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Lunesta (eszopiclone) is a prescription tablet used to treat insomnia in adults. It is a non-benzodiazepine, oral sedative drug. While it can be a helpful short-term tool for people who struggle with insomnia, Lunesta can also cause a range of side effects, from mild to severe. These include unusual sleep behaviours, weight changes, kidney pain, and muscle stiffness. The medication can also be habit-forming and addictive, with serious side effects arising especially when paired with alcohol or when taken in larger-than-prescribed doses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle Pain | Not mentioned |
| Other Common Side Effects | Headache, drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, unpleasant taste, stomach upset, and loss of coordination |
| Uncommon Side Effects | Arthritis, bursitis, joint disorder, joint pain, joint swelling, joint stiffness, leg cramps, myasthenia, neck rigidity, twitching, weight gain, weight loss |
| Rare Side Effects | Dehydration, gout, hyperlipemia, hypokalemia, asthma, bronchitis, dyspnea, epistaxis, hiccup, laryngitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, erythema multiforme, furunculosis, hirsutism, maculopapular rash, vesiculobullous rash |
| Serious Side Effects | Liver, kidney, and lung damage, overdose, amnesia, cognitive issues, mood swings, euphoria, hallucinations, withdrawal symptoms, unusual sleep behaviors, allergic reaction |
| Overdose Symptoms | Severe drowsiness, severe nausea or vomiting, staggering, troubled breathing, difficulty swallowing |
| Withdrawal Symptoms | Difficulty sleeping (rebound insomnia) |
| Precautions | Avoid alcohol, do not stop without consulting a doctor, do not take with other medicines without consultation |
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What You'll Learn
Lunesta and alcohol
Lunesta (eszopiclone) is a brand-name oral tablet that is prescribed for insomnia in adults. It is a hypnotic, non-benzodiazepine prescription medication that works by enhancing the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleep. Lunesta is intended to be used as a short-term solution for sleep disorders like insomnia.
Lunesta has interactions with alcohol, some other drugs, and certain supplements. It is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, which means it slows down brain function and can cause side effects such as sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and impaired judgment. Alcohol is also a CNS depressant, and when mixed with Lunesta, it can lead to abnormal and aggressive behaviours, decreased inhibitions, and an increased probability of sleep-walking and sleep-driving. The combination of Lunesta and alcohol can also result in serious side effects, including fatal overdose. The risk of overdose and fatalities is heightened when Lunesta is combined with alcohol and other depressants, but overdoses can also occur with Lunesta alone.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a boxed warning for Lunesta, which is the most serious warning, regarding the risk of unusual sleep behaviours. This warning highlights that Lunesta may cause certain side effects, such as sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and other unusual sleep behaviours. These behaviours can be serious and may result in dangerous consequences. It is important to note that the risk of these behaviours increases when Lunesta is combined with alcohol.
Due to the potential for interaction and serious side effects, it is recommended that individuals taking Lunesta avoid consuming alcohol. This includes avoiding prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that contain alcohol during Lunesta treatment. Mixing alcohol with Lunesta can increase the risk of adverse events, including falls, driving accidents, and fatal overdoses. Additionally, alcohol can alter the metabolism and pharmacological effects of medications, and medications can also alter the absorption and metabolism of alcohol, leading to higher blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) and other adverse effects.
It is important for individuals taking Lunesta to discuss any concerns about side effects with their doctor or pharmacist. Additionally, individuals should inform their doctor about any other medications or supplements they are taking to prevent potential interactions with Lunesta.
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Lunesta overdose
Lunesta (Eszopiclone) is a prescription medication used to treat insomnia. It is a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drug that works by enhancing the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleep. While Lunesta can be effective in helping individuals fall and stay asleep, it also carries a risk of side effects, misuse, and overdose.
The signs and symptoms of a Lunesta overdose can vary depending on the amount ingested, the individual's health, and their history with Lunesta use or addiction. Some common signs of Lunesta overdose include severe drowsiness, severe nausea or vomiting, staggering, troubled breathing, dulled mental status, ST elevation on electrocardiography, coronary vasospasm, troponemia, ventricular fibrillation, and prolonged coma. Overdose can also lead to serious breathing problems and unconsciousness.
If you suspect that you or someone else has overdosed on Lunesta, it is crucial to seek emergency medical help immediately. Treatment for Lunesta overdose typically involves standard resuscitative and supportive measures. It is important to be honest about any substances taken to ensure appropriate medical care.
To prevent Lunesta overdose, it is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and not exceed the recommended amount. If you have concerns about side effects or feel you may be developing a dependence on Lunesta, consult your healthcare provider. They can help you taper off the medication safely and explore alternative treatments if needed.
