Lunesta (eszopiclone) is an oral prescription sleep aid medication indicated for the treatment of insomnia, a medical condition characterized by the inability to fall asleep or remain asleep throughout the night. Lunesta binds to and activates the receptors of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a brain chemical that promotes normal, restorative sleep. Lunesta may cause a number of effects within the body, which you should discuss with your doctor prior to beginning treatment.
Drowsiness
Lunesta is primarily used to promote sleep in individuals who have difficulty falling asleep normally. If you take Lunesta, you will experience pronounced drowsiness, fatigue or sleepiness. Only take Lunesta before you intend to go to sleep because Lunesta can significantly interfere with your ability to drive or perform normal work or school activities. Certain people can experience morning drowsiness after waking from sleep following Lunesta treatment.
Headache
Certain people develop a headache after taking a dose of Lunesta. Headache pain can be mild to moderate in severity and typically diminishes with recurrent treatment.
Unpleasant Taste
In clinical trials for Lunesta, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that 12 percent of 215 patients taking a 2 mg dose of Lunesta reported an unpleasant taste in the mouth following treatment. Certain people also experience dry mouth or decreased saliva production following treatment with Lunesta.
Infection
People who take Lunesta are more susceptible to developing a viral or respiratory infection. If this occurs, common cold symptoms such as fever, fatigue, nasal congestion or cough may develop. Speak with your doctor if you experience these symptoms while taking Lunesta; you could require additional medication to resolve the infection.
Rash
Lunesta treatment can cause a skin rash to develop in certain people. If this occurs, you may notice that patches of your skin appear red, irritated, dry or itchy.
Dizziness
If you take Lunesta, episodes of lightheadedness or dizziness can occur following treatment. If you develop these effects of Lunesta, lay or sit down to prevent injury from falling.
Hallucinations
Treatment with Lunesta can cause abnormal effects within the brain. Certain people can develop hallucinations, abnormal thoughts and behavior, anxiety or memory loss. While these effects are rare, they can significantly impact your ability to complete normal daily activities. Mood alterations such as depression, agitation or confusion can also negatively influence your personal or professional relationships. If you develop any of these effects while taking Lunesta, speak with your doctor as soon as possible for additional guidance.
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