Lunesta is a prescription drug used to treat insomnia, a sleeping disorder that makes it hard to fall or stay asleep. The generic name of Lunesta is eszopiclone, and it works as a sedative to help you get shut-eye quicker without waking up multiple times, according to WebMD. Because the drug acts as a sedative, it essentially calms and slows your brain down before you go to sleep, making you drowsy in the meantime.
Eszopiclone is quickly absorbed in the body, so those who take it likely feel its effects within an hour. It’s recommended to take Lunesta before you go to bed so you’ll feel sleepy just as your head hits the pillow. The dosage of Lunesta varies person to person, but it’s typically offered in 1, 2, or 3-milligram doses that must be taken orally, per Vertava Health. One milligram is what’s currently recommended, while the previous recommendation was 2 milligrams. However, that suggestion was changed in 2024 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Despite Lunesta solving sleep issues for many, the drug has mild to severe side effects. According to the Addiction Center, Lunesta has more than a dozen side effects, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll experience each one. Lunesta can cause short-term side effects, like headaches, abnormal dreams, dizziness, and daytime drowsiness, to more severe side effects, including severe amnesia or extreme sleepwalking (via Addiction Center).
Treating insomnia with Lunesta
Because Lunesta is a sedative drug, many people who suffer from insomnia may wonder if it’s safe to take every night. According to GoodRx, Lunesta is safe to take before bed each night as directed by your doctor or unless your doctor states otherwise. However, it’s important to note that when used long-term, you may develop a dependency on eszopiclone. Those who take the drug for more than 2 weeks put themselves at risk for developing drug dependence (via Addiction Center). While you can take the medicine safely each night, you want to weigh the benefits against the cons.
The Mayo Clinic notes Lunesta shouldn’t be used if you don’t have enough time to get a full night’s rest. Drowsiness from your previous night’s tablet may linger into the next day, posing a potentially fatal issue if you get behind the wheel of a car. Once you stop taking Lunesta, it’s possible to experience withdrawal symptoms, like rebound insomnia or upset stomach, those first few days.
