What are the common side effects of Lunesta. How does long-term use of Lunesta affect the body and mind. Can Lunesta cause weight gain or lead to dependency. What precautions should be taken when using Lunesta for insomnia treatment.

Common Side Effects of Lunesta: What to Expect

Lunesta, also known by its generic name eszopiclone, is a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic medication used to treat acute and chronic insomnia. While it can be effective in improving sleep quality and duration, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects.

The most frequently reported side effects of Lunesta include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Metallic or bitter taste in the mouth
• Daytime drowsiness

These side effects typically occur in less than 2% of individuals taking Lunesta as prescribed. However, exceeding the recommended dosage can increase the likelihood and severity of adverse reactions.

Physical Side Effects of Lunesta

In addition to the common side effects mentioned above, some people may experience other physical reactions to Lunesta, including:

• Dry mouth
• Skin rash or itching
• Cough
• Stomach discomfort
• Loss of appetite
• Hangover-like feeling
• Constipation

Is Lunesta associated with allergic reactions? While rare, some individuals may experience an allergic response to eszopiclone. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, and severe dizziness. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Psychological Effects of Lunesta: Beyond Sleep Improvement

Lunesta’s interaction with GABA receptors in the brain can lead to various psychological effects, particularly with long-term use or misuse. Some of the psychological side effects reported include:

• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Drug dependence
• Hallucinations
• Memory loss or amnesia
• Confusion
• Aggressive behavior
• Abnormal thoughts, including self-harm ideation
• Agitation
• Worsening of depression

Can Lunesta cause sleepwalking or other unusual behaviors? In rare cases (less than 1% of users), Lunesta may lead to somnambulism or complex sleep-related behaviors. This can include activities such as eating, driving, or engaging in conversations while asleep, with no recollection of these events upon waking.

Long-Term Use of Lunesta: Potential Risks and Concerns

While Lunesta is primarily intended for short-term use in treating insomnia, some individuals may find themselves using the medication for extended periods. It’s crucial to understand the potential risks associated with long-term Lunesta use:

Drug Tolerance and Dependency

As a Schedule IV controlled substance, Lunesta carries a risk of physical and psychological dependence, especially with prolonged use. Over time, users may develop tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same sleep-inducing effects.

Cognitive and Emotional Impact

Extended use of Lunesta may lead to:

• Persistent memory problems
• Mood disturbances
• Increased risk of depression
• Cognitive impairment

How does Lunesta affect daytime functioning? Even when taken as prescribed, Lunesta can cause residual drowsiness and impaired alertness the following day. This effect may be more pronounced with long-term use, potentially impacting work performance, driving ability, and overall quality of life.

Lunesta and Weight Changes: Separating Fact from Fiction

While not listed as a common side effect, some users have reported changes in weight while taking Lunesta. But does Lunesta directly cause weight gain?

The relationship between Lunesta and weight changes is complex and not fully understood. Some factors to consider include:

• Improved sleep quality may lead to better metabolism regulation
• Changes in appetite or eating habits as a result of medication use
• Potential interactions with other medications or health conditions

If you notice significant weight changes while taking Lunesta, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They can help determine if the medication is a contributing factor and suggest appropriate interventions if necessary.

Minimizing Lunesta Side Effects: Tips for Safe Use

To reduce the risk of experiencing adverse effects while taking Lunesta, consider the following recommendations:

1. Follow prescribed dosage instructions carefully
2. Allow for at least 8 hours of sleep after taking the medication
3. Avoid alcohol and other central nervous system depressants
4. Inform your doctor of all other medications and supplements you’re taking
5. Report any unusual side effects to your healthcare provider promptly

How can you safely discontinue Lunesta use? If you’ve been taking Lunesta for an extended period and wish to stop, it’s crucial to do so under medical supervision. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms and rebound insomnia. Your doctor can help create a tapering schedule to minimize these effects.

Alternatives to Lunesta: Exploring Other Insomnia Treatments

For those concerned about Lunesta’s side effects or seeking alternative treatments for insomnia, several options are available:

Non-Pharmacological Approaches

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
• Sleep hygiene improvements
• Relaxation techniques
• Mindfulness meditation

Other Medications

• Different classes of sleep aids (e.g., melatonin receptor agonists)
• Over-the-counter sleep aids
• Natural supplements (under medical guidance)

What factors should be considered when choosing an insomnia treatment? The best approach depends on individual factors such as the underlying cause of insomnia, overall health status, potential drug interactions, and personal preferences. Consulting with a sleep specialist can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Monitoring and Managing Lunesta Side Effects

Effective management of Lunesta side effects requires vigilance and open communication with your healthcare provider. Consider the following strategies:

• Keep a sleep diary to track sleep patterns and any side effects
• Schedule regular check-ups to discuss medication effectiveness and any concerns
• Be aware of potential drug interactions and inform all healthcare providers about your Lunesta use
• Learn to recognize signs of dependency or tolerance

When should you seek immediate medical attention while taking Lunesta? If you experience severe side effects such as allergic reactions, extreme confusion, hallucinations, or any symptoms that significantly impact your daily functioning, contact your doctor or seek emergency care promptly.

