Can you take Lunesta (eszopiclone) every night?
The FDA-approved label for Lunesta (eszopiclone) does not specify how long the medication can be used to treat insomnia. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on how to take this medication. It is typically taken every night until you and your healthcare provider decide you can try to stop taking it to see if your sleeping problems have gotten better. If your insomnia gets worse or does not get better within 7-10 days of taking Lunesta, contact your prescriber.
Lunesta has been studied for up to 12 months in people with chronic insomnia, where it has been proven to work well during this time. The only side effect reported by more than 5% of people taking Lunesta during the 12-month study was an unpleasant taste. It is not known how well it works beyond this time, nor if it is safe.
How do you take Lunesta?
Lunesta comes in three different tablet strengths: 1 mg, 2 mg, and 3 mg. It is recommended to start with the lowest dose (1 mg) to lower your risk of next-day impairment. The usual dose is to take 1 mg by mouth right before bedtime, making sure you have at least 7-8 hours left before you need to wake up. Do not take Lunesta if you plan to be awake for a while, because this can lead to memory problems, hallucinations, and dizziness.
If the 1 mg strength does not seem to be working for you, your prescriber may raise your dose to a maximum of 3 mg per night. Those who are older in age, have severe liver problems, or are taking certain medications that interact with Lunesta should not take more than 2 mg per night.
Lunesta should not be taken with or right after a heavy, high-fat meal, because this can delay the time it takes for it to start working.
This is not all the information you need to know about Lunesta (eszopiclone) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
Related questions
References
Heesch, C. B. 2014. The long-term use of sedative hypnotics in chronic insomnia. In: Mental Health Clinician. DOI: https://doi.org/10.9740/mhc.n190097
Lunesta [package insert]. 2023. Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc. Accessed 11/08/24 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=fd047b2b-05a6-4d99-95cb-955f14bf329f
Roth, T., et. al. 2005. An evaluation of the efficacy and safety of eszopiclone over 12 months in patients with chronic primary insomnia. In: Sleep Medicine. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2005.06.004
Sateia, M. J., et. al. 2017. Clinical Practice Guideline for the Pharmacologic Treatment of Chronic Insomnia in Adults: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine Clinical Practice Guideline. In: Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.6470
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2018). Questions and answers: Risk of next-morning impairment after use of insomnia drugs; FDA requires lower recommended doses for certain drugs containing zolpidem (Ambien, Ambien CR, Edluar, and Zolpimist). Accessed 11/12/2024 at https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/questions-and-answers-risk-next-morning-impairment-after-use-insomnia-drugs-fda-requires-lower
Zee, P. C., et. al. 2023. Long-Term Use of Insomnia Medications: An Appraisal of the Current Clinical and Scientific Evidence. In: Journal of Clinical Medicine. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12041629
Read next
Is “Ambien-Tweeting” or "Sleep-Tweeting" a Thing?
While “sleep-tweeting” or "Ambien-tweeting" have not been reported as a side effect of Ambien, unusual sleep-related behaviors are possible with the drugs in this popular class of sleeping medications. Continue reading
What are the strongest sleeping pills?
There are many different types of sleeping pills available. Some require a prescription, while others are available over the counter. In general, prescription sleeping pills are stronger than those found over the counter. Continue reading
Is eszopiclone the same as Ambien?
No, Lunesta (eszopiclone) is not the same as Ambien (zolpidem). They are two prescription medications that may be used to treat insomnia, but have many differences. Continue reading
Related medical questions
- How do I use prescription sleeping pills safely?
- What is the maximum safe dosage for melatonin?
- Can you have narcolepsy and insomnia?
- What is the max dose of diphenhydramine for adults?
- Does Seroquel (quetiapine) help you sleep?
- Lorazepam vs Xanax: What is the difference?
- Does Xanax help you sleep?
- Why am I unable to sleep after taking Ambien?
- Quviviq vs. Ambien: How do they compare?
- Should gabapentin be taken with food?
- Does Melatonin interact with any drugs?
- Is Ambien safe for long-term use?
- Xanax vs Ambien: How do they compare?
- Ambien: What are 11 Things You Need to Know?
- Is Ambien a controlled substance?
- Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride vs Citrate: What's the difference?
- Does Valerian Root interact with any drugs?
- How long does melatonin stay in your system?
- Is Ambien a benzo?
- Does caffeine affect Vraylar (cariprazine)?
- Is Ambien addictive?
- Can't Sleep? A Pharmacist's Tips for a Good Night's Rest
- Is Dayvigo addictive?
- What is this pill? Tannish peach color, elliptical, marked 10 MG and 5 dots in a small box?
- Can you take melatonin while pregnant?
Drug information
Related support groups
- Lunesta (26 questions, 68 members)
- Eszopiclone (7 questions, 17 members)
- Insomnia (650 questions, 2,647 members)