Information on Lunesta

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Description of Articles in Information on Lunesta

Lunesta is a prescription medicine that is used as a sleep aid to treat insomnia. This section of the eMedTV library further discusses the effects of Lunesta, lists precautions and warnings for the drug, and offers general dosing information.

Headache, drowsiness, and dry mouth are a few common Lunesta side effects. This eMedTV page also lists rare side effects, such as hair loss or weight gain, and more serious problems that are sometimes seen in people taking Lunesta.

Lunesta sexual side effects, such as decreased libido, have been reported in up to 3 percent of patients. This eMedTV Web page explains that in clinical studies, sexual side effects were only seen in people taking higher doses of Lunesta (3 mg).

Depression is one of the more common side effects of Lunesta. This page of the eMedTV site explains the research findings on Lunesta and depression, discusses the likelihood of developing this side effect, and lists possible symptoms of depression.

There are many rare but possible side effects of Lunesta; hair loss, as this eMedTV segment explains, is reported in less than 1 percent of patients. This article explores this topic, explaining that hair loss may not always be caused by the drug.

Certain side effects may occur with the use of Lunesta, and amnesia occurs in up to 1 percent of patients. This eMedTV page talks about Lunesta and amnesia, and explains how you can reduce your risk of amnesia by getting a full night's rest.

For those who are taking Lunesta, weight gain and weight loss are rare but possible side effects. This eMedTV resource discusses the likelihood of developing weight gain with Lunesta and offers tips for helping with any unexplained weight gain.

Lunesta is primarily used to treat insomnia in adults. This part of the eMedTV archives explains how Lunesta works to treat sleep disorders and discusses the research findings on Lunesta uses in children.

The recommended starting dosage of Lunesta for insomnia treatment is 2 mg daily, taken at bedtime. This eMedTV segment lists other Lunesta dosing options and offers tips and precautions for those taking the prescription sleep medicine.

A number of medicines can cause Lunesta drug interactions, including diclofenac, imatinib, and nevirapine. This eMedTV resource offers a more complete list of drugs that can cause Lunesta interactions and discusses the potential complications.

Lunesta can cause drowsiness and other sedating effects. This eMedTV page lists more Lunesta warnings and precautions, including other potential side effects (such as changes in behavior or depression) and information on who should not take Lunesta.

If you abruptly stop using Lunesta, withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea or fatigue) may occur. This page on the eMedTV Web site lists other possible Lunesta withdrawal symptoms and explains how to avoid a medication withdrawal.

Lunesta can cause CNS depression, which may lead to serious problems or even death. This eMedTV page discusses suicide by Lunesta, explaining the possible effects of CNS depression and offering suggestions for those who have suicidal thoughts.

It is generally not recommended to take Lunesta during pregnancy. As this eMedTV article explains, while Lunesta and pregnancy have not been studied together in humans, animal studies have shown potential risks to the fetus.

If you overdose on Lunesta, you may experience drowsiness, have trouble breathing, or pass out. This part of the eMedTV Web site discusses the possible effects of a Lunesta overdose and lists different treatment options that are available.

The combination of Lunesta and alcohol can cause serious drug interactions. This eMedTV segment describes the effects of consuming alcohol while taking Lunesta, which may include memory blackout, lack of coordination, and speech problems.

It's possible to develop a Lunesta addiction, especially if you have been taking the drug at high doses. This eMedTV article discusses the dangers of Lunesta addiction and lists withdrawal symptoms that may occur if the medicine is stopped abruptly.

Generic Lunesta will not become available until 2012, at the earliest. As this eMedTV article explains, many companies claim to sell generic Lunesta -- do not buy any drug claiming to be generic Lunesta until an approved version becomes available.