Lunesta and Depression: What Should You Look For?
Depression is extremely common in society today. In fact, in any given one-year period, 9.5 percent of the population (about 18.8 million American adults) has depression. Therefore, knowing the
symptoms of depression can be helpful.
Possible depression symptoms may include:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
- Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
- Decreased energy; fatigue; feeling "slowed down"
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
- Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
- Thoughts of death or suicide and suicide attempts
- Restlessness and irritability
- Persistent physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain, that do not respond to treatment.
Keep in mind that there are other conditions that can share similar symptoms with depression.
Lunesta and Depression: A Summary
For people taking
Lunesta, depression is a possible side effect. Because of this, it is important to understand the signs and symptoms of depression if you are using Lunesta. If you have any of these symptoms -- or if something "just does not seem right" -- you should talk to your healthcare provider. He or she will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.
Also, if you have a history of depression and are prescribed Lunesta, talk to your doctor. Together you can decide if Lunesta makes sense for your particular situation. Also, if you have attempted suicide in the past, Lunesta may not be the best sleep medication for you
(see Suicide by Lunesta).
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