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What is lunesta side effects: Lunesta (Eszopiclone) Side Effects, Addiction & Dangers

Lunesta (Eszopiclone) Side Effects, Addiction & Dangers

What Is Lunesta?

Lunesta, the brand name for generic drug eszopiclone, is a hypnotic, non-benzodiazepine prescription medication used to treat insomnia.

Much like Ambien, Lunesta can cause serious side effects, especially when paired with alcohol or when taken in larger-than-prescribed doses. The medication can be habit-forming and addictive.

It is very important for individuals who have struggled with addiction or drug abuse in the past to discuss these issues with their doctor before beginning a Lunesta prescription. This prescription drug can be so habit-forming that, in 2014, the Food and Drug Administration changed the recommended low dose of Lunesta from 2 mg to 1 mg. This change also had to do with some of the hypnotic, sleep-inducing side effects of the medication, which can linger into the next day.

Side Effects & Warnings

There are several potential side effects of taking Lunesta, especially if a person takes this medication for more than a few months. While doctors monitor their patients for side effects and symptoms, including addictive behaviors, it is important for people who receive a Lunesta prescription to discuss any concerns they have about side effects, both long-term and short-term, with their medical professionals.

People who do not plan to get more than seven hours of sleep should not take Lunesta, and those who regularly drink alcohol or take certain dietary supplements should not take this drug. It is important to let doctors know about any other prescription medications you are taking as well, because mixing this prescription with other drugs can be detrimental to organ systems like the liver, kidneys, or brain.

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Short-term Side Effects

The most common, short-term side effects of Lunesta include:

  • Dry mouth
  • Unpleasant taste on the tongue, typically bitter or metallic
  • Drowsiness or difficulty waking up in the morning
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Cold-like symptoms, such as runny nose or cough
  • Ongoing grogginess the next day

It is possible to have an allergic reaction to this medication, so it is important to discuss allergies with a doctor. More serious side effects include:

  • Anxiety
  • Abnormal thoughts or behavior, such as aggression, confusion, hallucinations, severe depression, or suicidal thoughts
  • Memory loss
  • Somnambulism or other “sleepwalking” activities

Somnambulism is one of the more serious side effects. Individuals who take Lunesta may get out of bed and hold a conversation, leave the house, eat a large amount of food, or even engage in sexual activity while still asleep. This side effect can get worse when Lunesta is mixed with recreational, illegal drugs, or alcohol.

Another side effect of Lunesta, which can be worsened when mixed with drugs or alcohol, is the potential to not be fully awake or alert the next day. If a person takes Lunesta as a prescription, it is important to follow all the prescribing doctor’s recommendations, such as getting at least seven hours of sleep and taking only the smallest required dose, in order to reduce this possibility. However, if Lunesta is taken recreationally, or in combination with alcohol or recreational drugs, it is possible that the person will not wake up completely from sleep the next day. This puts the person in physical danger, particularly if driving or operating heavy machinery. Typically, the person suffering this side effect will feel alert and awake for the most part, but could still suffer sleep-related hallucinations or other effects of this hypnotic medication.

Sometimes, a person may feel hungover after taking Lunesta. This feeling can intensify if Lunesta is taken in too large a dose, with alcohol, or mixed with other recreational drugs. Headaches become worse or more common, as well as feeling dehydrated, fatigued, and depressed.

Generally, short-term side effects only occur in about 2 percent of the population, typically less. The potential for side effects increases when a person takes this medication for longer than necessary, without doctor supervision, in too high a dose, or in combination with recreational drugs or alcohol.

Long-term Side Effects

If a person takes this medication for a long time, or takes this drug in ways that are not as prescribed by a medical professional, the person could experience withdrawal when stopping use of the drug. Lunesta withdrawal symptoms can include:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Nervousness, anxiety, irritability, or mood swings
  • Shakiness or tremors
  • Flushing
  • Rebound insomnia

If a person takes Lunesta and wishes to stop, or the prescribing doctor thinks the person should stop, the doctor may create a plan to reduce the dosage slowly over time. This is called tapering, and it can wean the body off a potentially addictive medication while reducing the impact of withdrawal symptoms.

