Lunesta Side Effects: An Introduction
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with
Lunesta® (
eszopiclone). However, not everyone who takes the medicine will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Lunesta well. When Lunesta side effects do occur, they are generally minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(The Lunesta side effects discussed below are not a complete list of side effects reported with this drug. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of possible side effects with you.)
Common Side Effects of Lunesta
Lunesta has been studied extensively in clinical trials, with many people having been evaluated. In these studies, side effects occurring in the group of people taking the drug are always documented and compared to the side effects that occur in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
Based on these studies, the most common side effects of Lunesta include:
- Unpleasant taste -- in up to 34 percent of people
- Headache -- up to 21 percent
- Drowsiness -- up to 10 percent
- Infections, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI) -- up to 10 percent
- Dry mouth -- up to 7 percent
- Dizziness -- up to 7 percent
- Heartburn or upset stomach -- up to 6 percent
- Pain -- up to 5 percent.
Other Lunesta side effects (occurring in more than 1 percent of people) include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Accidental injury
- Diarrhea
- Decreased libido, also known as sex drive (see Lunesta Sexual Side Effects)
- Breast enlargement in men
- Painful periods (including menstrual cramps).
