Lunesta Addiction | Abuse, Effects, Signs, & Treatment

Eszopiclone is a sedative-hypnotic prescription drug sold under the brand name Lunesta. It is similar to zolpidem (Ambien) and zaleplon (Sonata).

While Lunesta is generally safe when taken for a limited period of time, it can cause a variety of side effects, is prone to abuse, and can be habit-forming and addictive.

What Is Lunesta?

Lunesta binds to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, changing neurotransmitter balance to increase drowsiness and help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Because of this, Lunesta centers on the treatment of sleep disorders when other treatments have failed.

Lunesta (including Lunesta generic/eszopiclone) comes in 1, 2, and 3 mg circular white or blue oral pills. It is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance and is not available over the counter.

Lunesta Abuse

Barbiturates, a class of powerful central nervous system depressants, were once commonly used as sleep aids. However, due to their very high potential for abuse and addiction, they were largely replaced by benzodiazepine drugs like Xanax (alprazolam) beginning in 1960.

Unfortunately, widespread use of benzodiazepines as sleeping pills and anxiety medications soon proved that these “safer” drugs were also prone to abuse and generated severe physical dependence with prolonged use.

In the early 2000s a variety of nonbenzodiazepines prescription sleep aids, also called Z-drugs, were developed and brought into medical use, replacing benzos as sleep-driving medications of choice.

However, once again, widespread use of these medications, including Lunesta, has revealed that they can also be misused, often by those who:

• have become dependent on the medication for sleeping (self-medication)
• take the drug with other substances of abuse to increase or change the experience
• take high doses of the drug or take it in other ways (like snorting) to increase its effect and generate a relaxed drug high

In each case, misusing Lunesta or taking it in any way besides how it has been prescribed to you is considered drug abuse.

Effects Of Lunesta Abuse

Abusing Lunesta increases the risks of developing drug addiction and physical dependence, and also of experiencing a variety of side effects or other serious adverse effects.

Lunesta Side Effects

Lunesta may cause sleep-walking and other complex sleep behaviors which have led to serious injuries and death in certain cases.

Common side-effects of Lunesta may include:

• bad aftertaste
• indigestion
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• abnormal dreams or nightmares
• decreased sex drive or performance
• accidental injury
• rash
• swelling
• pain, cramping, and bleeding in women
• memory loss
• suicidal thoughts

If these effects become serious, or if you experience complex sleep behaviors or any other serious or worsening adverse effect related to Lunesta, let your healthcare provider know right away.

Lunesta Overdose

An overdose occurs when an excessive dose of Lunesta is taken, or if it is used with other CNS depressants and leads to adverse effects.

Signs and symptoms of a Lunesta overdose can include:

• extreme drowsiness
• losing consciousness
• breathing problems
• coma

These symptoms can be serious or potentially life-threatening, and should be treated as a medical emergency.

Lunesta Withdrawal

Lunesta’s habit-forming properties can cause those who use it for a prolonged period to become dependent on it, making it hard to fall asleep or function without it. This will also lead to serious withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the drug after physical dependence has formed.

Symptoms of Lunesta withdrawal will vary from individual to individual, but may include:

• rebound insomnia
• fatigue
• sweating
• muscles spasms and tremors
• nausea and vomiting
• seizures

Lunesta Addiction

Lunesta addiction, a form of substance use disorder, occurs when a person’s misuse of Lunesta becomes unmanageable and compulsive. This abuse will tend to become more frequent and extreme over time, leading to serious issues that impact every part of a person’s overall life.

Signs Of Lunesta Addiction

Signs that a person is abusing Lunesta and developing an addiction may include:

• changes in personality and behavior
• isolation from loved ones
• being unable to quit Lunesta despite harmful consequences
• experiencing Lunesta cravings
• drug-seeking behavior, including doctor-shopping, theft, or purchasing medication
• online
• use of the drug with other substances like alcohol, painkillers, or other sleeping pills
• unusual periods of impairment or agitation
• defensive or deceitful behavior
• mental health changes, including anxiety and depression

Lunesta Addiction Treatment

While Lunesta addiction is a serious behavioral health issue, it can be treated through personalized, professional addiction treatment programs.

Medical Detox

Treatment may begin with medical detox, a service designed to help participants work through withdrawal symptoms as safely and comfortably as possible while under medical supervision.

Inpatient/Outpatient Treatment

Once detox is completed, inpatient or outpatient substance abuse treatment can begin.

These programs use various forms of counseling and behavioral therapy to help participants better understand why they abused the drug and how they can change the thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to that abuse.

Dual diagnosis treatment for sleep disorders is also common during Lunesta addiction recovery.

To learn about our outpatient addiction treatment services, please contact Northeast Addictions Treatment Center today.

FAQs

How Long Does Lunesta Stay In Your System?

The primary effects of Lunesta only last around eight hours.

The drug itself is eliminated from the body and urine in less than two days after your last dose, though a pattern of Lunesta use may be detectable in special hair follicle tests for up to 90 days.

Learn more about How Long Lunesta Stays In Your System

How Much Does Lunesta Cost?

The price of prescription Lunesta depends on factors like your insurance, the amount of tablets prescribed, and the pharmacy you use. In most cases, a 30-tablet supply costs between $550 and $580 without insurance.

When sold on the street, Lunesta typically costs between $1 and $10 per tablet. The exact price depends on the dosage. In general, the higher the dosage, the higher the price.

Learn more about Lunesta Street Price & Prescription Cost