Lunesta

Lunesta is a drug prescribed to treat insomnia and problems sleeping. The best results are seen with this drug within the first two weeks. After that, the body develops a tolerance to Lunesta and adapts to the effects. Some people develop some type of dependence on Lunesta. Prolonged use of this drug will provoke undesirable symptoms once you stop taking it. The symptoms related to withdrawal are considered to be an indicator for addiction and/or dependency.

Usually, Lunesta abuse appears to help with insomnia at first, but in the long run, this is harmful. Once the addict stops using the drug, he or she will have trouble sleeping again. There will be difficulties falling and staying asleep, and peak time for sleep will change. People feel desperate to get any type of sleep, so taking a double or triple dose may be likely. A person who grows addicted to Lunesta will not be able to stop using the drug, and fear the consequences of not having the drug.

  • Cannot sleep without using Lunesta
  • Takes an increased dose that is not prescribed by the doctor
  • Takes the drug because he or she enjoys the sedation feeling
  • Worries when and where to get the medication next
  • Visits many doctors to get a prescription
  • Feels fatigued during the day
  • Feeling physically ill and sick to stomach
  • Feeling tired and drowsy on a regular basis during waking hours
  • Sleeping more than usual
  • Having panic attacks, muscle cramps, or seizures
  • Loss of weight and appetite
  • Frequent hiccups
  • Increased blood pressure
Addiction and Withdrawal Symptoms

Co-Occurring Disorders

Many people with prolonged Lunesta dependency and addiction often have associated psychological issues along with depression. There are also many physical risks associated with Lunesta abuse. Many people who abuse this drug end up sleepwalking or drive under the influence, which causes risk of safety and bodily injury to others. Also, abuse of this drug is associated with memory impairment and sleep eating. Lunesta has the potential to change cognitive habits when abused long-term.

One risk of Lunesta addiction is engaging in sexual activity while asleep that you are unaware that is happening. This puts a person at risk for contracting a sexually transmitted disease or becoming pregnant. Also, when taken in conjunction with alcohol, Lunesta is damaging to the kidneys and liver and increases the risk of high blood pressure.

There are many treatment options for someone with a Lunesta addiction. This dependency is unique, and must be addressed along with the sleep disorder. The best place to receive treatment is a sleep clinic, which helps a person understand the problems that are associated with this addiction. Lunesta rehab centers also deal with the physical aspect of drug addiction, such as sleep conditions and insomnia. As for the psychological aspect of Lunesta addiction, the treatment centers offer counseling and therapy for the person to understand why they become addicted to this drug. Medical professionals will look at your sleep cycles and determine why you cannot sleep and consider the psychological causes.