Eszopiclone (Lunesta): Uses, Side Effects, and Risks

Eszopiclone, or Lunesta, as its common name is also used, is a sleeping pill prescribed by physicians primarily to cure insomnia and other sleeping disorders. A sedative-hypnotic medication, Eszopiclone influences the brain chemicals that regulate sleeping, thus inducing the patients to rest and remain sleeping for more hours. 

Key Takeaways

• Eszopiclone (Lunesta) is a sedative used to treat insomnia by enhancing GABA, helping with sleep onset and consistency.
• Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, and dry mouth, with rare side effects like memory issues and mood changes.
• Long-term use can lead to dependence, tolerance, and parasomnias like sleepwalking.
• Withdrawal symptoms may include rebound insomnia, anxiety, and seizures, requiring gradual reduction.
• Alternatives include medications like Zolpidem, melatonin, valerian root, and lifestyle changes like CBT-I and improved sleep hygiene.

Lunesta was approved by the FDA in 2004, which soon became a widely prescribed medicine for the treatment of sleeping disorders. Although effective, it is necessary to understand the possible benefits and hazards of the drug. Let us discuss in this article how Eszopiclone functions, what are the worst side effects of Lunesta, and what are the possible hazards in its use.

How Eszopiclone Works

Eszopiclone exerts its effects by acting on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a key brain neurotransmitter. GABA is a naturally produced brain chemistry agent that typically exists to decrease nervous activity. Lunesta for sleep works by enhancing the effects of GABA, leading to sleep induction and a calming effect. This mechanism is similar to that of other sedative-hypnotics, but Eszopiclone is designed to operate more specifically and precisely, reducing the risk of side effects.

In terms of how it influences the sleep cycle, Eszopiclone not only helps one fall asleep faster but also guarantees a consistent sleep pattern at night. Compared to other sleeping tablets that can make one wake up several times at night, Eszopiclone guarantees consistent sleep because it suppresses nighttime wakefulness. It is particularly helpful for insomnia patients as it often helps increase the time spent in the deep, restorative stages of sleep.

Dosage Information

The dosage of Lunesta for improved sleep is determined based on the type and severity of the sleep disorder. Adults suffering from insomnia need a normal dose of 1 mg in advance. A dosage of 2 mg must be increased from the initial one where there is an urgent requirement, but not above up to 3 mg at bedtime. In cases involving patients and the elderly with liver disease, it is common to initiate treatment with a 1 mg dose to reduce the likelihood of Lunesta side effects. Take Eszopiclone only if you can ensure you will get an uninterrupted night's sleep, as the medication will likely leave you feeling drowsy the next day if your sleep is disrupted. Always follow your doctor's instructions and never exceed the prescribed dosage.

Potential Side Effects of Eszopiclone

Like most medications, Eszopiclone can produce side effects, though not everybody experiences this. One must know both the frequent and dangerous side effects that could happen while one is on this sleeping aid.

Common Lunesta Side Effects

The frequent side effects of Eszopiclone are generally mild and temporary. These can be:

• Drowsiness: This is to be expected since the drug is meant to induce sleep, but other people might still be drowsy the next day.
• Dizziness: People might feel dizzy, which affects balance and coordination.
• Headaches: A headache is one of the side effects, usually felt in the morning after using Eszopiclone the previous night.
• Dry Mouth: The majority of users experience an unpleasant dry mouth that disappears after the body has adapted to the drug.

But what are the worst side effects of Lunesta? 

Severe Eszopiclone Side Effects

While less common, Eszopiclone may result in more serious side effects that require immediate medical care. These are:

• Memory Problems: People may experience difficulties with short-term memory or forgetfulness, especially if they don't get enough sleep after using the medication.
• Mood Swings: Irritability, anxiety, or sadness may be seen.
• Depression: Depression may be caused by Eszopiclone, particularly in those with a history of mood disorders.
• Allergic Reactions: Uncommon allergic reactions like rashes, itching, and swelling due to Eszopiclone are very rare and may require immediate medical care.

Lunesta Side Effects Specific to Long-Term Use

While Eszopiclone may be useful for short-term treatment of insomnia, long-term use can cause additional Eszopiclone side effects. Risks of long-term sleep aid use are:

• Cognitive Impairments: Eszopiclone, if taken over a long period of time, impairs cognition and has effects on memory, concentration, as well as unobstructed processing of information.
• Parasomnias: Eszopiclone chronically administered has been found to increase the risk of parasomnias, i.e., sleep walking, driving, or performing other complex activities during sleep. Such events can be dangerous as the patient will not be aware that he or she had performed something the following day.

If you experience any of these serious or persistent side effects, it is important to inform your medical professional right away. They can help assess the risks and determine whether Eszopiclone is still the right drug for your sleeping needs.

Risks of Long-Term Use

While Eszopiclone is very effective for acute insomnia treatment, its long-term use has numerous risks that must be weighed carefully. Chronic drug misuse can lead to dependence and tolerance and a host of other health complications that can affect the body and mind.

