Typical Brand Names: Lunesta (Eszopiclone)
What Is It Used For?
Lunesta is used to treat insomnia (sleeping disorders).
How Is It Used?
LUNESTA is used to treat insomnia (Sleeping Disorder), such as
difficulty in falling asleep, difficulty in maintaining sleep
during the night, and waking up too early in the morning. Most
people with sleeping disorder have more than one of these problems.
You should take LUNESTA immediately before going to bed because
of the risk of falling. Some people have chronic sleep problems
that may require more extended use of sleep medicine. However,
you should not use this medication for long periods without consulting
your doctor about the side effects and benefits of its extended
use.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
Typical effects include Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness,
difficulty with coordination, headache, painful menstruation,
vomiting, heartburn & unpleasant taste are the few common
symptoms. If these effects persist or become annoying or troubling,
inform your doctor.
Is It Safe?
During your consultation, tell your doctor your complete medical
history especially if you allergic to Lunesta or any other medications,
what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and
nutritional supplements you are taking, you are pregnant, plan
to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, you are having surgery,
including dental surgery. Do not drink alcoholic beverages while
you are taking Lunesta. Alcohol can make the side effects from
Lunesta worse. Limit alcohol use. This drug is not recommended
for use in children. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for further
information.
What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking.
Be sure to mention any of the following: amiodarone, antidepressants,
antifungals such as fluconazole, itraconazole, and ketoconazole;
antihistamines, carbamazepine, cimetidine, clarithromycin, cyclosporine,
danazol, delavirdine, dexamethasone and others. Your doctor may
need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully
for side effects.
What If I Miss A Dose?
Lunesta should only be taken at bedtime. If you did not take Lunesta
before you went to bed and you are unable to fall asleep, you
may take Lunesta if you will be able to stay in bed for at least
8 hours afterward. Do not take Lunesta if you are not ready to
go to sleep right away and stay asleep for at least 8 hours. Do
not take a double dose of Lunesta to make up for a missed dose.
How Should It Be Stored?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed,
and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and
away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw
away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk
to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
Anything Else I Should Know?
Do not take Lunesta with or shortly after a heavy, high-fat meal.
Lunesta may not work well if it is taken with high fat foods.
Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, if you are planning
to become pregnant, or if you become pregnant while taking LUNESTA.
Do not use sleep medicines for extended periods without first
talking to your doctor.
NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist,
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to
indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
taking the product.
