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Lunesta and Amnesia
Lunesta® (eszopiclone) is known to cause several side effects, with amnesia being one of them. In previous clinical studies with Lunesta, amnesia (memory loss) occurred in up to 1 percent of people taking the drug.
When people have amnesia from Lunesta, it is usually for a couple of hours after taking it. This is usually not a problem because most people are asleep by this time. It can, however, be a problem for people who use the drug when traveling, as they are more likely to wake up.
In order to decrease the chances of developing amnesia with Lunesta, you should make sure that you can get a full night's rest. If you will not be getting seven to eight hours of sleep, you should not take Lunesta. Also, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider if you think you are having memory problems.
(Click Lunesta Side Effects to learn more about the possible problems that can occur while taking this drug.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD