Lunesta or eszopiclone is a sedative or hypnotic medication that might be prescribed to patients suffering from insomnia. This drug affects certain chemical substances (gamma-aminobutyric acid - GABA) in your brain, balancing it, causing relaxation and helping people deal with sleeping problems. Lunesta is able to help patients fall asleep and stay asleep as well and for that purpose it is one of the most commonly prescribed sedative hypnotic medications in the United States.
Use and Possible Problems
This medication has been proven to safely and effectively treat insomnia and it is recommended as short term treatment for older patients and safe 6 to 12 months treatment of insomnia in younger adults, according to the manufacturer of the drug.
As many other drugs, Lunesta is associated with certain adverse effects and some patients must be especially careful when using this medication. There are several potential problems that might affect people using Lunesta. These include impairment of thinking and reactions, serious allergic reactions, addiction and withdrawal symptoms.
Lunesta is designed to help people sleep and should be used only if prescribed by your doctor. It must not be shared with someone else, especially with people who already have addictive habits. This drug should not be used longer than 2 weeks unless your doctor advises you differently.
After taking Lunesta, you should be sleeping for about 8 hours. Some patients may feel sleepy the morning after taking this drug and because of that, doctors advise caution when driving, operating some machinery or doing anything that requires your full attention. In some cases, patients have reported using telephone, driving or eating and having no recollection of these activities. If this happens, consult your doctor for you may need another medication for insomnia.
Older patients might experience much stronger sedative effects and even suffer injuries and falls. Certain Lunesta patients may develop severe allergic reactions to this medication, including hives, swelling of the face, lips or throat and breathing problems. In these situations make sure to get emergency medical assistance.
Withdrawal symptoms may occur in patients using Lunesta for several days in a row, so any cessation of the drug must be done gradually, after consultation with your doctor.
Lunesta and Pregnancy
Lunesta belongs to FDA pregnancy category C, meaning that it might hurt an unborn child. For that reason, always inform your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or if you are already pregnant and want to use this drug for insomnia. Lunesta may also get transferred by breast milk to your baby, so always consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding before starting the treatment.
Caution Measures
Patients with drug or alcohol abuse history, depression, mental illnesses or suicidal thoughts must consult their doctor and inform him/her about these conditions. The same goes for patients suffering from asthma, bronchitis, COPD or emphysema, sleep apnea or liver disease.
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