Signs of Lunesta Abuse

Signs and symptoms of Lunesta abuse include using more Lunesta than prescribed, altering the method of taking it (such as chewing pills), combining it with other substances like alcohol, and physical symptoms like confusion, memory issues, and depression. 

Lunesta Abuse

Lunesta works by activating the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which leads to a reduction in central nervous system activity. The result is a sedative effect that can help you fall asleep and stay asleep for extended periods of time. However, the active ingredient in Lunesta, eszopiclone, can be habit-forming and is susceptible to abuse. 

Abuse refers to the use of a medication in any way other than how it was prescribed. This includes consuming it more frequently or in higher doses than what is listed on the prescription label. 

What Are the Most Common Signs & Symptoms of Lunesta Abuse?

Signs are observable indicators of a physical health condition, and they are objective in nature. Common signs that someone is abusing Lunesta include the following:

• Taking Lunesta more often than what was prescribed
• Taking Lunesta more frequently than what was prescribed
• Taking Lunesta in a different way than prescribed, such as chewing pills or crushing and then injecting them
• Taking Lunesta in conjunction with another substance, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines 

Symptoms refer to the subjective feelings that occur as a result of a health condition or episode, such as Lunesta abuse. Symptoms of the abuse of Lunesta may include the following:

• Feeling drowsy throughout the day
• Difficulty concentrating
• Trouble remembering events
• Problems enunciating words correctly
• Depression
• Impaired decision-making abilities

What Are the Dangers of Lunesta?

When taken as prescribed, Lunesta is rarely associated with acute or long-side effects. However, when abused, Lunesta can be dangerous physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

Physical Effects

Some of the physical effects that may accompany Lunesta abuse include the following:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Cramps
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Chemical dependence on Lunesta

Mental & Emotional Effects

Additionally, Lunesta abuse can produce mental and emotional issues. Some of the most common mental and emotional effects resulting from Lunesta abuse include the following:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Paradoxical effects like agitation, irritability, and excitability

How to Recognize Lunesta Addiction

Recognizing an addiction to Lunesta may be simple in some cases and more difficult in others. There are no specific signs that clearly indicate an addiction to Lunesta. However, if someone you know exhibits any of the following behaviors or signs, this may be an indication that they are struggling with an addiction:

• Excessive preoccupation with obtaining Lunesta
• Purchasing Lunesta from someone else
• Stealing Lunesta
• Abusing and overdosing on Lunesta
• Attempting to discontinue use but being unable to successfully do so
• Exhibiting intense cravings for the drug
• Failure to manage other responsibilities in life due to use of Lunesta or the effects of the medication
• Experiencing financial difficulties due to purchasing Lunesta or lost work time because of the effects of the drug 

Lunesta Withdrawal Symptoms

Usually, symptoms are not overtly apparent to an observer, as they relate to the subjective experience of a health condition like Lunesta withdrawal. However, you may be able to take action if someone reports to you that they are experiencing any of the following symptoms associated with Lunesta withdrawal:

• Vomiting and nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Nightmares and/or very vivid dreams
• Confusion and dizziness
• Anxiety and nervousness
• Mood swings
• Shakiness and hand tremors
• Convulsions

You can look for signs of Lunesta withdrawal, which refer to observable and objective evidence of the presence of a particular health condition. Some of the following signs may be indicative of Lunesta withdrawal:

• Convulsions
• Loss of responsiveness
• Seizure
• Coma

What to Do if Someone You Know Is Overdosing on Lunesta

If you see someone you believe is overdosing on Lunesta, the best course of action is to call 911 immediately. The operator will send emergency personnel and then walk you through exactly what to do. 

If you see someone vomiting or foaming at the mouth and they are not responsive, you can try to clear their airway to prevent choking. 

Getting Help for Addiction

There are many treatment options available for Lunesta addiction. Most programs will incorporate medical detox and comprehensive therapy.

With inpatient medical detox, you’ll have 24/7 supervision throughout the withdrawal process. This can significantly reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms and puts you in a safe environment, thereby reducing your risk of relapse. 

In other cases, medical detox may be done on an outpatient basis. You may be simply prescribed a tapering schedule in which you gradually reduce your dosage of Lunesta. If you are dealing with addiction, it can be tough to manage this kind of tapering approach without supervision and support.

Individual and group therapy will be the backbone of your treatment plan. Therapeutic approaches vary, but common therapies for addiction treatment are cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, or person-centered counseling. 

Group therapy and peer support meetings have the added benefit of providing you with a social support network and placing you in an environment that is conducive to sobriety. Through hearing and learning from the experiences of others, you will likely experience an increase in your realistic ability to rehabilitate from your addiction as well. 

With a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment, you can effectively leave Lunesta abuse and other forms of substance abuse in your past. You’ll begin to build a healthier life in sobriety, and you’ll have the support to withstand the vulnerable parts of early recovery.