Brand Name: Lunesta.
Generic Name: Zopiclone
This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist

Common Uses
Lunesta is considered a hypnotic benzodiazepine and is indicated for insomnia. It is an intermediate-acting benzodiazepine and is sometimes used in patients who have difficulty in maintaining sleep or falling asleep. Hypnotics should only be used on a short-term basis or, in those with chronic insomnia, on an occasional basis.

How to Take
For the treatment of insomnia (trouble in sleeping): Adults - 5 to 7.5 mg at bedtime.
Older adults - 3.75 mg at bedtime; dose may be increased to 5 to 7.5 mg as determined by your doctor. Children up to 18 years of age - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Warning and Precautions
Lunesta is not recommended for the primary treatment of psychotic illness. Lunesta should not be used alone to treat depression or anxiety with depression (suicide may be precipitated in such patients). Lunesta should be used with extreme caution in patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse. Headaches, sleepiness, drowsiness, dizziness and unsteady movements can occur on the following day in particularly sensitive persons such as debilitated patients and elderly persons, and after ingestion of an excessive dose. Less commonly depression of mood and affect, disorientation or confusion and lethargy may be produced. A reciprocal intensification of effects is to be expected if Lunesta is taken with centrally depressing drugs and/or alcohol.

Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose
If you suspect an overdose seek a medical attention immediately. The symptoms are: respiratory and cardiovascular depression, hypotension, drowsiness, ataxia and slurred speech.

Storage
Store at a room temperature. Protect from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Possible Side Effects
Check with your doctor if any of the following side effects occur: confusion - more common in older adults; clumsiness or unsteadiness - more common in older adults; daytime anxiety and/or restlessness; difficulty with coordination - more common in older adults; mood or mental changes.

More Information
The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Lunesta. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.