The Future of Insomnia Treatment: Beyond Lunesta

As research in sleep medicine advances, new treatments for insomnia are continually being developed. Some promising areas of study include:

• Novel pharmacological agents with fewer side effects
• Advanced cognitive behavioral therapies
• Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic factors
• Technology-assisted interventions, such as smart devices and apps for sleep tracking and improvement

How might future insomnia treatments differ from current options like Lunesta? Future treatments may offer more targeted approaches with reduced side effect profiles, potentially combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods for optimal results. Advances in understanding the biological mechanisms of sleep may lead to interventions that address the root causes of insomnia more effectively.

In conclusion, while Lunesta can be an effective treatment for insomnia, it’s essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risk of side effects. By staying informed, working closely with healthcare providers, and exploring alternative options when necessary, individuals can make the best decisions for their sleep health and overall well-being.

Lunesta Side Effects: Adverse Reactions And Complications

Lunesta, the brand name for generic drug eszopiclone, is non-benzodiazepine acting as sedatives-hypnotics to treat acute and chronic insomnia. It interacts with the GABA receptors in the brain which regulate the sleeping pattern to produce a calming effect. It helps in getting better and longer sleep at night. Although taking it can help with conditions like insomnia still, like other sedative-hypnotics, there are several Lunesta side effects. It is a type IV-controlled substance that may lead to physical and psychological dependence. That is why its misuse and dependency need to be regularly monitored.  In this article, detailed information about side effects, dangers of its long-term use, and liability of dependence on the drug will be provided to cover any queries.

Common Lunesta Side Effects

Lunesta (eszopiclone) is used in the treatment of sleeping problems. It is an approved medication for sleep improvement, maintenance, increase in quality and quantity of sleep as well as the improvement of next day function. It can help with transient and chronic insomnia and disturbed sleep schedules. While it is considered safe, it also has some undesirable effects.

Common Side Effects of Lunesta Include: 

• headache
• dizziness
• anxiety
• metallic after taste
• daytime somnolence

More Severe Side Effects of Lunesta Can Range From:

• short-term memory impairment
• change in behavior
• aggression
• hallucinations
• self-harming thoughts

While headache dizziness and metallic taste are short-term side effects, others are especially manifested if one is taking its treatment for several months. These Lunesta Side Effects occur in less than 2% of individuals but taking more than the recommended dose can increase the frequency of these side effects. These effects can be physical as well as psychological and must be consulted with the doctor.

Physical Lunesta Side Effects

The most common side effects of lunesta reported on treatment with eszopiclone are dry mouth, metallic taste, and headache. Metallic aftertaste or bitter taste on tip of the tongue is reported by the majority of people taking it even with the first dose compared to the other side effects which are usually presented after long term use.

Other Physical Lunesta Side Effects Experienced by People Taking It Aside From the Ones Mentioned Above Are:

• Itchy rash on the skin
• Cough
• Stomach-ache
• Loss of appetite
• Daytime somnolence
• Hangover feeling
• Dizziness
• Constipation

Allergic reaction to this drug is rare, however, severe dizziness, rash itch, difficulty in breathing, swollen tongue are red flags for an allergic reaction that one should look out for. It can maintain its calming effects even after a full night’s sleep. This can result in daytime sleepiness and drowsiness. There should be at least 8 hours of sleep after taking medication to combat the daytime somnolence.  It is also important not to exceed the recommended 2-3mg dosage. Exceeded amounts result in severe and long-lasting physical effects. Prevalence for these side effects is less than 2% of the medication is taken properly, in the recommended dosage, and without any other interacting substances.

Psychological Lunesta Side Effects

Eszopiclone works by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain. Where this interaction produces a calming effect for a sound overnight sleep, overuse of this drug can cause other psychological side effects. Most Common Psychological Lunesta Side Effects Include:

• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Drug dependence
• Hallucination

One can Experience Severe Psychological Symptoms If The Use Of Medicine Is  Dosage. These Are:

• Memory loss or amnesia
• Confused thoughts
• Aggressive behavior
• Abnormal self-harming thoughts
• Auditory and visual hallucination
• Agitation
• Jitters
• Worsening of depression

Another psychological complication experienced by less than 1% of people is somnambulism or sleepwalking. A person can have a conversation, eat, drive, go to places or even engage in sexual activity while still being asleep. Most people don’t have a memory of these events and this can impose serious effects on their social functioning.  These symptoms are usually presented by patients who either take a high dose or take it with other recreational substances like alcohol or illegal drugs.