When Lunesta is taken as a prescription and supervised by a medical professional, when tolerance develops, the prescribing doctor can either switch the individual to another medication, or help the person stop taking Lunesta and try other insomnia treatments.

However, if a person abuses Lunesta for recreational purposes, or suffers from an addiction to Lunesta, there are other long-term side effects that could become serious. Memory loss can occur, in some instances even when the individual follows the prescribing doctor’s instructions. However, when taken in doses that are too large, amnesia can become a recurring problem. People who suffer Lunesta-related amnesia forget events while they are on the drug, either due to sleepwalking and related activities, or because the drug affects the brain directly and prevents the individual from properly forming memories. Amnesia could be a side effect of too large a dose, in which case people should speak to their doctors about lowering the dosage, or it could be a side effect of addiction or mixing this drug with alcohol or other drugs. Similarly, Lunesta can cause problems with cognitive function over time.

Psychological problems can develop with long-term use of Lunesta as well. Depression can get worse, suicidal thoughts may form, and anxiety or neurosis may be present. With very long-term abuse, the drug can cause hallucinations and paranoia.

Long-term use or abuse of Lunesta can also lead to a loss of coordination and fine motor control. Uncontrollable eye movements, called nystagmus, can begin, and muscles may twitch, shake, and become weak. In addition, the person may experience sensitivity to light, inflammation of the whites of the eyes (conjunctivitis), and have dry eyes. The person may also develop tinnitus, or a ringing in the ears that becomes progressively worse.

A person can experience increasingly poor reflexes along with other musculoskeletal problems such as inflamed joints, which become stiff or painful. Other parts of the body may suffer from inflammation as well, especially the lungs in individuals who suffer asthma or allergies. Inflammation in the lungs can decrease breathing capacity and make these conditions worse.

Because medications are filtered through the liver and kidneys when they are digested, long-term abuse or addiction to Lunesta can lead to liver and kidney damage. The likelihood of this is increased if the person suffers from liver disease or kidney disease already.

Are Lunesta’s Side Effects Reversible?

While short-term side effects are reversible, it is unclear to what extent long-term side effects can be reversed. If a person suffers bouts of amnesia due to Lunesta use or abuse, then the person will not be able to get those memories back. However, cognitive issues and mood swings can clear up after withdrawing from Lunesta.

Lunesta Overdose

Overdose on Lunesta is possible and is even more likely when mixed with alcohol or other drugs, especially those that cause drowsiness as well. Seek medical attention immediately if you believe you or someone you love me be experiencing an overdose. Overdose signs to look out for include:

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Headaches
  • Coma

Is There Treatment for Lunesta Addiction or Abuse?

If a person suffers from an addiction to Lunesta, medical detox can help the person to safely withdraw from this medication and comprehensive therapy can address the reasons that led to ongoing abuse. In addition to therapy to deal with issues related to substance abuse and addiction, treatment for Lunesta abuse should also address issues with insomnia and sleep health. Every addiction treatment program should assess incoming clients for co-occurring mental health issues to ensure the best chances of a complete recovery for each individual.

 

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Last Updated on Sep 9, 2022

Lunesta Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Warnings:

Rarely, after taking this drug, people have gotten out of bed and driven vehicles while not fully awake (“sleep-driving”). People have also sleepwalked, prepared/eaten food, made phone calls, or had sex while not fully awake. Often, these people do not remember these events. This problem can be dangerous (possibly fatal) to you or to others. If you find out that you have done any of these activities after taking this medication, tell your doctor right away. You should not take this medication or similar medications (such as zaleplon, zolpidem) if you have this reaction to the medication.

Warnings:

Rarely, after taking this drug, people have gotten out of bed and driven vehicles while not fully awake (“sleep-driving”). People have also sleepwalked, prepared/eaten food, made phone calls, or had sex while not fully awake. Often, these people do not remember these events. This problem can be dangerous (possibly fatal) to you or to others. If you find out that you have done any of these activities after taking this medication, tell your doctor right away. You should not take this medication or similar medications (such as zaleplon, zolpidem) if you have this reaction to the medication.

