LUNESTA (eszopiclone)

What is it: Lunesta is a sedative, also called a hypnotic. It affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause sleep problems (insomnia)

Use: Lunesta is used to treat insomnia. This medication causes relaxation to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.

Side Effects: Lunesta may cause a severe allergic reaction. Stop taking Lunesta and get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using Lunesta and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects: aggression, agitation, changes in behavior; thoughts of hurting yourself; or hallucinations (hearing or seeing things). Less serious side effects may include: day-time drowsiness, dizziness, "hangover" feeling; problems with memory or concentration; anxiety, depression, nervous feeling; headache; nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation; dry mouth; unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth; or mild skin rash.

Precautions: Lunesta may cause a severe allergic reaction. Take Lunesta only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. This medication can cause birth defects, or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Do not use Lunesta if you are pregnant. It may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Lunesta can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Lunesta may be habit-forming

Directions: Take exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take Lunesta only when you are getting ready for several hours of sleep. Take with a full glass of water.

Missed Doses: Since Lunesta is usually taken as needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Never take this medication if you do not have a full 7 to 8 hours to sleep before being active again. Do not take extra medicine to make up a missed dose.

Storage: Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.