Lunesta

Insomnia

Treatment

0 Active Studies for Lunesta

What is Lunesta

Eszopiclone

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Eszopiclone (brand name Lunesta) is a type of medication used to treat insomnia. It is from the same family of drugs as zopiclone, known as cyclopyrrolones, and is less toxic and more effective than other similar drugs. The main benefit of eszopiclone is that it is approved by the FDA for long-term use, as opposed to other hypnotic sedatives that are only meant for short-term relief (6-8 weeks). It was first approved by the FDA in 2004.

Lunesta

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Lunesta Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Lunesta

Eszopiclone

2005

198

Effectiveness

How Lunesta Affects Patients

Eszopiclone helps people fall asleep quickly and stay asleep. It has been used to treat seizures and muscle relaxation, but it is mostly taken to reduce alertness and induce sleep. Taking eszopiclone may affect motor coordination and alertness the next morning, and it can lead to complex sleep behavior. Avoid taking it with alcohol or other drugs that cause drowsiness, and use the lowest dose possible, especially for elderly patients. Eszopiclone is known to cause dependence and can be abused, but the risk is lower than with other sleeping pills.

How Lunesta works in the body

Eszopiclone's effects are believed to be due to its ability to bind to GABA receptors in the brain. GABA is a chemical that helps to reduce nerve activity, which leads to feelings of calmness and relaxation. Eszopiclone binds to these receptors, enhancing the effects of GABA and causing a sedative, hypnotic effect.

When to interrupt dosage

The recommended measure of Lunesta is contingent upon the established condition. The dosage also shifts as per the technique of delivery (e.g. Oral or Tablet, film coated - Oral) as laid out in the table beneath.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Insomnia

, 2.0 mg, 3.0 mg, 1.0 mg

Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, , Tablet, coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Tablet, film coated - Oropharyngeal, Oropharyngeal, Tablet, film coated

Warnings

Lunesta Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Liver Failure

Do Not Combine

severe impairment of respiratory function

Do Not Combine

Myasthenia Gravis

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Lunesta.

Common Lunesta Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Azelastine

Major

Eszopiclone may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.

Cabazitaxel

Major

The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Eszopiclone.

Deutetrabenazine

Major

The risk or severity of sedation and somnolence can be increased when Eszopiclone is combined with Deutetrabenazine.

Ethanol

Major

Eszopiclone may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Ethanol.

Fluorouracil

Major

The metabolism of Fluorouracil can be decreased when combined with Eszopiclone.

Lunesta Toxicity & Overdose Risk

The lowest toxic dose of eszopiclone in rats has been found to be 980mg/kg and 3200mg/kg in rabbits. If an overdose is suspected, it may cause changes in mental status or excessive sleepiness. Treatment may involve gastric lavage, intravenous fluids, and close monitoring of vital signs. The possibility of an overdose with multiple drugs should also be taken into account. Contact the local poison control center for more information about how to manage eszopiclone overdose.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Lunesta Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Lunesta?

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Insomnia

0 Actively Recruiting

Lunesta Reviews: What are patients saying about Lunesta?

5

Patient Review

4/27/2022

Lunesta for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

I found that this drug was most effective when taken just before bed. I saw a significant increase in the amount of sleep I got every night, and experienced no grogginess or other adverse effects in the morning.

5

Patient Review

11/3/2022

Lunesta for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

I was given samples of the name brand Lunesta, and it worked like a charm. I slept soundly for hours. However, when I tried to switch to the generic version, I didn't feel any effects whatsoever. It's pointless to have this life-saving medication if only rich people can afford it.

5

Patient Review

7/3/2022

Lunesta for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

This medication is amazing. I was struggling to sleep at night due to stress and within 30 minutes of taking Lunesta, I was out like a light. I slept all through the night and woke up feeling refreshed and well-rested. The taste isn't great, but it's worth it for the wonderful results. I highly recommend this medication.

5

Patient Review

5/29/2022

Lunesta for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

Lunesta was effective for me, but my doctor took me off the medication because of potential risks to dementia.

5

Patient Review

3/23/2022

Lunesta for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

Tolerance builds up quickly.

4.3

Patient Review

8/9/2021

Lunesta for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

I've had great success with Lunesta in the past, but there have definitely been some duds in the bunch. The ones that don't work well are very light in color, while the effective ones are a darker blue or orange-tan. If you need more than one pill, it's probably not worth it. Otherwise, I'd recommend cutting them in half if you're not too stressed.

4.3

Patient Review

7/21/2022

Lunesta for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

Lunesta has really helped me to get a restful sleep. I occasionally have issues with anxiety and stress, which makes it hard to fall asleep, but Lunesta has definitely improved my sleep quality.

4.3

Patient Review

7/8/2022

Lunesta for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

This has been the most effective sleep cocktail I've tried. It really helps when I'm struggling to stay awake and also alleviates some of my neurological pain.

4

Patient Review

2/16/2022

Lunesta for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

I found that using this treatment twice a week kept me problem-free; however, if you use it more often than that, there's a risk it will stop working effectively. If that happens, you have to wean yourself off slowly over the course of several months (or longer).

2

Patient Review

11/1/2021

Lunesta for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

I tried Lunesta for four nights but after still being awake for three hours afterwards, I refuse to take it again. The doctor will have to try something else with me.

2

Patient Review

7/13/2022

Lunesta for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

I've taken 3mg of this medication for years with great results. However, recently the quality seems to have diminished. This refill from Sunovion Pharma is noticeably less effective.

2

Patient Review

10/23/2022

Lunesta for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

Ineffective and gross tasting. Do not split the generic tablet!

2

Patient Review

4/27/2022

Lunesta for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

My heart rate dropped significantly while taking this medication, and I had two sleepless nights. Overall, felt terrible. Would not recommend.

1.7

Patient Review

10/21/2021

Lunesta for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

Was prescribed this to help with my insomnia but unfortunately it didn't do anything. It's quite pricey too so it was a waste of money in my case.

1

Patient Review

8/6/2022

Lunesta for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

Lunesta didn't help me get a single wink of sleep. In fact, I felt more depressed and got a headache that lasted for two days straight. Definitely not worth it.

1

Patient Review

2/13/2022

Lunesta for Chronic Trouble Sleeping

Lunesta was ineffective for me and left a nasty taste in my mouth. Additionally, it didn't seem to have any effect on my ability to drive.
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Patient Q&A Section about lunesta

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

Is Lunesta in the same class as Ambien?

"Lunesta is a brand name for the sedative-hypnotic eszopiclone. Ambien is a brand name for the sedative-hypnotic zolpidem."

Answered by AI

Is Lunesta good for anxiety?

"The study found that the use of the medication was effective in treating insomnia and generalized anxiety disorder."

Answered by AI

Is Lunesta a good sleeping pill?

"This drug is used to treat insomnia. It can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It also may reduce the number of times you wake up during the night."

Answered by AI

Is Lunesta a Xanax?

"Lunesta is a sleep aid while Xanax is used for anxiety and panic disorders. They are classified as different types of drugs, Lunesta being a sedative hypnotic and Xanax a benzodiazepine."

Answered by AI