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Lunesta withdrawal
Lunesta, or eszopiclone, is a prescription medication used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. It is typically prescribed for no more than 2-4 weeks at a time due to its potential for abuse and addiction. When taken in high doses for a long period of time, users can become physically and mentally dependent on Lunesta and will likely experience withdrawal symptoms if they abruptly stop taking it.
Withdrawal symptoms occur because the body is trying to rid itself of the drug and must learn to function without it. The severity and type of withdrawal symptoms depend on several factors, including the duration of use, frequency of use, dosage, and individual factors. Symptoms can range from moderate to severe and can be both physical and psychological. They may include rebound insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, shakiness, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, sweating, and abnormal dreams. In some extreme cases, users have experienced anxiety attacks and seizures, requiring immediate medical attention.
The withdrawal timeline varies for each individual, but symptoms typically appear within 12-48 hours after the last dose, with the first seven days being the most challenging. Symptoms usually fade over the second and third weeks, but they can linger for longer in some cases.
Due to the potential dangers and discomfort associated with Lunesta withdrawal, medical detox is recommended over quitting alone. Doctors can taper patients off Lunesta by gradually reducing the dosage over time until the drug is safely out of the patient's system. This process can help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse.
If you or someone you know is struggling with Lunesta addiction and withdrawal, it is important to seek professional help. Treatment centers offer detoxification programs and therapy to safely manage withdrawal and address the underlying causes of addiction.
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Lunesta and unusual sleep behaviours
Lunesta (eszopiclone) is a prescription tablet used to treat insomnia in adults. It is a non-benzodiazepine, oral, sedative drug, also known as a "sleeping pill". Lunesta can cause a range of side effects, from mild to severe, and has the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
One of the rare but serious side effects of Lunesta is unusual sleep behaviours. These include sleepwalking, making and eating food, having sex, making phone calls, and even driving a car while not fully awake. These behaviours can have serious consequences, such as unintentional weight gain or road accidents. It is important to note that individuals may not be aware that they are engaging in these activities. If you or someone you know is experiencing unusual sleep behaviours while taking Lunesta, it is crucial to consult a doctor immediately.
The risk of unusual sleep behaviours is higher when Lunesta is paired with alcohol or taken in larger-than-prescribed doses. Lunesta is intended for short-term use, and prolonged use may lead to addiction and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. Therefore, it is imperative to follow the prescribed dosage and duration of treatment.
In addition to unusual sleep behaviours, Lunesta may cause other side effects such as weight changes, headache, drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, unpleasant taste, stomach upset, and loss of coordination. Some severe side effects include liver, kidney, and lung damage, as well as serious eye and heart symptoms. It is important to discuss any concerns about side effects with a medical professional and not to stop taking Lunesta without first consulting a doctor.
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Lunesta and muscle relaxants
Lunesta (eszopiclone) is a prescription tablet used to treat insomnia in adults. It is a non-benzodiazepine, oral, sedative drug. The medication can be habit-forming and addictive. It is very important for individuals who have struggled with addiction or drug abuse in the past to discuss these issues with their doctor before beginning a Lunesta prescription.
Lunesta can cause mild to serious side effects, including unusual sleep behaviours, weight gain or weight loss, and an unpleasant taste in the mouth. More severe side effects include liver, kidney, and lung damage. Lunesta may also cause withdrawal effects if stopped suddenly, and it has a boxed warning—the most serious warning from the FDA—about the risk of unusual sleep behaviours.
Muscle pain is not listed as a common side effect of Lunesta. However, muscle relaxants are listed as one of the medications that Lunesta may interact with. CNS depressants, including muscle relaxants, may increase the effects of Lunesta. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before taking Lunesta with any other medications, including muscle relaxants.
Additionally, Lunesta can cause serious side effects, especially when paired with alcohol or when taken in larger-than-prescribed doses. Overdose on Lunesta is possible and is even more likely when mixed with alcohol or other drugs, especially those that cause drowsiness. Signs of an overdose include severe drowsiness, severe nausea or vomiting, staggering, and troubled breathing.
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Frequently asked questions
Muscle pain is not listed as a common side effect of Lunesta. However, rare instances of joint pain and leg cramps have been reported.
Common side effects of Lunesta include headache, drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, unpleasant taste, stomach upset, and loss of coordination.
Weight gain is listed as an uncommon side effect of Lunesta. This may be related to other side effects, such as unusual sleep behaviours, including eating while not fully awake.
Lunesta can cause serious side effects, especially when paired with alcohol or when taken in larger-than-prescribed doses. Serious side effects include liver, kidney, and lung damage, as well as withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication suddenly.
