Lunesta - what can you tell me about a new medication?

Question

The following is my problem: After 8 years of daily use of zopiclone at the highest dose, a drug that has approved in Germany for only 1 month was prescribed for me. It is called Lunesta in the USA. In Germany there are unfortunately no experience reports. My doctor prescribed 3 mg for me. In my opinion zopiclone helps better, but Lunesta is said to have fewer side effects?

Answer

Hello,
I agree with the links and information masso provided. But, 3 mg of lunesta is way too much. The typical starting dose is 1mg. Higher doses are known to cause next morning drowsiness/impairment. Lunesta have a longer half life in its drug class. Elimination or half life is within 6 hours. So Lunesta may be prescribe to patient who find it difficult to stay asleep longer through the night. As I said above, starting with 3mg is too much. Start low (1mg) too see how you react before increasing.