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What Is Lunesta?

Lunesta is a prescription sedative-hypnotic containing eszopiclone. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance indicated for treatment of insomnia in adults, including difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Current tablets contain 1 mg, 2 mg, or 3 mg.

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What Is Lunesta?

Lunesta is a prescription sedative-hypnotic containing eszopiclone. It is a Schedule IV controlled substance indicated for treatment of insomnia in adults, including difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Current tablets contain 1 mg, 2 mg, or 3 mg.

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How Does Lunesta Work?

Eszopiclone interacts with gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor complexes in the central nervous system. Its activity increases inhibitory signaling associated with sedation and sleep. The precise mechanism responsible for its hypnotic effects is not fully established.

Who Is Treated With Lunesta?

Lunesta is used in adults with insomnia involving sleep initiation or sleep maintenance. It is taken only when a patient can remain in bed for a full night of sleep. Current labeling does not establish safety and efficacy in pediatric patients. A history of complex sleep behaviors after taking Lunesta is a contraindication.

How Is Lunesta Dosed?

The recommended adult starting dose is 1 mg by mouth immediately before bedtime. The dose can increase to 2 mg or 3 mg when clinically indicated, with a maximum of 3 mg nightly. Older or debilitated adults and patients with severe hepatic impairment do not exceed 2 mg nightly. At least seven to eight hours should remain before planned awakening.

What Serious Risks Are Linked to Lunesta?

Lunesta carries a boxed warning for complex sleep behaviors, including sleepwalking, sleep-driving, and other activities performed while not fully awake. These events can cause serious injury or death and require immediate discontinuation. Other concerns include next-day impairment, memory problems, abnormal behavior, depression-related symptoms, serious allergic reactions, and additive sedation with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lunesta

What condition does Lunesta treat?

Lunesta treats insomnia in adults, including difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

What is the recommended starting dose?

The recommended starting dose is 1 mg immediately before bedtime.

What is the maximum adult dose?

The maximum adult dose is 3 mg nightly, while older or debilitated adults have a 2 mg limit.

Does Lunesta have a boxed warning?

Yes. The boxed warning concerns dangerous complex sleep behaviors that can cause serious injury or death.

References

Certain Prescription Insomnia Medicines: New Boxed Warning - Due to Risk of Serious Injuries Caused by Sleepwalking, Sleep Driving and Engaging in Other Activities While Not Fully Awake. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/safety/medical-product-safety-information/certain-prescription-insomnia-medicines-new-boxed-warning-due-risk-serious-injuries-caused. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

DailyMed - LUNESTA (eszopiclone) tablet, coated. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=3821f4b7-a3c8-4920-ba80-18aa96532c09. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

Eszopiclone. LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548047/. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

Eszopiclone. MedlinePlus. https://www.medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605009.html. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.

Eszopiclone. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/969472. Date Accessed October 13, 2026.