Lunesta (Eszopiclone) Patient Information: Missed a Dose and What Should I Avoid at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Insomnia Treatment (Sleep Aids and Stimulants) »

What is insomnia and what causes it?

Insomnia is difficulty in falling or staying asleep, the absence of restful sleep, or poor quality of sleep. Insomnia is a symptom and not a disease. The most common causes of insomnia are:

medications,
psychological conditions (for example, depression, anxiety),
environmental changes (travel, jet lag, or altitude changes), and
stressful events or a stressful lifestyle.

Insomnia can also be caused by poor sleeping habits such as excessive daytime naps or caffeine consumption and poor sleep hygiene.

The National Center for Sleep Disorders Research at the National Institutes of Health estimates 30%-40% of adults report some symptoms of insomnia each year, and about 10%-15% report they have chronic insomnia.

Insomnia may be classified by how long the symptoms are present.

Transient insomnia usually i...

Read the Insomnia Treatment (Sleep Aids and Stimulants) article »

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Lunesta Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose

What happens if I miss a dose (Lunesta)?

Since eszopiclone 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.

What happens if I overdose (Lunesta)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of an eszopiclone overdose are not known.

What should I avoid while taking eszopiclone (Lunesta)?

Eszopiclone 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 eszopiclone. It can increase some of the side effects of eszopiclone, including drowsiness.

Do not take other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxants, and medicine for depression or anxiety).

Avoid taking eszopiclone during travel, such as to sleep on an airplane. You may be awakened before the effects of the medication have worn off. Amnesia (forgetfulness) is more common if you do not get at least 8 hours of sleep after taking eszopiclone.

What other drugs will affect eszopiclone (Lunesta)?

Before taking eszopiclone, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:

rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane);
ketoconazole (Nizoral); or
antidepressants, narcotic pain medications, muscle relaxers, seizure medications, or anti-anxiety medications.

This list is not complete an there may be other drugs that can interact with eszopiclone. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about eszopiclone.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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