Lunesta may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking this medicine 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 sie 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, including drowsiness. Eszopiclone 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 this medicine suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
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.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
The sedative effects of eszopiclone may be stronger in older adults. Accidental falls are common in elderly patients who take sedatives. Use caution to avoid falling or accidental injury while you are taking Lunesta.
How should I take Lunesta?
Take Lunesta exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Eszopiclone may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Lunesta will make you fall asleep. Never take this medicine during your normal waking hours, unless you have at least 7 to 8 hours to dedicate to sleeping.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 to 10 days of treatment, or if they get worse.
Do not stop using Lunesta suddenly after taking it over several days in a row, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep track of your medicine. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription.
Insomnia symptoms may also return after you stop taking Lunesta, and may be even worse than before. Tell your doctor if you still have worsened insomnia after the first few nights without taking Lunesta.