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Uses

This medication is used to treat a certain sleep problem (insomnia). It may help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and lessen how often you wake up during the night, so you can get a better night’s rest. Eszopiclone belongs to a class of drugs called sedative-hypnotics. It acts on your brain to produce a calming effect.Use of this medication is usually limited to short treatment periods of 1 to 2 weeks or less. If your insomnia continues for a longer time, talk to your doctor to see if you need other treatment.

How to use Lunesta

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using eszopiclone and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually just before you get into bed. Do not take it with or right after a high-fat or heavy meal since it may not work as well. The dosage is based on your medical condition, age, liver function, other medications you may be taking, and response to treatment. Do not take more of this medication than prescribed because your risk of side effects will increase. The starting dose is 1 milligram at bedtime as directed. That dosage lessens the risk of having trouble safely doing activities requiring alertness the next day (such as driving or operating machinery). Also, you may not be fully alert the next day, yet you think you are fully alert. If you are prescribed the 3 milligram dosage of eszopiclone, you should not do activities the next day that require alertness. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

If you are an older adult or you have liver disease, a low dose will usually be prescribed to lessen the risk of being impaired the next day. Do not stop your medication without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not take a dose of this drug unless you have time for a full night’s sleep of at least 7 to 8 hours. If you have to wake up before that, you may have some memory loss and may have trouble safely doing any activity that requires alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. (See also Precautions section.)

If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, flushing, stomach cramps, nervousness, shakiness). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used eszopiclone for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.

When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this medication exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts after 7 to 10 days, or if it gets worse.

You may have trouble sleeping the first few nights after you stop taking this medication. This is called rebound insomnia and is normal. It will usually go away after 1 or 2 nights. If this effect continues, contact your doctor.

Side Effects

See also Warning section.

Dizziness, dry mouth, unpleasant taste, or difficulty with coordination may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To reduce the risk of dizziness or falling, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

This medication may make you sleepy during the day. Tell your doctor if you have daytime drowsiness. Your dose may need to be adjusted.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: memory loss, mental/mood/behavior changes (such as new/worsening depression, abnormal thoughts, thoughts of suicide, hallucinations, confusion, agitation, aggressive behavior, anxiety).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

See also Warning section.

Before taking eszopiclone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to zopiclone; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, lung/breathing problems (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, sleep apnea), mental/mood problems (such as depression, thoughts of suicide), personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol), personal or family history of sleepwalking, a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis).

The effects of this drug can last even after you wake up the next day. If you did not get 7 to 8 hours of sleep or took other medications that made you sleepy or are more sensitive to this drug, you may feel alert but not think clearly enough to drive. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can also make you more sleepy. Wait at least 8 hours after taking this drug before driving, and do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). If you take the 3 milligram dosage of eszopiclone, do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness the next day.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness, confusion, unsteadiness, and excessive drowsiness. These side effects can increase the risk of falling. Also see the How To Use section.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Infants born to mothers who take this medication near the time of delivery may have undesirable effects such as excessive sleepiness. Tell your doctor if you notice such effects in your newborn. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

A product that may interact with this drug is: sodium oxybate.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), other drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).

Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Eszopiclone is very similar to zopiclone. Do not use medications containing zopiclone while using eszopiclone.

Does Lunesta interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: slow/shallow breathing, a deep sleep from which you cannot be awakened.

Do not share this medication with others. Sharing it is against the law.

As you get older, your sleep pattern may naturally change and your sleep may be interrupted several times during the night. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for ways to improve your sleep without medication, such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime, avoiding daytime naps, and going to bed at the same time each night.

If you miss a dose, do not take it unless you have time to sleep for 7 to 8 hours afterward. (See also How to Use section.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Images

Lunesta 2 mg tablet

Color: whiteShape: roundImprint: S191

This medicine is a white, round, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “S191”.

Lunesta 3 mg tablet

Color: dark blueShape: roundImprint: S193

This medicine is a white, round, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “S191”.

Lunesta 1 mg tablet

Color: light blueShape: roundImprint: S190

This medicine is a white, round, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “S191”.

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Drug Survey

Are you currently using Lunesta?

