cause an allergic reaction and worsening depression, including suicidal thoughts and actions.
No, it is not recommended to take Lunesta with other sleep medications as it can increase the risk of side effects.
Taking Lunesta with certain HIV medications can increase the risk of side effects. Lunesta is broken down in the body by an enzyme called CYP3A4, which can be prevented from working by certain HIV drugs.
No, Lunesta should not be taken with cannabis or cannabis products as it can increase the risk of serious side effects, including extreme sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and confusion.
