Lunesta Side Effects
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Lunesta is the brand name for eszopiclone, a prescription medication used in the short-term treatment of insomnia, or difficulty sleeping. Eszopiclone is in a class of medications called hypnotics. Lunesta slows activity in the brain, allowing the patient to fall asleep.[1]
Because some patients may experience negative effects if they wake up before they've had a full night's sleep, Lunesta should only be taken by patients who are able to devote a full eight hours to sleep. Adverse reactions associated with Lunesta are generally not serious. Common side effects include headache, upset stomach, clumsiness, strange dreams and loss of libido.[1]
A study conducted in February, 2012 showed a potential link between Lunesta and other sleeping pills and death. Those who took sleeping pills had a higher risk of dying earlier, and in some cases were up to four times more likely to die. What the study did not explain was whether or not the pills actually contributed to death and fatal illnesses, or if the pills were prescribed to those who already had serious illnesses that might interfere with their sleep. In addition, insomnia itself is known to contribute to obesity, heart disease, cancer and other mortal illness.[2]
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| Brand name for | Eszopiclone |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc.[3] |
| Uses | Treats insomnia |
| Common side effects | Dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, etc. |
| Who should not take Drug Name | Patients who drink alcohol or are taking other medications which make them sleepy[4] |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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Contents |
About Drug Side Effects
Common Lunesta Side Effects
Common adverse reactions include, but are not limited to:
- Dry mouth
- Unpleasant taste
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Drowsiness[4]
Patients who take Lunesta when they do not have a full 8 hours to devote to sleep may experience the following symptoms when waking up too soon:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Hallucinations
- Difficulty with coordination
- Memory problems[1]
Side effects that are more serious, but less likely to occur include:
- Memory problems
- Loss of coordination
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Mood changes that cause agitation, hallucinations, or worsening of depression
- Sleepwalking, sleep-driving, or doing other activities while asleep[4]
Lunesta and Death
Lunesta was among an assortment of prescription sleeping pills (including Ambien and Sonata) in a 2012 study on prescription sleeping agents and death. The study found that pill users were significantly more likely to die earlier than those who did not take prescriptions to induce sleep. These findings do not necessarily mean that sleeping pills are dangerous. The deaths may have been from illnesses that prevent patients from getting sleep. The insomnia may have also indicated other mental or physical illnesses that contributed to death, and the sleeplessness itself may have been the root of the health issues. Experts stress that it is important to treat the underlying causes of insomnia rather than relying on a pill to fall asleep.[2]
Lunesta Allergic Reactions
Although rare, it is possible that patients may suffer allergic reactions to Lunesta. Reactions may include difficulty breathing, extreme dizziness, nausea, vomiting, a rash, or itching and swelling, especially if it occurs in the throat, face, or tongue. These reactions may require the intervention of medical professionals.[4]
Lunesta Precautions and Warnings
- Lunesta can lead to walking, talking, driving and performing other functions while still in a sleeping state.[1]
- Lunesta can cause daytime drowsiness, and some users may not be able to drive safely while using it.[1]
- Lunesta may not be right for patients with histories of alcohol abuse, depression, suicide or certain lung or breathing diseases.[1]
- Lunesta patients are instructed to disclose use before undergoing any type of surgery, even dental surgery.[1]
- Lunesta may interact with the following medications: antidepressants; antifungals such as itraconazole and ketoconazole; antihistamines; certain HIV protease inhibitors; anxiety, mental illness, or seizure medications; clarithromycin, nefazodone, olanzapine, and rifampin. Lunesta should not be used with sedatives, other sleeping pills, or tranquilizers.[1]
Also See: Drug Side Effects, Lunesta, Lunesta Coupons, Lunesta Free Samples, Lunesta Patient Assistance Programs, Ambien Coupons, Ambien Side Effects, Valium Side Effects, FDA
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000292/
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Sleep/sleeping-pills-linked-times-increased-death-risk/story?id=15803687#.T38qXr9Wrsy
- ↑ http://www.lunesta.com/
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 http://www.lunesta.com/Lunesta-Patient-Medication-Guide.pdf