Dependence and Tolerance

The greatest risk involved with the long-term use of Eszopiclone is the risk of dependence. With long-term use, the body can become accustomed to the drug, and the individual may require greater amounts of it in order to experience the same effect. This is known as tolerance and may result in increased usage, as it is difficult to stop taking the drug without experiencing negative effects. Dependence can also be experienced in the psychological reliance on the drug, such that the individual is not capable of sleeping without the drug.

Withdrawal Symptoms

When Eszopiclone has been used for an extended period and is stopped suddenly, withdrawal effects can happen. They can manifest as rebound insomnia, in which the sleeping problems recur and are possibly even worse than they were prior to treatment, and other symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, headaches, and nausea. In severe situations, patients can develop tremors or seizures. In order to minimize the withdrawal symptoms, the drug must be slowly tapered under medical supervision and not be discontinued.

Impact on Overall Health

Long-term use of Eszopiclone has a lot of adverse impacts on overall health, especially if not appropriately controlled. Some of them include:

• Mental Health: Long-term usage of sleep tablets like Eszopiclone has been associated with improved depression, anxiety, and mental status like poor memory and concentration. Drug dependence will aggravate the underlying illness of the mind.
• Liver Function: Eszopiclone is metabolized by the liver, and long-term usage will strain liver function. Patients with existing liver disease will be susceptible to other effects like liver damage or liver failure.
• Sleep Quality: Surprisingly, Long-term Eszopiclone use ultimately leads to worse sleep quality. Although it may improve the duration and onset of sleep initially, the drug can eventually halt the regular sleep cycle, leading to worse sleep quality and the possibility of chronic sleeping disorders.

Since it involves risks, proper use of Eszopiclone must be carried out only on a prescription and with strict monitoring by a physician. Interventions by other mechanisms of behaviour change for combatting causes of insomnia may be viable for long-term use without necessitating an escalation of the use of medicine anymore.

Alternatives to Eszopiclone

Although Eszopiclone is an effective insomnia medication, it would not be appropriate for everyone, particularly with long-term use or side effects. There are some alternatives — over-the-counter and prescription — and changes to lifestyle, though, that can cure sleeping disorders.

Medications

For those who would rather replace Eszopiclone with prescription medications, there are several other medications available that can cure insomnia:

• Zolpidem (Ambien): Similar to Eszopiclone, Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic drug that also acts similarly by enhancing the action of GABA in the brain. It is usually recommended to be taken for a limited time for easier sleep. It also has side effects in the form of dizziness, drowsiness, and sleepwalking in some cases.
• Trazodone: Trazodone was originally developed as an antidepressant but is generally given off-label for treating insomnia. Trazodone acts as a sedative and is beneficial for individuals who struggle to sleep at night. It is generally less likely to lead to dependency than the majority of sleeping medications.

These prescription medications do work, but only when they are prescribed by a doctor so that they can be made safe and limit their ability to cause dependence and Eszopiclone side effects.

Non-Prescription Options

In addition, non-prescription options include a few over-the-counter sleep medications and some of the natural sleep quality enhancers:

• Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone that the body secretes naturally to control the sleep-wake cycle. Supplements can be helpful for individuals with insomnia, particularly those whose sleep disturbance is circadian rhythm (e.g., shift workers or jet lag).
• Valerian Root: Valerian root is an herbal remedy traditionally used to treat sleep disorders. Some studies claim it helps reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and improves the quality of sleep. However, its efficacy is still being researched, and it has mild side effects like dizziness or nausea.

While these over-the-counter medications are usually safe, it's always a good idea to discuss with a health care provider before starting a new therapy.

Lifestyle and Behavioural Changes

In addition to medication and natural supplements, some lifestyle and behaviour changes can be downright beneficial in the treatment of insomnia:

• Cognitive Behavioural Treatment of Insomnia (CBT-I): CBT-I is an organized, research-based treatment of insomnia that attempts to change sleep-disruptive behaviours and thoughts. It incorporates sleep restriction techniques, stimulus control, and cognitive restructuring to help individuals manage insomnia without using drugs.
• Sleep Hygiene Habits: Good sleep hygiene is also necessary to improve the quality of sleep. Consistent sleep habits, establishing a calming pre-sleep routine, and not using screens at bedtime are essential. Your sleeping environment should also be cozy, warm, and sleep-friendly.
• Relaxation Therapies: Progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, and deep breathing are some therapies that promote relaxation of the body and mind, making it easier and more efficient to sleep. It avoids tension and pressure to eliminate stress and anxiety, which have proven to be causative factors for insomnia.

A total insomnia treatment is achievable through a variety of medications, natural cures, and lifestyle adjustments. You have to be able to figure out the appropriate treatment combination best suited for you and treat your cause of insomnia on a permanent basis. It should always be to your physician that you refer while modifying any considerable portion of treatment.

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