The Dangers Of Lunesta Long-Term Use

The medication is used as a short term treatment of insomnia. It is a type IV controlled substance which means its long-term use can lead to physical and psychological dependence. It not only has a potential addicting effect but can also cause severe adverse reactions on long-term use such as mood swings, drug tolerance, memory loss, depression, and in extreme cases it can even cause organ failure.

Drug Tolerance

Using eszopiclone is beneficial for the short-term treatment of insomnia but If the medicine is continued for a long time, drug tolerance can develop with Lunesta long term use. It will take more and more dosages of medicine to produce the same effect. This drug tolerance can potentially lead to overdose and a disturbed sleep cycle. Therefore, while it is safe for short-term treatment of insomnia, it is not recommended for long-term use.

Memory Loss

Memory loss is another one of Lunesta side effects that can occur after Lunesta long term use. It is used in the treatment of insomnia because it acts as a central nervous system depressant. It depresses nerve fiber firing in the central nervous system to reduce the stress response. Long-term CNS depression can lead to memory impairment and amnesia. This can be corrected by gradually decreasing the dosage and withdrawing the medication.

Depression

Side effects of Lunesta include worsening of existing depression symptoms and even causing depression in some patients. Low moods, suicidal thoughts, and irrational decisions are some other depression-related manifestations of using eszopiclone. If changes in one’s behavior are observed, a medical practitioner should be consulted immediately.

Organ Dysfunction

Our body has its drugs detoxification system. Disrupting the normal function of these organs is another complication of eszopiclone.  Medicines are metabolized in the kidneys and liver. Taking a high dose of this medication  for a long time causes stress on these organs and can lead to dysfunction. At the start, it can be reversed by simply withdrawing the medication slowly but as it progresses, it can enter an irreversible phase which can progress to end-stage organ failure. Therefore, it is important to take no more than the recommended medical dose and the recommended period.

 Lunesta And Weight

Weight changes are rare and are reported by less than 1% of Lunesta (eszopiclone) users. It can cause weight fluctuation owing to its effect on the central nervous system and body metabolism. There are not many studies that focus on weight changes with eszopiclone use or provide information about its association but many patients reported noticing weight changes. Although Eszopiclone mechanism of action doesn’t directly affect weight still, its effect on the central nervous system and mild effect on metabolism can be indirectly linked to weight and body mass fluctuation in some people.

Lunesta And Weight Gain

Does Lunesta Cause Weight Gain?. This is the most common medical concern for people who are just starting on this medicine by their doctor.  Although weight gain is not a severe side effect of Lunesta. People who are on Lunesta sometimes report feelings of hunger while they are on drugs. Its use can increase the appetite and cause weight gain. It can be carefully ministered by using dietary restrictions and having proper sleep.

Lunesta And Weight Loss

Weight loss is a very rare effect of Lunesta. Some people report unintentional weight loss with the use of this drug, which can be linked to its unpleasant or bitter after taste and dry mouth which can lead to loss of appetite. Loss of appetite may remain unnoticed by people but can cause weight loss due to lack of proper nutrition. The studies still have to provide information about their direct association with each other.

Lunesta In Pregnancy

The use of the drug in pregnancy is still under debate and information about its use in pregnancy is lacking. There are no controlled human trials proving its effect on pregnancy,  this is why one should take extra caution while using it during pregnancy. It is labeled as FDA category C, which means it should only be prescribed with consideration.  A pregnant woman should use it only under the doctor’s recommendation. There are not many studies that identify its risk factors and interaction in pregnant women and nursing mothers.

It can only be prescribed if the beneficial medical effects outweigh the potential risk to the health of the fetus.

Preventing Lunesta Side Effects

This medication is a relatively safe drug, and if taken properly, less than 2% of people experience these side effects. Management of these side effects is important for the patient’s comfort and medical needs. These side effects can be reduced by taking only the recommended dosage. Having a window period of 8 hours to sleep can help with dizziness. For the common side effects, waiting for our body to adjust to the drugs is often the best option. Limiting the use of drugs like CNS depressants or alcohol can help with drug interactions. If these symptoms become severe, switching to another medicine under the doctor’s advice can be considered. It is important to have the proper information and these decisions should only be taken under the guidance of a doctor and consultation of a healthcare professional.