This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Eszopiclone (Lunesta) for sleep difficulties

Why is this review important?

Insomnia is the medical term for sleep difficulties, including trouble falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, waking up too early, or feeling sleep is not restoring. Insomnia can be treated with a variety of methods, including behavior modification, relaxation techniques, or sleeping pills. Eszopiclone (Lunesta) is a sleeping medication that belongs to the class of sleep aids known as nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics.

Who might be interested in this overview?

People who suffer from insomnia, general practitioners, healthcare professionals, and those responsible for health policy decisions in drug treatment.

What questions does this review seek to answer?

The aim of the review was to learn more about the desirable and undesirable effects of essopiclone. Desirable effects included a direct effect of eszopiclone on sleep; undesirable effects included side effects, effects on functioning the next day, and the drug’s addictive (addictive and addictive) properties.

What studies were included in this review?

The review summarizes results from 14 clinical trials involving 4732 people who received either essopiclone or an identical looking but inert substance (placebo).

What does the evidence from this review tell us?

On average, people who took eszopiclone fell asleep 12 minutes faster than those who took placebo, were 17 minutes less awake at night, and in total slept about half an hour more than people in the placebo group. As side effects, eszopiclone can cause bad taste, dizziness, dry mouth, and tiredness during the day. Clinical studies have found no evidence that essopiclone caused serious harm or withdrawal symptoms or addictive symptoms when it was discontinued after several weeks or months of treatment. However, because the clinical studies included in this review did not include specific populations (such as older adults with cognitive or motor problems or certain medication conditions), it is important that patients consult with their physician, who knows their medical history and condition. .

What should happen next?

Future studies should compare eszopiclone with other sleeping pills to help clinicians and patients decide which of the available treatment options should be preferred. In addition, it is necessary to determine which sleeping pills are also well tolerated by the elderly and those with alcohol or drug addictions.

Translation notes:

Translation: Ziganshina Liliya Evgenievna. Editing: Yudina Ekaterina Viktorovna. Project coordination for translation into Russian: Cochrane Russia – Cochrane Russia on the basis of Kazan Federal University. For questions related to this translation, please contact us at: [email protected]; [email protected].

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Adult Medication

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This document, provided by Lexicomp ® , contains all the information you need to know about this medicine, including indications, directions for use, side effects, and when your healthcare provider should be contacted.

Trade names: USA

Lunesta

Brand names: Canada

Lunesta

Warning

  • Some people who take this drug do activities such as sleep walking, sleep driving, cook and eat food, have sex, or engage in other activities without fully waking up. In rare cases, this has resulted in serious injury or death. In most cases, these individuals had no memory of having performed these acts. If you experience the above effect, stop taking this drug and tell your doctor immediately.

What is this drug used for?

  • It is used to treat sleep disorders.

What should I tell my doctor BEFORE taking this drug?

  • If you have an allergy to this drug, any of its ingredients, other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor about your allergies and how they have manifested.
  • If you have taken this or similar drugs in the past and performed any tasks or activities without ever waking up.
  • If you are taking medicinal or natural preparations as sleeping pills. There are many drugs that are used in connection with sleep disorders. If in doubt, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

This list of drugs and conditions that may interact unfavorably with this drug is not exhaustive.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you take (prescription and over-the-counter, natural products and vitamins) and any health problems you have. You need to make sure that this drug is safe for your conditions and in combination with other drugs you are already taking. Do not start or stop taking any drug or change the dosage without your doctor’s advice.

What do I need to know or do while taking this drug?

