Lunesta is the brand name for a prescription drug called eszopiclone. It belongs to a class of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Lunesta to treat insomnia, a sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall and stay asleep. It’s typically only prescribed for short-term use.
Like many other prescription medications, Lunesta is sometimes sold on the street. The street price of Lunesta differs from its retail price.
Lunesta Street Price
On the street, Lunesta prices usually range between $1 and $10 per pill. The exact price depends on the dosage, with higher dosages typically costing more. The drug is available in 1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg strengths.
Another factor that can impact Lunesta’s street price is location. The drug generally costs more in rural areas and less in big cities. That’s because big cities tend to have a higher supply of Lunesta and other drugs, which leads to lower prices.
Lunesta Prescription Cost
The prescription cost of Lunesta depends on a variety of factors, including the amount of tablets prescribed, the pharmacy you use, and your insurance.
Amount Of Tablets Prescribed
No matter the dosage, prescription Lunesta generally costs between:
- $100 and $130 for a 5-day supply
- $200 and $300 for a 15-day supply
- $550 and $580 for a 30-day supply
- $1,000 and $1,130 for a 60-day supply
- $1,600 and $1,700 for a 90-day supply
Pharmacy
Often, different pharmacies charge different prices for the same drug. For example, a 30-day supply of 2 mg Lunesta usually costs about $550 at Walmart, $560 at CVS Pharmacy, and $570 at Walgreens.
Insurance
Many Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance plans will cover some or all of the cost of Lunesta. Contact your insurance company to determine how much coverage you would receive.
You may also be able to get Lunesta at a discounted price by:
- using a free coupon, prescription discount card, savings card, rebate card, or copay card
- enrolling in a patient assistance program
- using your insurance plan’s mail order pharmacy
Risks Of Lunesta Abuse
Some people abuse Lunesta by using it in a manner not prescribed by a healthcare professional. For example, they might take higher doses than prescribed, take it without a prescription, or crush the tablets and snort them.
In some cases, they may be trying to enhance the drug’s effects to better treat their sleep problems. Other times, they may just want to feel relaxed and happy, or “high.”
No matter why you do it, abusing Lunesta poses serious health risks, including increased side effects, overdose, and addiction.
Increased Side Effects
Like other prescription drugs, Lunesta can have adverse effects.
The most common side effects of Lunesta include:
- drowsiness
- dizziness
- nausea and vomiting
- headache
- dry mouth
- unpleasant taste
- impaired coordination
- painful menstruation
- reduced sexual desire
You may also experience additional side effects if you take the drug alongside other substances. That’s why it’s important to tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you take before starting Lunesta.
People who abuse Lunesta are much more likely to experience the drug’s side effects.
They may also experience rarer, more serious effects, including:
- hoarseness
- rash or hives
- trouble breathing or swallowing
- feeling like the throat is closing
- swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, throat, hands, lower legs, ankles, or feet
If you experience these more serious side effects, seek medical advice as soon as possible. You could be having a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Overdose
Lunesta is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant. That means it slows down your breathing and heart rate. If you take too much Lunesta or mix it with other CNS depressants, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines, you may experience a life-threatening overdose.
Common symptoms of Lunesta overdose include:
- headache
- severe drowsiness
- slowed or stopped breathing
- slowed or stopped heart rate
- loss of consciousness
If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, seek medical help right away.
Addiction
If you regularly abuse Lunesta, you may become addicted to it. Addiction is a serious disease that makes you feel unable to stop using a drug.
Other symptoms include:
- mood swings
- loss of motivation
- loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- difficulty maintaining relationships
- difficulty performing at work or school
- tolerance
- physical dependence (experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety and sweating, when you don’t use Lunesta)
Find Treatment Today
If you or someone you love experiences these symptoms, please contact Northeast Addictions Treatment Center. Our board-certified healthcare providers offer mental health counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and other outpatient forms of personalized, evidence-based care.
Sources
Written by
Northeast Addition Editorial Team
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This page does not provide medical advice.