Eszopiclone
Eszopiclone is the generic name for Lunesta, a prescription treatment for insomnia. People with this disorder have trouble falling asleep and or staying asleep. Formerly known as Estorra, Eszopiclone is a central nervous system depressant with sedating or hypnotic properties. The drug works on brain chemicals that have become unbalanced resulting in the sleep disorders.
Eszopiclone has been classified by the Food and Drug Administration as a Schedule IV Controlled Substance because it has accepted medical benefits but also the potential for abuse. The FDA also caution by its categorization of the drug that it could lead to limited physical and or psychological dependence.
For oral administration, this drug comes as round tablets in blue, beige and white in the following formulations.
- 1 mg round, light blue film coated tablet imprinted with S190 on one side.
- 2 mg round, white film-coated tablets imprinted with S191 on one side.
- 3 mg tablets round, dark blue film-coated tablet imprinted with S193 on one side.
Use and Abuse Eszopiclone
When in use, Eszopiclone slows down the central nervous system and brain activity by enhancing a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). In tests, the effect of 6-12 milligrams, this drug is shown to equal 20 milligrams of Valium (diazepam) in slowing down the central nervous system. Even when used as prescribed, Eszopiclone has the potential to impair daytime function in patients who take doses of two to three milligrams to fall asleep. At these or higher dosages, the drug can also produce euphoric effects as well as amnesia and hallucinations.
In other clinical trials, where results were based on dose, duration of treatment and concomitant use with other psychoactive drugs and or alcohol the risk of abuse and dependence was noticeably heightened. Those with a history of mental disorders were also shown to be at a greater risk of developing a high tolerance levels. Tolerance to this drug leading to abuse or addiction can develop in some patients after only two weeks of use.
Those who use the drug for the euphoric effects only, typically crush the tablets and snort the drug. In this way they are able to bypass the slow release properties of the drug and experience with the hope of achieving an immediate high. However, clinicians warn that this form of administration can be dangerous and often fail to provide the high being sought because this substance is a depressant.
Effects of Eszopiclone
Sleep disturbances such as insomnia is commonly associated with physical and psychiatric conditions as well as drug addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), this and other central nervous system depressants are only safe to use under the careful supervision of a licensed physician. The NIDA also suggests that when Eszopiclone is used in combination with any substance that depress the function of the central nervous system such as alcohol, prescription painkillers and over the counter cold and allergy medications, it may cause adverse effects such as disrupted heart rhythm, slowed respiratory functioning that in some cases may lead to death.
Other commonly reported side effects of Eszopiclone includes:
- Dry Mouth and
- Unpleasant taste on the tongue
- Extreme fatigue
- A hangover
- Nauseous and vomiting
- Dizziness,
- lower back or side pain,
- painful urination
- Stomach upset and diarrhea
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Flu symptoms that include cough, cold and fever.
- Memory lapses
- Severe allergic reactions
- Extreme agitation and aggressive behavior
Effects that may be life threatening and may require immediate medical attention include seizures and suicidal thoughts. Food and Drug Administration analysis revealed that the use of sedative or hypnotic drugs such as Eszopiclone increases the risk of depression and suicide events
Withdrawal Symptoms
Some withdrawal symptoms have been reported from users who have tried to stop taking the drug after approximately 14 days of habitual use. Withdrawal symptoms are similar to the preceding side effects with additional symptoms such as sweating, stomach and muscular cramps, panic attacks, severe depression and seizures.
Eszopiclone Treatment
Treatment for those who are suffering from dependence on Eszopiclone may include a gradual detoxification process to help the user to safely withdraw from use. Our board certified drug rehab clinicians provide 24/7 medical oversight to alleviate discomfort from painful withdrawal symptoms. They are also able to administer immediate medical attention in the event of a life threatening medical emergency.
Patience who develop sleep disorders may also be suffering from a mental disorder. Our dual diagnosis treatment processes help patients to identify the cause of the sleep disturbance, the specific mental disorder that may have triggered the problem and treat both the disorder and the developing addiction to Eszopiclone simultaneously. Our primary goal is to help our patients to achieve full recovery and enable them through our comprehensive rehabilitation and relapse prevention programs to enjoy long term sobriety.
If you or a loved one is has developed a dependence of Eszopiclone from habitual use or abuse, it is important to seek help to safely go through the cessation process. Get help immediately by calling our Drug Rehab Treatment Centers at 877-855-3470. We can help.