Lunesta
Generic Name:
Brand Names:
Lunesta
Lunesta Description:
Lunesta is a sedative-hypnotic drug used to treat insomnia. While the exact mechanisms of Lunesta are unknown, the medication is believed to improve the brain’s reception of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter responsible for inhibiting excitement and promoting the state of calm essential to the body’s preparation for sleep.
Lunesta Side Effects:
The most common side effects associated with Lunesta include:
- Cough
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Painful Urination
For more information see our Lunesta side effects page.
Lunesta Uses:
Lunesta is generally used to treat both short-term insomnia and chronic insomnia. Insomnia is considered the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep to the extent that a lack of proper rest negatively impacts daily life. Experts typically believe that 7-8 hours of sleep per night are needed by most adults. Lunesta may be used when patients have extreme difficulty attaining such requirements.
While Lunesta may be prescribed in some cases for long-term use, chronic insomnia may be a sign of another underlying condition.
Lunesta Interactions:
Patients should speak with their doctor about the use of any medications, vitamins or supplements before taking Lunesta.
The following medications may adversely interact with Lunesta:
- Anesthetics
- Antihistamines
- Barbiturates
- Muscle relaxants
- Narcotics
- Sedatives
- Tranquilizers
Lunesta Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Lunesta dosage instructions may vary among patients. Because Lunesta may be habit-forming, you should only take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor.
Lunesta is administered as an oral tablet in doses of either 1 mg, 2 mg or 3 mg. Your doctor will establish your dosage according to your particular needs.
Patients should take Lunesta directly before planning to go to sleep and only if they can devote a full eight hours to sleep. Do not take Lunesta with a meal or right after a meal.
Lunesta Overdose
Contact your doctor if you believe you may have overdosed on Lunesta.
Lunesta FDA Approval:
December 15, 2004
Lunesta Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
There have not been any recalls or black box warnings for Lunesta.
Other Warnings
Some patients taking Lunesta have risen from bed and engaged in activities such as driving or eating that they did not remember doing the next morning. Your chances of this occurring while taking Lunesta increase with alcohol use or the use of other sleep medications.
Sources:
- http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/Scripts/cder/DrugsatFDA/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.DrugDetails
- http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/DOCKETS/DOCKETS/06p0001/06P-0001-EC1-Attach-1.pdf
- http://www.lunesta.com/Lunesta-Patient-Medication-Guide.pdf?iid=body_medGuide
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR600637
- http://www.justice.gov/dea/programs/forensicsci/microgram/journal_v4_num14/pg4.html
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