Lunesta

Lunesta is a sleep medicine that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of insomnia in adults. The medication is available in three different strengths. While Lunesta has proven to be effective in helping people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, it should be taken with caution because it is a controlled substance that can be abused. Headache, drowsiness, and unpleasant taste are some of the more common side effects of this drug.

 

What Is Lunesta?

Lunesta® (eszopiclone) is a prescription sleep medication used for insomnia treatment. It is part of a class of medications called sedatives or hypnotics.
 
(Click Lunesta Uses for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Lunesta?

The drug is manufactured by Sepracor, Inc.
 

How Does It Work?

Lunesta is part of a class of medications called sedative/hypnotics, which are known more commonly as sleep medicines. Like many other sleep medications, it is a controlled substance and may be abused.
 

Lunesta Effects

The drug has been evaluated in several clinical studies for insomnia. In studies for chronic insomnia, people who took it fell asleep faster and stayed asleep longer than people who did not take Lunesta. Similar results were seen in a study in people with transient insomnia (insomnia that comes and goes).
 
Also, studies have shown that the medication can cause mild rebound insomnia (worsening of insomnia after stopping a medication). Rebound insomnia symptoms usually occurred for only one night after the drug was stopped, after which people returned to their normal sleeping patterns.
 

When and How Do I Take It?

Some general considerations for when and how to take the drug include:
 
  • Lunesta comes in tablet form and is taken immediately before bedtime.
     
  • It is recommended that you take your dose with a glass of water, not immediately after a meal and not with food.
     
  • The drug works very quickly; make sure that you are ready for sleep before taking it. Do not take it before driving or performing any tasks that require concentration.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing for Lunesta

The dose that 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.
 
(Click Lunesta Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Lunesta

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects. However, not everyone will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medicine well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
The most common side effects include:
 
  • Unpleasant taste
  • Headache
  • Drowsiness.
     
(Click Lunesta Side Effects to learn more about the specific side effects of this drug, including serious side effects to look out for.)
 
You can also read about other possible side effects by going to the following eMedTV articles:
 

Drug Interactions

Lunesta can potentially interact with a number of medications.
 
(Click Lunesta Drug Interactions for more information about these interactions.)
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Lunesta?

Prior to taking the drug, you should notify your healthcare provider if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
Also, tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may also be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Lunesta Warnings and Precautions for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take the medicine.)
 

What If I Overdose?

People who take too much of the drug may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Passing out
  • Trouble breathing
  • Loss of life.
     
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Overdose on Lunesta for more information.)
 

What Should I Do If I Miss A Dose?

Lunesta is meant to be taken only before bedtime. Do not make up for any missed doses, and do not take it during the day or in the middle of the night.
 

Storage Methods

It should be stored at room temperature and away from moisture or heat. It should be kept in an airtight container.
 
Keep this medication and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

Available Strengths of Lunesta

Lunesta tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Lunesta 1 mg
  • Lunesta 2 mg
  • Lunesta 3 mg.
     

Generic Lunesta

There is currently no generic version of the drug available for sale.
 
(Click Generic Lunesta for more information.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;