Active Ingredients In Lunesta

The National Sleep Foundation says our sleep is essential for a healthy body and mind. Sleep needs change during a lifetime, and stress and age can be factors in not obtaining the right amount of sleep. Lunesta is a prescription sleep aid in the hypnotic agent category. It has only one active ingredient, eszopiclone. Lunesta is used for insomnia, and for short periods of time, up to two weeks, to aid in regulating sleep patterns.

Eszopiclone

Drugs.com lists eszopiclone as a sleep aid under the nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic agent category. It is used to treat short-term insomnia. Nonbenzodiazepine are effective in treating sleep disorders, and are listed as sedatives. A hypnotic agent changes body chemicals to slow brain activity and nerve responses to relax the body and prepare it for sleep.

Lunesta is prescribed in pill form, and is available in 1mg, 2mg, and 3mg doses. It is recommended to take Lunesta immediately before bedtime, as it works quickly in most individuals.

Major & Minor Side Effects

Lunesta's active ingredient is a hypnotic and sedative and should not be mixed with any alcoholic or other sedatives, as the combination can impair thinking and reaction time. According to Drugs.com, a major potential side effect is an allergic reaction. An allergic reaction will cause irritability, mood swings, and aggressive behavior, and in severe cases hallucinations.

Allergic reactions may also present as an anaphylactic shock, a serious and in extreme cases, fatal side effect. Anaphylaxis is caused by a hypersensitivity to a medication, or ingredients. Symptoms include inability to breathe and hives and/or swelling of the tongue or throat. Immediate care must be taken if anaphylaxis appears.

Other less serious but still notable side effects are drowsiness the day after and changes in an ability to concentrate and headache. While not all of them have been experienced by all individuals, it is advised to consult with a physician should any of the minor side effects appear.

Inactive Ingredients

Lunesta contains one active ingredient, and additional ingredients are inactive. Inactive filler ingredients are added to aid in digestion and assimilation and are called carrier agents, like magnesium stearate and microcrystalline cellulose and triacetin. They carry the active ingredient, eszopiclone, through the body. Croscarmellose sodium is added to Lunesta to aid in pill disintegration and assimilation.

Other ingredients listed for Lunesta are used for coloring and consistency. In two of the three formulas for Lunesta, titanium dioxide and FD&C Blue #2 are used as color. These two chemicals give Lunesta its bluish tint. The FD&C Blue #2 is not used in the 2mg pill.

Although listed as inactive ingredients, allergic reactions may still be present. Consult with a physician to discuss any concerns about inactive ingredients in Lunesta.