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Common uses
Lunesta is prescribed for insomnia, defined as the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. It's used for adults who have trouble getting to sleep, wake frequently during the night, or wake up too early in the morning.
Before using
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: intoxication with medications that depress the nervous system or your breathing (CNS/respiratory depressants such as alcohol or tranquilizers/sedatives).
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, lung diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea), mental/mood problems (e.g., depression), personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol/other substances.
Directions
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take Lunesta only if you are able to get a full night's sleep before you must be active again. Never take this medication during your normal waking hours, unless you have at least 8 hours to dedicate to sleeping.
Take this medication with a full glass of water.
Avoid taking Lunesta within 1 hour after eating a high-fat or heavy meal. This will make it harder for your body to absorb the medication.
Lunesta is for short-term use only. Tell your doctor if your insomnia symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after using this medication for 7 to 10 nights in a row. Do not take Lunesta for longer than 2 weeks without your doctor's advice.
You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking Lunesta after taking it over several days in a row. Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep track of how many capsules have been used from each new bottle of this medicine. Lunesta is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.
Cautions
Lunesta may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking Lunesta 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.
Possible side effects
Lunesta may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking Lunesta 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. Stop using Lunesta and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
• aggression, agitation, changes in behavior;
• thoughts of hurting yourself; or
• hallucinations (hearing or seeing things).
Less serious side effects may include:
• day-time drowsiness, dizziness, "hangover" feeling;
• problems with memory or concentration;
• anxiety, depression, nervous feeling;
• headache;
• nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation;
• dry mouth;
• unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth; or
• mild skin rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.
Drug interactions
Before taking Lunesta, 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 Lunesta. 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.
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