Lunesta
Eszopiclone
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Lunesta
Lunesta is related to the class of the drugs that are known as hypnotics.
Theurapetic Uses of Lunesta
This medication is intended to treat various sleep troubles (insomnia). The medication is commonly used to help in falling asleep faster and have better and longer sleep through the night.
Direction of Use of Lunesta
Carefully read the enclosed leaflet before starting the Lunesta treatment period. In case something is unclear for you contact your doctor.
This medication is to be used orally one time a day straight before going to sleep or in accordance with your doctor prescription. It shouldn't be taken within or after too fat meal. The tab should be swallowed whole without chewing or crushing it.
It is possible though quite rare that it will cause temporary memory problems like memory loss. In order to avoid such effect avoid using the drug unless you have chance for for a whole night sleep.
The dose of the medication should be based on the patient's medical condition, age and sensitivity to the drug. The drug should be used within the period prescribed by the doctor. Avoid changing the dosage prescribed by the doctor. It is not recommended to take over 2 milligrams of the drug in case the patient experiences severe liver disease. In case you have any questions concerning the therapy consult with your doctor.
Prolonged use and increased dosage of the drug may lead to withdrawal effects like - anxiety, abdominal cramps, vomiting, sweating, or shakiness that are commonly take place in case of sudden stop of the treatment. In order to avoid this condition it is recommended to cease the treatment gradually.
The medication may also be addictive. Thus avoid changing the dosage or frequency of the treatment and stop the use of the drug in case your doctor advises to do so.
After the end of the treatment the patient may experience certain troubles in falling asleep within first several nights. This is normal condition that will cease in couple of nights. However in case this condition lasts for a longer period of time — contact your health-care provider.
Dose of Lunesta, if Missed
In case you have missed to take the medication and it is still bedtime – take the missed dosage. However you should skip the missed dosage in case it is already the next day and follow you common dosage schedule. Avoid taking two dosages at once.
How to Store Lunesta
The medication should be stored at the temperature of 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a dark and dry place beyond the reach of the children and pets. It is also allowed to keep the drug at the temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) within a short period of time. Avoid keeping the medication in the bathroom.
The medication should be properly discarded in case the therapy period is over or you don't need it anymore. If you unsure how to discard the drug talk to your doctor about required details.
More Information About Lunesta
You doctor may already know about all the drugs you use when prescribing you Lunesta treatment. Thus don't start or change somehow the dosages of already taken medications while Lunesta treatment period without primary consultation with the doctor.
The use of the drug in combination with sodium oxybate may cause serious drug interaction.
Let your doctor know about all the drugs you already use before starting the Lunesta treatment, especially of the following ones: drugs affecting enzymes that remove this medication from your body (like ketoconazole and itraconazole, clarithromycin, nefazodone, ritonavir and nelfinavir, rifampin ).
Let your doctor also know in case you use any meds that cause drowsiness, like: antihistamines, anti-anxiety drugs, anti-seizure drugs, muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers, other medicines for sleep, psychiatric medicines, tranquilizers.
Look through the leaflets of all the drugs you use as they may contain certain components that cause drowsiness.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Lunesta
Let your doctor know concerning all your allergies you experience.
Lunesta is not to be used under certain medical conditions. Contact your doctor in case you experience intoxication with the drugs that depress patient's nervous system or breathing.
Let your doctor know your medical history, especially in case you have ever had: liver disease, any lung diseases, or your own or family history of alcohol addiction.
The use of the medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Thus it is not recommended to operate any machinery until you are sure you may do this safely. Do not take alcohol within treatment period.
The patients in ages should be careful in using this medication as they may be too sensitive to its effects.
It is not recommended to use the drug within pregnancy and breast feeding period without previous consultation with your doctor.
In case you think you experience overdose of the medication contact your health-care provider immediately. The sign of the overdose are: confusion, fainting, deep sleep from which you cannot be awakened.
Don't give the medicine to anybody as this may be not safe and illegal.
Remember that the drug is prescribed to your current condition and shouldn't be applied to treat any other condition.
In case your treatment period last longer than 7-10 days you may need to have certain laboratory and medical tests.
Possible Adverse Effects of Lunesta
Let your doctor know in case you experience any of the following side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, and unpleasant taste may occur.
The use of the drug may cause a sleep throughout the daytime. In case you experience such condition contact your doctor as you may need some adjustment of your dosage.
However many people using this medicine get no side effects at all.
Contact your doctor promptly in case you have any of the following serious side effects: mental/mood changes, memory problems, loss of coordination, signs of infection.
The use of the drug may cause conditions called ''sleep-driving'' when person wakes up but is not completely awake. Commonly patients do not remember their actions within this condition. But this may be dangerous. Thus in case you experience such condition or somebody says you do so contact your doctor at once.
Very serious side effects due to Lunesta use are too rare. However you must contact your doctor immediately in case you have: rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.