Fact Sheet: Lunesta vs Ambien

Lunesta, a sedative-hypnotic commonly prescribed to manage sleep disorders, is often considered a safe sleep aid but carries a significant potential for addiction and abuse. Primarily used for treating acute insomnia.

Due to its significant potential for abuse, Lunesta is subject to stringent regulations and is intended for short-term use only. It cannot be purchased over the counter, but those with addiction issues may seek illegal means to acquire it.

Lunesta also goes by street names such as

• Sleepers,
• Zombies,
• and Sleepeasies.

Lunesta pills are typically round, with colors ranging from white to blue, and are available in strengths of 1 mg, 2 mg, or 3 mg. While Lunesta is meant to be taken orally, some individuals opt to snort it in an attempt to enhance its effects.

Lunesta operates by binding to receptors in the brain, thereby slowing down overactive brain functions, which ultimately results in inducing profound sedation and drowsiness.

Is Lunesta Habit-Forming?

Yes, Lunesta has the potential for habit formation. It’s a Schedule IV-controlled substance due to its ability to create dependence, similar to other benzodiazepines. While it generally kicks in within 30-60 minutes, using it for longer than recommended or at higher doses can lead to tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when stopping.

Lunesta Addiction

Addiction to Lunesta may manifest in various ways:

1. Continuing use beyond the prescription’s duration.
2. Isolation from loved ones.
3. Delaying efforts to quit Lunesta.
4. Self-medicating by increasing the dosage without medical guidance.
5. The belief that quality of life will decline without the drug.
6. Using Lunesta to achieve a high.
7. Experiencing cravings.
8. Combining Lunesta with other substances to enhance its sedative effects.

Withdrawal symptoms, such as insomnia and anxiety, often plague individuals who cease long-term Lunesta use. These uncomfortable symptoms can make overcoming Lunesta addiction challenging, but professional inpatient rehab can provide valuable assistance.

If you or a loved one faces Lunesta addiction, help is available. Call Still Detox Now for Lunesta addiction. 

How long does it take for Lunesta to kick in?

Medication	Onset Time
Lunesta (Eszopiclone)	Typically within 30 minutes to 1 hour

Lunesta generally takes 30 to 60 minutes to reach peak effect, meaning it takes that long for the medication to fully absorb and start working at its maximum strength. However, individual experiences can vary, with some people feeling the effects as early as 15 minutes and others taking up to 2 hours.

Lunesta Effects And Abuse

Many Lunesta users incorporate the drug into their nightly routine as a regular sleep aid, which can lead to continued abuse and subsequent addiction. Any use of Lunesta outside of a prescribed dosage is considered abuse.

Abusive behaviors include:

• Using the drug for anything other than its intended purpose.
• Crushing the pills into a powder, then snorting it.
• Taking more than the recommended dose.
• Using Lunesta without a prescription or for longer than prescribed.

Lunesta offers several benefits that motivate people to abuse the drug. Namely, it provides uninterrupted, deep sleep, which can improve energy levels and cognitive function the following day. Others abuse Lunesta because they enjoy the calm feelings and drowsiness it causes.

Abuse of Lunesta can be dangerous, as it increases the risk of overdose.

Symptoms of a Lunesta overdose

It can vary based on factors like dosage and concurrent substance use. Overdose signs may include extreme drowsiness, sudden loss of consciousness, breathing difficulties, or even coma.

While Lunesta itself isn’t typically a gateway drug, prolonged use can lead to escalating doses and heightened overdose risk.

Common Drug Combinations

Lunesta is sometimes taken in combination with other substances, a potentially perilous practice. Mixing Lunesta with other drugs, especially without awareness of the risks, can lead to severe consequences.

Combining Lunesta with other sleeping pills can intensify side effects like daytime drowsiness, headaches, or unpleasant taste in the mouth. Polydrug use is frequently underestimated in terms of its dangers.

