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Lunesta Addiction
Just as with other sleeping medicines, it is possible to become addicted to Lunesta. Addiction is more likely to occur if Lunesta is taken daily for a long period of time or at higher doses. A Lunesta addiction can cause your body to not function properly, and withdrawal symptoms (such as tremors or anxiety) can occur if the medicine is stopped.
Lunesta® (eszopiclone) is a prescription sleeping medication that is used for treating insomnia in adults. Just like with other sleeping medicines, there is the possibility of becoming addicted to Lunesta. Addiction (or "dependence") is when a person feels like he or she needs to continue taking a medicine.
A Lunesta addiction is more likely to occur if the medicine has been taken daily for a longer period of time or at higher doses. It is also more likely to occur in people with a history of alcohol or drug addictions.
When a person is addicted to a medicine, the body is unable to function properly, and withdrawal symptoms can occur if the medicine is stopped. Some Lunesta withdrawal symptoms can include:
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Abnormal dreams
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Stomach cramps
- Panic attack
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Seizures.
When these problems occur, people often feel like they need to stay on their medicines just to prevent these symptoms from occurring again.
If you are taking increasing doses of Lunesta or feel like you cannot stop the medicine, you need to talk to a healthcare provider. A Lunesta addiction is a serious problem that requires treatment.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD