All About Lunesta
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Lunesta: Sleeping Medication
Lunesta helps users fall asleep faster and also stay asleep longer. These pills are circular in shape and are either white or blue in color. They come in 1 mg, 2 mg, or 3 mg strengths.
Navigation: Lunesta Overview, Lunesta Abuse and Effects, Lunesta Addiction, Rehab is Your Best Chance
Lunesta, also known as eszopiclone, is a sleeping medication that is usually prescribed to treat acute insomnia. The drug first hit the market in 2004, and there have been over 31 million prescriptions for Lunesta since then. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 9 million people use prescription sleep medications like Lunesta. But despite its medical benefits, it is only intended for short term use because the medication also has a high potential for abuse. In fact, addiction to Lunesta can develop very quickly.
Lunesta Overview
Eszopiclone, better known by the brand name Lunesta, is a non-benzodiazepine sedative-hypnotic that is prescribed for people who are struggling with insomnia. It is one of the sleep-inducing sedatives that are referred to as “Z-drugs”, along with Ambien and Sonata.
Lunesta helps users fall asleep faster and also stay asleep longer. These pills are circular in shape and are either white or blue in color. They come in 1 mg, 2 mg, or 3 mg strengths.
Although they are designed for oral consumption, some users snort Lunesta to intensify its effects.
Lunesta works by binding to receptors in the brain and slowing overactive brain function. In the process, it induces drowsiness and facilitates sleep.
Lunesta Abuse and Effects
Lunesta is a highly regulated drug because of its significant potential for abuse. Even when prescribed, it is only intended for short term use. Lunesta also cannot be bought over the counter. This is why many addicted people find ways to purchase it illegally. Street names for Lunesta include zombies, sleepers, and sleepeasies.
Lunesta abuse doesn’t always start from recreational use. Some people get hooked by incorporating the drug into their nightly routine—taking the medication as a regular sleeping aid. Doing so can lead to the development of drug dependence and addiction.
Any time a person takes Lunesta outside of the prescribed dosage is considered abuse. If someone you know is taking this sleep medication for anything other than its intended purpose, it is considered abuse and may even be a sign of addiction.
While most people initially take the drug just to achieve uninterrupted deep sleep, it can easily evolve into a recreational habit. They may enjoy the calm feelings and drowsiness caused by Lunesta.
Other signs of Lunesta abuse include crushing the pills into powder and snorting it, and taking more than the recommended dose. Of course, taking Lunesta without a prescription is also a clear sign of drug abuse.
Lunesta abuse is dangerous because it exposes the user to the risk of overdose. Watch out for signs of overdose such as extreme drowsiness, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, and coma. Seek medical attention immediately if someone you know is exhibiting these signs.
Lunesta Addiction
The fact that Lunesta is prescribed for sleep disorders may cause some people to think that it is perfectly safe. But this is not the case. Lunesta has a high potential for abuse and addiction, and most doctors will only prescribe it for short term use.
If a person becomes addicted to Lunesta, they may keep taking the drug even after their prescription has expired. Some even try to visit different doctors to get the same prescription for Lunesta repeatedly. This is called doctor shopping.
Addicted individuals tend to isolate themselves from loved ones while trying to hide their drug abuse. They may try to quit the drug and fail repeatedly. When they do quit taking Lunesta, they will experience intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia and anxiety. This makes it harder for them to stay sober.
People who are addicted to a particular substance also tend to neglect their responsibilities and prioritize their substance abuse over everything else. This is because they feel as if their quality of life will decrease if they stop taking the drug. Most of their days will revolve around trying to obtain and use Lunesta.
Some drug users eventually shift to harder drugs like cocaine or meth, which are even more dangerous compared to Lunesta.
Sometimes recreational drug users combine Lunesta with other drugs to intensify its effects. When Lunesta is taken in combination with other drugs, the risk of an overdose increases. In some cases, Lunesta overdose can be fatal, especially if it is taken with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants. When mixed with other depressants, Lunesta can slow down a person’s breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate. To avoid this, proper medical care is necessary.
If someone in the family is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it is important to seek help. A combination of medical detox and behavioral therapy can go a long way in the fight against substance abuse. But because every individual is affected by addiction differently, a comprehensive program tailored to their specific needs is necessary. Look for a nearby addiction treatment facility today and find out how drug treatment programs work.
Rehab is Your Best Chance
Treatment is an addicted individualʼs best option if they want to recover. Beating an addiction not only requires eliminating the physical dependence, but also addressing the behavioral factors that prevent them from wanting to get better. Simply quitting may not change the psychological aspect of addiction. Some people quit for a while, and then take drugs or alcohol again, only to overdose because they did not detox properly. Recovery involves changing the way the patient feels, thinks, and behaves.
