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| Prescription Lunesta Drug Information |
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Lunesta Uses? |
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This medicine, Lunesta, is a sedative or "sleeping medicine" used to treat sleeping problems (such as trouble falling asleep, trouble staying asleep during the night, or waking too early in the morning). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. |
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Lunesta Directions? |
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Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine, Lunesta, comes with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing unless your doctor tells you to. Do not take this medicine with or immediately after a high-fat, heavy meal. Take this medicine only at bedtime, either immediately before going to bed or after you have gone to bed and have trouble falling asleep. |
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Lunesta Side Effects? |
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Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, dry mouth, upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, or an unpleasant taste. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience nervousness or anxiety, confusion, memory problems (amnesia), or problems with coordination (such as trouble walking or keeping your balance), decreased sexual desire, swelling of your hands or feet, or signs of an infection (such as fever, chills, or sore throat). Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, depression, mental or mood changes (such as strange or aggressive behavior or agitation), thoughts of hurting yourself, hallucinations, or seizures. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. |
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Lunesta Warnings? |
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Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking certain antibiotics (such as clarithromycin or troleandomycin), certain antifungal medicine (such as ketoconazole or itraconazole), medicines for HIV infection (such as nelfinavir or ritonavir), tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline or imipramine), certain antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine or chlorpheniramine), medicine for mental or mood disorders (such as thioridazine, haloperidol, or olanzapine), medicine for seizures (such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, or phenobarbital), lorazepam, rifampicin, nefazodone, or any medicines that may cause drowsiness. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including a history of breathing problems, liver problems, mental or mood disorders, depression, alcoholism, addiction to prescription medicine or other substances, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
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Lunesta Drug Interactions? |
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Many drugs may affect the way that Lunesta is metabolized ("broken down") in the body, leading to higher or lower than expected levels of the medication in the blood. Talk to your doctor before taking any other medicines during treatment with Lunesta.
Lunesta may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, other sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Lunesta. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products. |
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Lunesta Missed Dose? |
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Since Lunesta is usually taken only if you need it to help you sleep, missing a dose will not cause any problems. Take the missed dose only if you can be sure that you will get 8 full hours of sleep after the dose. If you do not sleep 8 full hours, you may experience carryover effects from Lunesta after you wake up. |
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Lunesta Storage? |
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Medications such as Lunesta should be stored at room temperature, usually 68 to 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C), and should not be exposed to excessive sunlight or moisture.
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Anything Else I Should Know About Lunesta? |
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If you or anyone else has overdosed on Lunesta, you should call the poison control center or go to the emergency room. Symptoms of an overdose are drowsiness; sluggishness; slow, shallow breathing; loss of coordination; confusion; and loss of consciousness.
Never share your medication with anyone else. |
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NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.
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