Lunesta ...... miracle sleeping pill?

Copyright 2005 Wendy Owen

Lunesta! What's all the fuss about?

It even sounds festive doesn't it ? And it appears that with
this sleep medication, there may well be cause for celebration!

It's been some months now since Lunesta first appeared on the
scene and was blessed by the FDA. So how has this non-narcotic,
non habit forming sleep aid been performing? Well from the
information I have gathered, it seems Lunesta is stacking up
very well compared to the other available forms of prescription
sleep medication.

Lunesta (generic name Eszopiclone) was brought out by a company
called Sepracor which has done extensive tests on the
medication, the majority of which have had positive results so
far, although the tests are still ongoing.

One of the greatest advantages of Lunesta is that it is the only
sleep medication approved for long term use. This is a boon for
those with chronic insomnia. In some cases the insomnia has been
known to disappear altogether. Tests have shown those who have
stopped taking Lunesta haven't suffered any rebound insomnia or
withdrawal, both well known problems for those taking the
benzodiazepine medications.

Another major advantage is that Lunesta is useful for both sleep
onset and sleep maintenance insomnia. Meaning it will work as
well for those who for have trouble falling asleep as for those
who have trouble staying asleep. A caveat here though, Lunesta
should be taken just before going to bed as it a fast acting
medication. Don't take Lunesta and then take a trip to the
movies! Also make sure you have eight hours set aside for sleep
as it is also long lasting (no driving the car please before
that time!)

Lunesta is available in 1, 2 and 3 mg tablets. It's best to
start with a low dose and increase if needed.

Possible Side Effects Every medication can have it's side
effects and those that are possible with Lunesta include:

Next day drowsiness Dizziness Headaches Uncoordination

Lunesta should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women
as the effect on infants is not yet known. See your doctor first.

Lunesta and Depression If you've ever been depressed, you'll
remember those agonizing hours between 2 and 4am tossing and
turning and worrying about everything! What can you do when your
depression medication precludes taking any form of sleeping aid?
Never fear! Tests have shown that Lunesta is well tolerated by
those taking Prozac (an anti-depressant drug) A ten week survey
was done comparing patients on Prozac and Lunesta with patients
on Prozac and a placebo (sugar pill)

Results found the Lunesta patients showed significant
improvements. They fell asleep more quickly, stayed asleep
longer and were more alert during the day.

Lunesta is available on prescription in the US. It's not yet
available in Australia (that's why they call us "down under"!)
Those in other countries would need to ask their doctor.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not
replace individual medical advice from you health care provider.