Doctors typically prescribe Lunesta for the treatment of sleep disorders like insomnia. Lunesta is a sedative-hypnotic drug, and it acts on the brain to produce calming effects. Prescribed for up to two weeks only, the dosage of Lunesta rarely exceeds 3 mg a night as a solution for sleep problems.
However, even 3 mg will take at least 24 to 48 hours to cycle out of the body completely. In general, Lunesta does not accumulate in the system from a once-daily intake. However, overall health and age can affect how long the body processes and rids itself of Lunesta.
Lunesta (Eszopiclone) Detection Time
On average, Lunesta leaves the body after 48 hours. The quick absorption of the drug means that the body immediately begins to metabolize and process the drug as well as eliminate it from the system.
Unlike other sleep aids, Lunesta works quickly without any long-term buildup. It is rare for the drug to remain in the body for long periods of time. However, for a drug test, it is recommended to stop any use up to one week before the test is administered. This ensures that the drug is completely out of the system.
There has been some controversy about false positives for Lunesta testing. Some people believe that Lunesta will show up as a benzodiazepine during a drug test. While Lunesta does have similar properties as benzodiazepine, it does not show up in this way on a standard drug screen test.
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Drug Tests That Detect Lunesta In The Body
Lunesta is unlikely to show up on most drug screen tests unless it is specifically tested for. While the drug does not typically stay in the system for more than 48 hours, it can be found through the following types of tests:
- Urine Test: A urine drug test is the most common test used to detect Lunesta and can detect this medication in the system for up to 48 hours.
- Blood Test: While not a standard test for Lunesta, trace amounts of the drug can show up after one hour of ingestion in the blood. After that time, the detection rate rapidly decreases.
- Hair And Saliva Test: Traces of the drug can linger in the hair for up to 90 days. Saliva tests may be unable to detect Lunesta in the system.
What Influences How Long Lunesta (Eszopiclone) Stays In Your System?
While there is an average time the body takes to process Lunesta, it is not the same for everyone. It is impossible to predict the exact length of time for every person. Everyone has a different detection window based on a variety of factors. Some of these factors are:
- Age: When people age, their kidney, and liver functions slow down. The elderly have a longer detection window because their bodies take longer to process the drug.
- Amount Ingested: Lunesta is habit-forming and can lead to physical dependence. A dependency can lead to increased amounts of medicine taken. The larger the dose ingested, the longer it will take the body to remove it from the system.
- Height And Weight: People who have a higher body mass index can experience a longer period of detection. This is because the drug is stored in more pockets of fat and takes longer to process through the body.
How To Get Lunesta Out Of Your System
When Lunesta is removed from the body, the body shows signs of withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms are a sign that the body is trying to remove the drug from the system.
The symptoms of withdrawal can be mild to severe, and may include:
- hallucinations
- inability to sleep
- sensitivity to light
- seizures
- abdominal pain and cramping
- nausea or vomiting
- anxiety and depression
- nightmares or vivid dreams
- fatigue and weakness
- loss of memory
- changes in mood
The safest way to rid a drug from the system is to wean off the medication through medical detoxification or a tapering schedule. Medical detoxification ensures comfort and safety throughout the detox process, and tapering includes gradually reducing the dose of the drug until the body has fully adjusted.
Successfully managing the removal of the drug from the body is the first step to take to alleviate symptoms of withdrawal. If you or someone you know is suffering from Lunesta withdrawal symptoms, it may be time to seek medical attention in order to assist with the process.
How Does Lunesta Affect The Body?
Lunesta is a central nervous system depressant that slows both heart rate and breathing patterns. Lunesta interacts with GABA receptors in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that calms the mind and Lunesta interacts with GABA to increase this effect. As a result, a person will feel sleepy and relaxed after taking this medication.
The outward effects of Lunesta can be similar to that of alcohol intoxication. Someone who is using Lunesta may have slurred speech, impaired coordination or may feel dizzy or lightheaded. As the body processes the medication, these side effects usually decrease or stop.
Common side effects of Lunesta are:
- day-time drowsiness
- dizziness
- problems with memory or concentration
- anxiety or a nervous feeling
- depression
- headache
- nausea or stomach pain
- loss of appetite
- constipation
- dry mouth
- unusual or unpleasant taste in the mouth
- mild skin rash
Lunesta And Addiction
It’s essential to take Lunesta as prescribed. While Lunesta has been cleared for long-term use, it is still a habit-forming controlled substance. People who take Lunesta for extended periods can become dependent on the drug.
When someone takes larger than prescribed doses, they run the risk of use and addiction. These large doses may create tolerance, and eventually, a person can become dependent on the substance to function.
These larger doses will also lengthen the time that Lunesta is traceable within the body. Dosages above 3 mg will increase the amount of time the drug can remain in the body, disrupting the time to metabolize.
Treatment For Lunesta Use And Addiction
Rehabilitation centers, like those within the Vertava Health family, are prepared to provide customized treatment and care for Lunesta use or addiction. Inpatient treatment centers provide a safe and supervised space for detox, counseling, support, and education.
Once Lunesta is successfully out of the system, addiction treatment services are available to help patients continue in sobriety. The following therapy treatments are available at Vertava Health centers to assist with long-term aftercare and to increase the rate of recovery:
- alternative therapy
- wilderness therapy
- gender-specific therapy
- behavioral counseling
- group counseling
To learn more about Lunesta or to find an Vertava Health program near you, reach out to one of our treatment specialists today.
