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What is Lunesta?
Lunesta is a sedative, also called a hypnotic. It affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause sleep problems (insomnia).
Lunesta is used to treat insomnia. This medication causes relaxation to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.
Lunesta may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Lunesta?
Lunesta may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking Lunesta and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Lunesta will make you fall asleep. Never take this medication during your normal waking hours, unless you have at least 8 hours to dedicate to sleeping.
Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking Lunesta and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.
Lunesta can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. You may still feel sleepy the morning after taking the medication. Until you know how this medication will affect you during waking hours, be careful if you drive, operate machinery, pilot an airplane, or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medication. It can increase some of the side effects of Lunesta, including drowsiness. Lunesta may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Lunesta should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking this medication after taking it over several days in a row. Do not stop taking Lunesta suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
How should I take Lunesta?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take Lunesta only if you are able to get a full night's sleep before you must be active again. Never take this medication during your normal waking hours, unless you have at least 8 hours to dedicate to sleeping.
Take this medication with a full glass of water.
Avoid taking Lunesta within 1 hour after eating a high-fat or heavy meal. This will make it harder for your body to absorb the medication.
Lunesta is for short-term use only. Tell your doctor if your insomnia symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after using this medication for 7 to 10 nights in a row. Do not take Lunesta for longer than 2 weeks without your doctor's advice.
You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking Lunesta after taking it over several days in a row. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep track of how many capsules have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Lunesta is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Lunesta is usually taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Never take this medication if you do not have at least 8 hours to sleep before being active again. Do not take extra medicine to make up a missed dose.
Lunesta side effects
Lunesta may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking Lunesta and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Lunesta and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
* aggression, agitation, changes in behavior;
* thoughts of hurting yourself; or
* hallucinations (hearing or seeing things).
Less serious side effects may include:
* day-time drowsiness, dizziness, "hangover" feeling;
* problems with memory or concentration;
* anxiety, depression, nervous feeling;
* headache;
* nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation;
* dry mouth;
* unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth; or
* mild skin rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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