Mixing Lunesta with alcohol is particularly hazardous. Both substances act as Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants. When combined, they can amplify sedative effects, resulting in dizziness, drowsiness, concentration difficulties, and impaired judgment. Binge drinking while taking Lunesta can lead to breathing problems and a sudden drop in blood pressure.

Combining Lunesta with other drugs significantly elevates the risk of overdose, potentially leading to fatal consequences.

What are Z-Drugs?

Z-drugs, also known as non-benzodiazepine Sedative-Hypnotics, are a class of medications primarily used to treat sleep disorders such as insomnia. These drugs are called “Z-Drugs” because many of them have names that start with the letter “Z,” like Zolpidem (Ambien), Zaleplon (Sonata), and Eszopiclone (Lunesta).

Z-drugs are similar in function to benzodiazepines but are considered a separate class of medications. They work by targeting specific receptors in the brain to induce sedation and help individuals fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer. These medications are typically prescribed for short-term use to avoid the risk of dependency and addiction.

Common Z-Drugs include:

1. Zolpidem (Ambien)
2. Zaleplon (Sonata)
3. Eszopiclone (Lunesta)

These drugs are intended to be used under medical supervision and as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for sleep disorders. Prolonged or excessive use of Z-drugs can lead to dependence and other health issues, so they should be used strictly according to a healthcare provider’s instructions.

Lunesta Addiction And Abuse Statistics

• Patients using prescription sleep aids regularly were nearly five times more likely to die over a two-and-a-half-year period compared to non-users, according to BMJ.
• Over 45 million Lunesta prescriptions have been written since its launch in 2004. (2022 Report)
• Almost 9 million people in the United States use prescription sleep aids, including Lunesta, as reported by the CDC.

How addictive is Lunesta?

Lunesta (Eszopiclone) can be addictive, and its potential for addiction depends on various factors, including individual susceptibility, patterns of use, and dosage. Lunesta is classified as a non-Benzodiazepine Sedative-Hypnotic and is prescribed to treat insomnia. While it is generally considered safer and less habit-forming than traditional Benzodiazepines, it still carries some risk of addiction.

The key factors contributing to Lunesta addiction risk include:

1. Dosage and Duration of Use: Taking Lunesta in higher doses or for longer than prescribed can increase the likelihood of developing tolerance, which may lead to addiction.
2. Individual Vulnerability: Some individuals may be more prone to developing addictive behaviors, especially if they have a history of substance abuse or addiction.
3. Psychological Factors: Lunesta can produce feelings of relaxation and euphoria, which some people may find pleasurable. This can lead to misuse and addiction in susceptible individuals.
4. Polydrug Use: Mixing Lunesta with other substances, especially Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants like alcohol or other sleep medications, can heighten the risk of addiction and overdose.
5. Withdrawal Symptoms: When someone tries to quit Lunesta after prolonged use, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia and anxiety, which can be uncomfortable and lead to continued use.

How do you feel when you take Lunesta?

When you take Lunesta (Eszopiclone), it typically induces sedative and hypnotic effects that can help you fall asleep and stay asleep. Here’s how you may feel when you take Lunesta:

1. Drowsiness: One of the primary effects of Lunesta is drowsiness. It can make you feel very sleepy, which is why it’s usually taken just before bedtime.
2. Relaxation: Lunesta can induce a sense of relaxation and calm. It may help ease any anxiety or restlessness you may have been feeling before taking the medication.
3. Euphoria: Some individuals may experience a mild sense of euphoria or well-being when taking Lunesta. This feeling of contentment can be pleasurable for some users.
4. Improved Sleep: Lunesta is intended to improve the quality and duration of your sleep. You may feel like you’ve had a more restful night’s sleep when you wake up.
5. Changes in Taste: Lunesta is known to cause an unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth as a potential side effect.

Some individuals may not experience euphoria or other positive feelings but instead may only notice the sedative and sleep-inducing effects.

How Long Does Lunesta Stay In Your System?

