Lunesta, or eszopiclone, is a prescription sedative and tryptophan is an amino acid; both are used to treat insomnia. Insomnia can affect your ability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Chronic insomnia can leave you sleepy during the day and impair your work performance. Tryptophan can be obtained without a prescription, but if you are prescribed Lunesta, tell your doctor if you are already taking tryptophan or want to start taking it while still on Lunesta.
Tryptophan
Tryptophan, or L-tryptophan, is used in alternative medicine to treat insomnia, anxiety, depression, premenstrual syndrome and attention deficit disorder. It is available as a supplement and also found in protein foods such as turkey, chicken, eggs, beef and cheese. Your body changes tryptophan into 5-hydroxy-tryptophan, or 5-HTP, and then into a chemical called serotonin. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger in the brain, helps make you sleepy. Tryptophan side effects include dry mouth, nausea, dizziness and drowsiness.
Tryptophan and EMS
In 1989, some people who used tryptophan developed a life-threatening condition called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome, or EMS. The cause of this problem was contaminated tryptophan from a company in Japan; tryptophan supplements were taken off the market for several years. There have been no further occurrences of EMS, but Drugs.com says it is dangerous to purchase tryptophan over the Internet or from vendors outside of the United States because these sources may not comply with the Food and Drug Administration's regulations.
Lunesta
Although the exact mechanism of Lunesta is unknown, it is thought to affect structures in the brain called GABA receptor sites. GABA, or gamma-amino butyric acid, is an amino acid that inhibits nerve transmission in the brain and calms nervous activity. GABA is released by individual nerve cells. It floats across the space between neurons and attaches to cells on a nearby neuron receptor cells. Lunesta is thought to make the receptor cells on neurons more responsive to GABA, which can promote sleep.
Lunesta Side Effects
Lunesta can cause severe allergic reactions or have side effects that make it difficult for you to think clearly or react quickly, according to Drugs.com. Drowsiness during the day is another possible side effect. Lunesta may also make you unable to remember that you have had a conversation or done something else like driving or eating. Older people who take Lunesta are more likely to have side effects such as falling.
Considerations and Warnings
Lunesta can cause withdrawal if you stop it suddenly, and can be habit-forming. There is no evidence of negative interaction between the two, according to Drugs.com. Since both can cause drowsiness, do not take them together unless you are instructed to do so by a health care professional. Consult a heath-care professional before you take tryptophan.
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