Lunesta: Agent for Insomnia

Many people suffer from insomnia. Insomnia can be very difficult for a patient suffering from it because it leaves you constantly tired and in a zombie-like state. If you are a patient suffering from insomnia, chances are that you have gone to your doctor and he has prescribed Lunesta (Eszopiclone) for you. If you have not been prescribed Lunesta (Eszopiclone), but are interested in learning more about it, then this literature will prove beneficial to you.

Lunesta (Eszopiclone) comes in tablet form. The tablets range from white to light blue in color. The light blue tablets hold one milligrams of Lunesta (Eszopiclone). The white tablets are two milligrams in strength, and the dark blue tablets are three milligrams in strength. Lunesta (Eszopiclone) is for the treatment of insomnia. Most doctors recommend that the starting dose for the non-elderly is two milligrams immediately at bedtime and one milligram for the elderly immediately upon bedtime as well. Your doctor may adjust the dosage of Lunesta (Eszopiclone) in accordance to how well your body responds to it, and how well its effectiveness is to you. Doses that exceed three milligrams of Lunesta (Eszopiclone) a day are never recommended. If you are an elderly patient whose main complaint is difficulty in staying asleep, then you may take two milligrams of immediately before bedtime. Those patients who are suffering from hepatic impairment and those patients who are currently taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors should begin using one milligram of Lunesta (Eszopiclone) upon bedtime.

After taking your dose of Lunesta (Eszopiclone), the Eszopiclone works by becoming rapidly absorbed and it is thought that Eszopiclone works on the GABA-receptor complexes and acts similar to the body’s own chemicals that induce sleep. If you are taking any other kind of CNS depressant, including alcohol, and additive CNS depressant effect is seen. If you are taking any other kind of CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin, nefazodone, troleandomycin, telithromycin, ritonavir, and nelfinair, these may decrease the elimination of Eszopiclone, therefore leaving you with a sleepy feeling for a long time after arising. If you are taking any CYP3A4 inducers, such as rifampicin, these may increase the metabolism of Eszopiclone.

If you use Lunesta (Eszopiclone) for ten days, and the results are less than desired, then the insomnia is probably a sign of a physical and/or mental disorder. If Lunesta (Eszopiclone) is not working for you in ten days, let your doctor know so that he/she may run further tests on you to rule out or pinpoint any physical/mental illness. Lunesta (Eszopiclone) should be used with caution in patients who are elderly, in patients with hepatic disease, or in patients showing signs of depression. Lunesta (Eszopiclone), like all other drugs, may produce adverse effects in the body. The most common side effects are drowsiness, headache, and unpleasant taste sensation. Less common side effects induce anxiety, dry mouth, depression, problems with the menstrual cycle, and infection.

It is preferred that you, as the patient, take Lunesta (Eszopiclone) on an empty stomach. High fat meals may slow down the process of Lunesta (Eszopiclone) and delay its action. Since Lunesta (Eszopiclone) works rapidly, it’s important that you remember to take it at bedtime. Since Lunesta (Eszopiclone) induces drowsiness, it’s important that you not operate any heavy machinery or be in situations that require full alertness, such as when you’re driving. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication. If you stop taking Lunesta (Eszopiclone) in a fast manner, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. And keep in mind that Lunesta (Eszopiclone) can be habit forming. If you feel that you are feeling addicted to Lunesta (Eszopiclone), let your doctor know immediately. Store Lunesta (Eszopiclone) in a cool, dry place away from children and sunlight. Sunlight can lessen the potency of Lunesta (Eszopiclone). If any of the side effects mentioned above become especially bothersome or severe, call your doctor and talk to him regarding this. With proper use, Lunesta (Eszopiclone) should help you sleep so that you may feel energized and refreshed each morning.