Lunesta is the brand name for eszopiclone, a hypnotic drug used to treat insomnia by depressing the central nervous system. It must be prescribed by a physician and is a Class IV controlled substance due to possible abuse and addiction. It is generally prescribed for short-term use of 7 to 10 days and may not be the best medication for long-term use where side effects can be problematic.
Activities While Asleep
Long-term use of Lunesta may spur dangerous and unconscious activities. The Lunesta website states there are known incidents of sleep activities ranging from sleep-walking to sleep-driving, operating machinery or having sex, making and eating food or talking on the phone. The activity may happen while you are not fully awake with unknown consequences and no memory of the activity once fully awake.
Risk of Dependence
Long-term use of Lunesta can lead to dependence on the drug for regular sleep. The RxList website warns that continued use of Lunesta may make you dependent on the drug for adequate sleep. The risk of drug-seeking, addictive use and over-use of the medication increases with length of use.
Withdrawal
Long-term use of Lunesta and using more than the recommended dosage can cause withdrawal side effects. The RxList website warns that stopping the medication suddenly can cause side effects including changes in mood and behavior, stomach cramps, nausea, sweating and trembling. Your doctor should oversee stopping the medication with a gradual ramping down of doses.
Rebound Effect
One side effect from taking Lunesta for longer than the usually prescribed 7 to 10 days is a rebound effect. Mayo Clinic staff say that you may have more difficulty sleeping when you stop taking Lunesta than you did before beginning treatment. This problem should lessen with time.
Decreased Effectiveness
After long term use of Lunesta, the drug may lose effectiveness as you build up a tolerance to its sleep-inducing effect. The RxList website states long-term use will not only lessen the usefulness of the medication, it may mask other problems that may underlie your difficulty sleeping, such as psychiatric disorders.
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