Lunesta 3mg (eszopiclone)

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much is taken, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

How eszopiclone (Lunesta) works

Eszopiclone is a sedative-hypnotic. It’s not exactly clear how eszopiclone works, but it may raise GABA levels in the brain and make you feel more calm and sleepy.

Typical dosing for eszopiclone (Lunesta)

The typical starting dose is 1 mg by mouth once daily right before bedtime, with at least 7 or 8 hours of sleep remaining. Depending on your response and how you tolerate the medication, your provider may raise your dose to up to 3mg daily.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Lunesta if you are allergic to eszopiclone, or if you have ever taken sleep medicine and engaged in activity you later don’t remember.

Lunesta is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

To make sure Lunesta is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;
• a breathing disorder;
• depression, mental illness, or suicidal thoughts; or
• drug or alcohol addiction.

Side effects

Eszopiclone may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking pills and get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Lunesta: hives; nausea, vomiting; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity while not fully awake and later had no memory of it. This may include walking, driving, or making phone calls. If this happens to you, stop taking Lunesta and call your doctor right away.

Serious injury or death could occur if you walk or drive while you are not fully awake.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• anxiety, depression, aggression, agitation;
• memory problems, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• thoughts of hurting yourself; or
• confusion, hallucinations (hearing or seeing things).