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Page Sources

1. Greenblatt, D. J., & Zammit, G. K. (2012). Pharmacokinetic evaluation of eszopiclone: Clinical and therapeutic implications. Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism and Toxicology, 8(12). https://doi.org/10.1517/17425255.2012.741588
2. Halas, C. J. (2006). Eszopiclone. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy : AJHP : Official Journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 63(1). https://doi.org/10.2146/ajhp050357
3. K., M., A., A., & N., H. (2014). Evaluation of the efficacy and adverse effect (unpleasant taste) of eszopiclone in Japanese patients. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 17(SUPPL. 1).
4. Monti, J. M., & Pandi-Perumal, S. R. (2007). Eszopiclone: Its use in the treatment of insomnia. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 3(4).
5. Rösner, S., Englbrecht, C., Wehrle, R., Hajak, G., & Soyka, M. (2018). Eszopiclone for insomnia. In Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Vol. 2018, Issue 10). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD010703.pub2

Published on: October 20th, 2016

Updated on: February 2nd, 2023

About Author

Olivier George, Ph.D.

Olivier George is a medical writer and head manager of the rehab center in California. He spends a lot of time in collecting and analyzing the traditional approaches for substance abuse treatment and assessing their efficiency.

Medically Reviewed by

Michael Espelin APRN

8 years of nursing experience in wide variety of behavioral and addition settings that include adult inpatient and outpatient mental health services with substance use disorders, and geriatric long-term care and hospice care.  He has a particular interest in psychopharmacology, nutritional psychiatry, and alternative treatment options involving particular vitamins, dietary supplements, and administering auricular acupuncture.

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Does Lunesta cause weight gain?

By Ask Your Pharm

Page last updated: 05/27/2023 |



Next review date: 05/27/2025

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Does Lunesta cause weight gain? 

Yes, Lunesta (Eszopiclone) can make you gain weight. During clinical trials, this side effect was not commonly observed but the drug did cause weight gain in a lot of individuals when it was marketed. However, some individuals may not notice any weight gain. 

It totally depends on how this drug acts on your body and how your body responds when it is exposed to this medication. Just make sure you take this medication just as directed by your healthcare provider. 

The exact same dose, the same frequency of dose administration, and a constant time interval between each dosage. 

If you suffer from side effects after the most appropriate use, talk to your healthcare provider. Only your doctor can determine what to do next to ensure the safety and efficacy of Lunesta in your body. 

Why does Lunesta cause weight gain? 

Weight gain with Lunesta is quite unusual as the drug works in mysterious ways. Lunesta is a sleeping pill that can cause a number of side effects like most sleeping pills can (1). However, the most dangerous warning that comes with the use of Lunesta is the abnormal sleep behaviour associated with it.

Research study on Lunesta and unusual sleep-related eating patterns

Studies suggest that Lunesta can not only make you sleepwalk, but it can make you perform some of your daily life activities in your sleep without having any recollection of what you did in the morning.

However, the most concerning abnormal sleep pattern and the one that can make you gain a tremendous amount of weight is an eating disorder (2). Lunesta can trigger unusual cravings in some people while they are asleep and can make them eat in their sleep.

Most people don’t remember after their binge eating episode and this continues to happen every other night – which ultimately makes people gain a lot of weight without even having a logical explanation for this. 

It can also cause depression and mess up your mood and behaviour. Let’s see what Cathy, a victim of Lunesta-induced weight gain, has to say about this.

“I started taking Lunesta because of my insomnia. I was not fond of meds so I waited for my insomnia to go away on its own, but it didn’t. When I started taking the med, it helped me fall asleep in less than an hour. My nighttime wakefulness was also reduced and I would wake up in the morning all fresh. But I remember how I always felt bloated in the morning. ”

She further explained:

“I started gaining weight after 15 to 20 days of using this medication. My husband gets posted to another state for work so I’m usually alone. When he got back home, I learned something unusual about myself. He told me how I used to wake up in the middle of the night and eat a hell lot of snacks, even used to throw away the wrappers in the bin and had full conversations with my husband, but I couldn’t recall it in the morning.”

This indeed sounds depressing that you can’t even remember what you did the night before. Many other women have also revealed the exact same thing. Cathy also added that she used to find food wrappers on her nightstand in the morning without having any recollection of eating all that stuff.

What to do if Lunesta makes you gain weight? 

If Lunesta makes you gain weight or makes you eat more in your sleep, there are a few things you can do to prevent it. Talking to your doctor should be the first thing you do if you keep finding food wrappers on your nightstand or any sign of nighttime snacking.  

This can go beyond weight gain if not controlled on time. You can even go out of your house, drive your car, meet new people, and have sex, and still, you would not remember it in the morning. Not just Lunesta, other hypnotics, such as Ambien, also cause similar side effects.

This is quite upsetting to even think that these medications have this much control over your mind. This is why talking to your doctor is crucial. If your unusual eating episodes are getting out of hand, your doctor will taper off Lunesta and will switch to another medication if needed. 

If you want to lose the weight you have already gained, you can try the old conventional methods of weight loss, like maintaining a good diet and exercise. They can not only help you lose weight but will also make your physiological systems stronger and healthier. 

References

1. PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-.