Lunesta, known by its generic name Eszopiclone, typically stays in your system for about 48 hours. However, the exact duration can vary based on several factors, including the dosage taken, your metabolic rate, age, overall health, and liver function. Lunesta has a half-life of approximately six hours, meaning that half of the drug is eliminated from your body at this time. It usually takes about five to six half-lives for a drug to be completely cleared from your system. Therefore, while the majority of Lunesta is eliminated within 48 hours, traces of the drug can remain detectable for a longer period, especially in urine tests.

Lunesta vs Ambien: What Is The Difference?

Lunesta and Ambien are both sleep aids but they work differently. Ambien is typically prescribed for short-term insomnia due to its quick action, but it does not remain in the body for an extended period. In contrast, Lunesta is often used for long-term insomnia management, as it takes longer to work and stays in the body for a more prolonged duration. Ambien also has a higher addiction risk and faster dependency development, with immediate withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it.

Lunesta vs Ambien: The Difference Table

Lunesta vs Ambien: Addiction Risk

Ambien and Lunesta, both sedative-hypnotics, carry risks of dependency. Ambien, being fast-acting, may lead to quicker tolerance and a potentially higher risk of addiction. Lunesta, though also addictive, might pose a slightly lower risk due to its longer duration and different brain receptor interactions. Individual factors like medical history and usage patterns are crucial in determining addiction potential.

Lunesta vs Ambien: Dependency and Withdrawal

Dependency tends to develop more rapidly with Ambien, often within a few weeks of daily use, due to its fast-acting nature. On the other hand, Lunesta, with its longer-lasting effects, might lead to a somewhat slower progression toward dependence, but the risk remains significant with prolonged use.

Withdrawal symptoms are similar for Lunesta vs. Ambien, typically including discomforts such as shakiness, nausea, vomiting, and a resurgence of insomnia. The intensity and duration of these symptoms can vary based on the length of use and dosage levels. Notably, abruptly stopping either medication can exacerbate withdrawal symptoms, making it crucial to taper off under medical guidance.

 

Lunesta vs Ambien: Similarities

Lunesta and Ambien are both prescription medications used for the treatment of insomnia. They share similarities in their function, as they both belong to a class of drugs known as sedative-hypnotics. These medications work by affecting certain brain chemicals to induce sleep. Both Lunesta and Ambien are designed for short-term use and are known for their efficacy in helping individuals fall asleep. However, they should be used under strict medical supervision due to potential side effects and the risk of dependency. Understanding their similarities is essential for those considering their use for sleep disorders.

Common Side Effects

Both Ambien and Lunesta share side effects like lightheadedness, dizziness, and persistent sleepiness during daytime hours. These effects necessitate caution in activities like driving or operating machinery.

Rare Side Effects

Both Ambien and Lunesta can cause rare, yet serious side effects including memory loss, behavioral changes (such as increased aggression or reduced inhibition), depression or intensification of depression, suicidal thoughts, confusion, and hallucinations.

Unconscious Activity

There’s a risk of engaging in activities like phone calls, cooking, eating, driving, or sexual activity while asleep, with no memory of these actions later. The risk increases if combined with alcohol or other CNS depressants.

Interactions

Ambien and Lunesta should not be combined with antianxiety drugs, muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers, allergy medications, cough and cold drugs causing drowsiness, or sodium oxybate. It’s important to inform healthcare providers about all medications and supplements being taken.

Conclusion

When choosing between Lunesta and Ambien for insomnia, it’s vital to use them responsibly. Always take them as your healthcare provider prescribes. Misusing or abusing Lunesta or Ambien can lead to serious issues, including a higher risk of addiction and challenging withdrawal symptoms. If you experience any concerning side effects or if Lunesta or Ambien affects you in unexpected ways, consult your doctor immediately. Responsible use and awareness of potential withdrawal symptoms are key to ensuring your safety and the effectiveness of your sleep disorder treatment.

Sources:
FDA
Lunesta