Lunesta Dosage

Most people start with a Lunesta dosage of 2 mg daily for the treatment of insomnia. For those who have trouble staying asleep, a starting dose of 3 mg may also be used. Elderly adults who have trouble falling asleep generally start with a dose of Lunesta 1 mg, but this can be increased to 2 mg if they have trouble staying asleep.

 

An Introduction to Lunesta Dosing

The dose of Lunesta your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Dose of Lunesta for Insomnia

The recommended starting Lunesta dose for most young or middle-age adults with insomnia is Lunesta 2 mg, taken right before bedtime. In some people (especially those with trouble staying asleep), a starting dose of Lunesta 3 mg right before bedtime may also be appropriate. For people who start at lower doses, the doses can be increased to Lunesta 3 mg if needed.
 
For elderly people, the starting Lunesta dosage depends on what type of insomnia is occurring. For elderly people who have trouble falling asleep, the starting dose is Lunesta 1 mg, taken right before bedtime, but for elderly people who have trouble staying asleep, the starting dose is higher (Lunesta 2 mg, taken right before bedtime).
 

General Information on Your Lunesta Dosage

Some considerations for people taking Lunesta include the following:
 
  • The medication should be taken right before you go to bed.
     
  • Your Lunesta dosage should not be taken with food or right after eating a meal.
     
  • Lunesta works quickly; make sure that you are ready for sleep before taking it. Do not take the medication before driving or performing any tasks that require concentration.
     
  • For Lunesta to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you take it differently than how your healthcare provider has prescribed.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to your Lunesta dosage, please talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking the drug without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
     
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;