Lunesta Sexual Side Effects

Sexual side effects may occur in people taking Lunesta. Decreased libido is reported in up to 3 percent of people taking higher doses, but Lunesta sexual side effects were not reported at all with the lower dosages. Since sexual problems are so common in the general population, however, it is difficult to determine whether decreased libido is actually caused by the sleep medicine or other factors.

 

Lunesta Sexual Side Effects: An Overview

Lunesta® (eszopiclone) is a prescription sleep medication used for insomnia treatment. As with all medicines, Lunesta has possible side effects. Some of these side effects can affect a person's sexual well-being. In the case of Lunesta, the sexual side effect of decreased libido has been reported in clinical studies.
 

How Common Are Lunesta Sexual Side Effects?

In clinical studies, decreased libido (sex drive) was reported in up to 3 percent of people taking the higher doses of Lunesta (3 mg). This side effect was not reported in people taking lower doses of Lunesta. Other sexual side effects, such as erectile dysfunction (ED or impotence), were not reported as Lunesta side effects during clinical studies.
 

Lunesta and Sexual Side Effects: Suggestions

It is impossible for your healthcare provider to know beforehand whether you will develop any sexual side effects while taking Lunesta. Also, if a person does develop sexual side effects, it is difficult to know whether these problems are caused by another condition or Lunesta itself.
 
However, if you develop any sexual side effects while taking Lunesta, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider. There is treatment that he or she may be able to recommend, depending on your particular problem. Depending on how severe your sexual side effects are, he or she may also recommend that you adjust your Lunesta dosage or try another insomnia medication.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;