Can You Overdose On Lunesta?

Lunesta (the brand name for eszopiclone) can lead to an overdose if a high enough dose is taken.

Lunesta belongs to a class of drugs known as non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotics. Drugs in this class bind to receptors in the brain and slow down activity in the central nervous system (CNS). It does this by increasing the amount of the neurotransmitter GABA in the CNS.

This reaction can make getting to sleep much easier, which is why Lunesta is used for the short-term treatment of sleep disorders like insomnia.

However, and according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Lunesta can lead to physical dependence and addiction. If left untreated, dependence and addiction could lead to serious side effects like an overdose.

What Causes Lunesta Overdose?

A Lunesta overdose can occur for many different reasons. Some overdoses are accidental while others are intentional.

Some ways a Lunesta overdose can occur include:

• taking a high dose because you’re no longer feeling the same effects you once did (tolerance)
• getting multiple prescriptions from different doctors and taking more than directed (doctor shopping)
• doubling up on your prescribed dosage (drug abuse)

Polydrug Abuse

An overdose can also occur if you take Lunesta along with other drugs like:

• alcohol
• opioids
• z-drugs like Ambien (zolpidem) and Sonata (zaleplon)
• benzodiazepines
• anticonvulsants
• antidepressants
• over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen
• barbiturates

Combining Lunesta and any of these drugs can lead to coma, brain damage, and even a fatal overdose.

Death from a Lunesta overdose is rare but when it does happen, it’s likely because other drugs were taken with the sleeping pill.

Signs & Symptoms Of Lunesta Overdose

There are quite a few signs and symptoms that show up when a Lunesta overdose occurs. If you or a loved one is experiencing signs of an overdose and you’ve taken Lunesta, you need to call 911 immediately.

Overdose symptoms can include:

• headaches
• extreme drowsiness
• slow or shallow breathing
• difficulty swallowing
• lower heart rate
• low blood pressure
• loss of consciousness
• coma
• hallucinations
• memory loss
• sleepwalking

Lunesta Overdose Risk Factors

What dosage will ultimately lead to an overdose can vary depending on a number of factors. One dose may lead to an overdose in one person and not for another.

How at-risk you are for a Lunesta overdose can depend on:

• your history of drug use
• overall medical history
• if you’re taking a higher dose than recommended
• if you’re mixing prescription drugs with alcohol or other drugs
• your history of substance use
• your history of drug overdose
• your history of mental health problems
• your history of depression or suicidal thoughts/suicidal attempts

Treatment For Lunesta Overdose

After 911 is called, the person suffering from the Lunesta overdose is taken to a hospital where they are treated. Treatment likely involves ensuring the patient’s breathing and heart rate are stabilized while the drug works through the system.

Healthcare providers may also give activated charcoal or pump the patient’s stomach to decrease the level of toxicity in the body. The activated charcoal can soak up some of the excess drugs in the system and a stomach pump can take out the excess drugs altogether.

Medical professionals may also provide fluids via an IV to help flush the drugs from the patient’s system.

Flumazenil

Additionally, your doctor may prescribe flumazenil. This drug reverses the sedation Lunesta brings on but it also has a high risk of seizures and heart rhythm disorders. As a result, flumazenil is not used very often.

Lunesta Addiction Treatment

Once you’re stabilized and your vitals are normal, detox is the first step in recovery. During this short-term process, you come off of Lunesta while being supervised by medical professionals.

When your body has become dependent on the drug (either from abuse or taking higher doses), quitting can lead to withdrawal symptoms like rebound insomnia and intense drug cravings.

After detox, inpatient or outpatient treatment options are the next step. Both treatment programs offer therapy, support groups, medical care, and education on addiction.

Find Treatment Today

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, please contact Northeast Addictions Treatment Center today.