Overview of LunestaLunesta is a brand name for eszopiclone, which is a prescription sedative-hypnotic drug. It is used for the short-term treatment of insomnia - difficulty falling asleep or staying a...
What is Lunesta?Lunesta (eszopiclone) is a sedative-hypnotic medication used to treat insomnia. It works by slowing down the activity in the brain to help you sleep. Lunesta is available in the form of oral tablets of dosages 1mg, 2mg, and 3mg.
FDA Warning about LunestaIn May 2014, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that taking Lunesta may cause next-day impairment of driving and other activities that require full alertness. The FDA recommended that the starting dose of Lunesta should be lowered from 2mg to 1mg at bedtime.
Addiction and Abuse of LunestaLunesta has a high potential for abuse and addiction. Misusing this medication or taking more than the prescribed dose can lead to addiction. Lunesta is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance, which means it has a low potential for abuse compared to other drugs in higher schedules.
Side Effects of LunestaThe commonly reported side effects of Lunesta include dizziness, dry mouth, unpleasant taste, and headache. In rare cases, people taking Lunesta have reported engaging in activities such as driving, eating, or having sex while not fully awake, after taking the medication. These activities can be dangerous and even fatal.
Lunesta and Controlled Substances ActLunesta is a controlled substance and falls under Schedule IV of the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The CSA regulates the manufacture, distribution, and dispensing of Lunesta. According to the CSA, prescriptions for controlled substances like Lunesta cannot be refilled more than five times within six months after the date of the first dispensing.
CNS DepressantsLunesta is a Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant used to treat insomnia. CNS depressants are medicines that include sedatives , tranquilizers, and hypnotics. Prescription CNS depressants like Lunesta can lead to substance use disorder, which can take the form of addiction, even when used as prescribed by a doctor. Withdrawal symptoms of Lunesta can include seizures, anxiety, insomnia, and increased heart rate.
Overall, Lunesta is a medication used to treat insomnia, but it has a high potential for abuse and addiction. It is essential to use this medication only as prescribed by a doctor and not to exceed the recommended dosage.