  • Tell all your health care workers that you are taking this drug. These are doctors, nurses, pharmacists and dentists.
  • This drug may be habit-forming with long-term use.
  • Do not take this drug for longer than the length of time your doctor has prescribed.
  • Do not take the drug in higher doses than prescribed by your doctor. Taking more than the prescribed amount of the drug increases the risk of serious side effects.
  • If sleeping pills are used every night for more than a few weeks, their effectiveness may decrease. The so-called tolerance to the drug develops. Do not take sleeping pills for a long period of time. If you have insomnia for a long period, consult your doctor.
  • Long-term or regular use of this drug may lead to dependence. Sudden discontinuation of this drug may lead to so-called “withdrawal” symptoms. Talk to your doctor before reducing your dose or stopping this drug. You must follow the doctor’s instructions. If you experience any side effects, check with your doctor.
  • Don’t take sleep breaks.
  • After taking this drug, avoid driving, or other activities or activities that require increased attention. You may feel sleepy the day after taking this drug. Avoid such activities or activities until you are completely awake.
  • If you are taking the 3 mg dose, try not to drive or do other tasks or activities that require increased attention the day after taking this drug. Stick to these recommendations, even if you feel perfectly alert.
  • Check with your doctor before using marijuana, other forms of cannabis, or prescription or over-the-counter drugs that can slow you down.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this drug. Do not take this drug if you drank alcohol that night or before bed.
  • Do not take this drug if you are unable to get a good night’s sleep (for at least 7 to 8 hours) before you need to be active again.
  • This drug may cause drowsiness and reduce concentration. These effects can lead to crashes. The risk of falls is higher in the elderly. If you have any questions, please consult your doctor.
  • If you are 65 years of age or older, use this drug with caution. You may experience more side effects.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The benefits and risks for you and your child will need to be discussed.

What side effects should I report to my doctor immediately?

WARNING. In rare cases, this drug can cause serious and sometimes deadly side effects in some patients. Call your doctor or seek medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be associated with serious side effects:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, itching, red and swollen skin with blisters or peeling, possibly accompanied by fever, wheezing or wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking, unusual hoarseness, swelling in the mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat.
  • The onset or worsening of behavioral or emotional disorders, such as depression or suicidal thoughts.
  • Hallucinations (a person sees or hears something that is not in reality).
  • Impairment or loss of memory.
  • Balance change.
  • Confusion of consciousness.
  • Lack of clarity of thought.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • High fever, chills, or sore throat.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

Any medicine can have side effects. However, for many people, side effects are either minor or non-existent. Contact your doctor or seek medical attention if these or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

  • Violation of taste perception. This,
  • Dry mouth.
  • Dizziness or headache.
  • Nausea.
  • Cold symptoms.
  • Sleepiness the next day.
  • Nervous tension and agitation.

This list of possible side effects is not exhaustive. If you have any questions about side effects, please contact your doctor. Talk to your doctor about side effects.

You can report side effects to the National Health Board.

You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You can also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

What is the best way to take this drug?

Use this drug as directed by your doctor. Read all the information provided to you. Strictly follow all instructions.

  • Take this drug at bedtime.
  • Take this drug immediately before going to bed.
  • Do not take during or immediately after a meal.
  • If you still have trouble sleeping after 7-10 days, contact your doctor.

What if I miss a dose of a drug?

  • If you are taking the drug regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you can.
  • If you are unable to get adequate sleep (for at least 7 hours) after taking the missed dose, skip the missed dose and then return to your regular dosing schedule.
  • Do not take 2 doses or an additional dose at the same time.
  • In most cases, this drug is used as needed. Do not take the drug more often than prescribed by your doctor.

How do I store and/or discard this drug?

  • Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in the bathroom.
  • Keep this medicine in a protected place out of sight and reach of children and out of the reach of other people. A box or room that is locked with a key can act as a secure storage place for the drug. Keep all medicines out of the reach of pets.
  • Dispose of unused or expired drugs. Do not empty into a toilet or sewer unless instructed to do so. If you have any questions about disposing of medicines, ask your pharmacist. Drug disposal programs may be in place in your area.

General information about medicines

  • If your health does not improve or even worsens, see your doctor.
  • Do not give your medicine to anyone and do not take other people’s medicines.
  • Some medicines may come with other patient information leaflets. If you have any questions about this drug, talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
  • A separate instruction for patients is attached to the drug. Please read this information carefully. Reread it each time you refill your supply. If you have any questions about this drug, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional.
  • If you think you have overdosed, call a poison control center or get medical help right away. Be prepared to tell or show what drug you took, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Use of Information and Limitation of Liability

This summary information includes a summary of the diagnosis, treatment, and/or drug product. It is not intended to be a comprehensive source of data and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or evaluate potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a particular patient.