Lunesta Withdrawal & Detox

Lunesta can result in physical dependence with long-term use. If the medication is abused, dependence is more likely, and the body will go through withdrawal when use is stopped.

How long Lunesta takes to wear off depends on a range of factors. The half-life of Lunesta is approximately six hours, so withdrawal symptoms may occur within 12 hours of the last dose. 

What Is Lunesta Withdrawal?

Lunesta withdrawal refers to the cluster of symptoms that occur as the body seeks to reestablish homeostasis following the removal of the medication. 

As the body adapts to the presence of the active ingredient in Lunesta, eszopiclone, changes occur in the brain’s neurochemistry. When the drug is suddenly removed or reduced, symptoms of withdrawal may occur as the body once again adapts. 

What Causes Lunesta Withdrawal?

Lunesta is a sedative that works by calming the central nervous system, helping people with insomnia fall and stay asleep. The powerful sedative effect produced by the medication can lead to abuse, and the drug can be habit-forming. 

Withdrawal occurs when the body has become dependent on Lunesta to fall asleep. Prolonged and/or heavy consumption of Lunesta can result in neurochemical changes in the brain, such as alterations in the production and reuptake of the neurochemical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). 

When the drug is removed or reduced significantly, withdrawal symptoms may appear as the body adjusts to the lack of the presence of Lunesta. These symptoms are often unpleasant and can be very debilitating. 

What Are the Common Symptoms of Lunesta Withdrawal?

Some of the common symptoms of Lunesta withdrawal include the following:

• Insomnia
• Anxiety and nervousness
• Shakiness and hand tremors
• Heavy perspiration
• Irritability and agitation
• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Seizures

Factors That Determine the Intensity of Withdrawal Symptoms

The intensity of Lunesta withdrawal symptoms can vary based on a wide range of factors. Two of the most important factors influencing the intensity of these symptoms include the length of time the medication has been used and how much of the medication has been consumed. 

• Length of time the medication has been used: In general, the intensity of your withdrawal symptoms will increase with longer durations of use. As you consume the drug for longer periods of time, there is more opportunity for traces of the active ingredient to accumulate in your system. This results in greater withdrawal symptom intensity, and more time is needed to clear the substance from the body. 
• How much has been consumed: As with duration of use, consuming higher doses of Lunesta allows for the drug to accumulate in your system. Again, more severe withdrawal symptoms may occur and more time is needed to clear the drug from the body.  

How Long Does Withdrawal Last?

The length of time Lunesta withdrawal lasts depends on a range of factors, including these:

• Consumption habits: As with intensity, consuming Lunesta in higher doses and for longer periods of time will increase the length of time that withdrawal symptoms last. 
• Age, size, and genetic factors: Metabolism slows with age, so clearance times and withdrawal symptoms will be longer and stronger for older individuals. Individuals with larger body mass indices (BMIs) will also typically experience more prolonged symptoms of withdrawal. A genetic history of substance abuse can increase Lunesta clearance and withdrawal symptom duration as well. 
• Consumption of more than one drug: Symptoms may be more severe and last longer if more than one drug has been abused, such as Lunesta in conjunction with alcohol.
• Presence of an organ or metabolic condition: An organ or metabolic condition like chronic kidney disease or metabolic syndrome can increase the duration of withdrawal symptoms. 

Lunesta Withdrawal Timeline

Lunesta withdrawal tends to occur over the following stages:

• Days 1–2: Withdrawal symptoms first appear. 
• Days 3–7: Withdrawal symptoms peak.
• Days 8–30: Withdrawal symptoms will begin to subside

Detoxing From Lunesta

Medical detox is a structured and medically supervised removal of a toxin from the body, which sometimes involves the body simply processing out the medication. Various techniques may be applied to help remove the substance and achieve stability, such as pumping the stomach and the administration of intravenous fluids. 

Medical detox can help to minimize the severity of withdrawal symptoms and ensure overall safety during withdrawal. Health professionals can monitor your condition steadily over the course of at least 24 hours. 

For Lunesta withdrawal, a tapered approach may be recommended. This allows the body to adjust to the decreasing dosage of the drug until it is no longer taken at all.

Get Help for Addiction

If you are addicted to Lunesta, a range of treatment options exist. Medical detox and therapy will be the core of your treatment plan. In therapy, you’ll learn to cope with substance abuse triggers, so you are equipped to avoid relapse. 

Group therapy and peer support groups can provide a social support network and place you in an environment that encourages sobriety. You’ll also begin to build healthy habits in addiction treatment that support a life in recovery. With the right support and guidance, you can embrace a better future without Lunesta abuse.