Lunesta is a brand-name pharmaceutical drug used to help people with sleep disorders such as insomnia. When this medication is misused, it can lead to a debilitating Lunesta addiction that can disrupt lives and lead to emotional, physical and mental health challenges.
The good news is that help is available for those who want assistance with an addiction to Lunesta or other sedative-hypnotic drugs. To explore treatment options, including inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, reach out to the National Rehab Hotline today.
What Is Lunesta?
Lunesta is considered a sedative or hypnotic. That means it acts on your brain in a way that helps calm activity and induce sleep. Lunesta’s primary use is as a way to medically treat insomnia.
Lunesta’s generic name is eszopiclone, and the medication may be sold under that name. This is especially common when insurance companies will only approve a generic prescription versus the often-pricier brand-name alternative.
Because Lunesta is only intended for short-term use, it’s easy to become dependent on the medication to achieve a relaxed state or fall asleep. Those who begin taking Lunesta more frequently or in higher dosages than prescribed may form an addiction.
An estimated 5.9 million Americans abuse sedatives like Lunesta each year. Of those, just under 68% say they abuse sedatives to help induce sleep, while others say their misuse is tied to emotional coping, a desire for intoxication or experimentation.
Dangers of Lunesta Use
As with many habit-forming sedatives, Lunesta can be addictive. Using too much of any sedative, even a prescribed medication, can increase tolerance and mean you need increasing amounts of the drug to achieve the same level of sedation.
Other potential side effects of Lunesta use and abuse include:
- Cough and chills
- Fever
- Hoarse voice
- Issues with urination, including increased frequency and cloudy urine
- Pain in the lower back and/or side
- Unusual levels of drowsiness
- Bladder pain
- Diarrhea
- Mental health concerns, such as depression or unexplained fear/nervousness
- Confusion and/or trouble concentrating
- Widespread aches and pains in muscles and joints
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Nerve pain
- Sweating
A Lunesta overdose is considered a medical emergency. If you experience or witness any of the following symptoms, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately:
- Change in or loss of consciousness
- Trouble breathing
- Discoloration of the lips, fingernails and/or skin (a blue tint indicates low oxygen levels)
- Being unable to wake someone
Challenges of Lunesta Withdrawal
The beginning stages of treatment for Lunesta addiction involve a detoxification period. That allows the individual struggling with addiction to remove all traces of the medication from their system and start the rehabilitative process with a so-called “clean slate.” Detoxifying without professional support can be difficult, as quitting Lunesta can lead to a wide range of withdrawal symptoms.
Some signs of Lunesta withdrawal include:
- Rebound symptoms tied to the original diagnosis, e.g., reemergence of insomnia
- Anxiety and irritability
- Depersonalization
- Postural hypotension
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in eating habits, including anorexia/loss of appetite
- Blurred vision
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Loss of coordination
- Seizures
- Visual, tactile and/or auditory hallucinations
- Delirium
- Extreme rise in body temperature (aka hyperpyrexia)
The severity of withdrawal symptoms is often linked to the dosage used and length of Lunesta usage. For instance, individuals who’ve been using Lunesta at a high dose for a long period of time are more susceptible to severe withdrawal symptoms. Someone who’s only used Lunesta in low doses or for a shorter time period may only experience mild withdrawal symptoms. It’s worth noting, though, that there are many exceptions, and even mild symptoms can be uncomfortable and require expert assistance.
Treatment Options for Lunesta Abuse
When it’s time to seek treatment for Lunesta abuse, there are several paths you can take. Your exact plan will depend on a number of crucial factors, including expert recommendations, your personal and professional obligations and whether you’re seeking treatment for a co-occurring disorder or addiction.
Inpatient Rehabilitation
Inpatient or residential treatment sees individuals living in a facility full-time. This is a favorable option for those with severe substance abuse disorders. The structured environment, round-the-clock supervision and reduced distractions allow for a more holistic and dedicated treatment approach.
Outpatient Treatment Programs
Outpatient treatment allows individuals to live at home and complete personal and professional obligations while still addressing their addiction.
Both inpatient and outpatient rehab may include therapeutic treatment that can help individuals understand the root cause of their addiction and how to move forward. These include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is psychotherapy that encourages change by helping people assess and alter their thoughts and behaviors.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). DBT is all about acceptance, embracing safety and learning how to manage emotions to change harmful behaviors.
- Motivational interviewing. This type of counseling helps people understand their motivations and why they act the way they do.
- Family therapy. Family therapy can help rebuild connections and help loved ones understand the root causes of and treatments for addiction.
- Support groups. During or after rehabilitation, individuals have the option to enroll in support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). These are safe spaces where you can share and be held accountable for as long as you find the experience valuable. Through these organizations, you can meet peers with similar struggles, hopes and dreams.
When to Call for Help With Your Lunesta Addiction
If you suspect your Lunesta addiction is getting out of hand or find yourself concerned about a loved one, it’s time to call for help. Thanks to the National Rehab Hotline, support and information are just a phone call away. Contact our team today and open the door to recovery.