However, Lunesta can still become habit-forming and may lead to addiction. People who are dependent on Lunesta may experience withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped. Symptoms can include shakiness, nausea, and vomiting.
The timeline for Lunesta withdrawal symptoms depends on the dosage and length of time the substance is within the body. Acute withdrawal symptoms last for at least 24 hours and can sometimes linger for up to three weeks.
Lunesta (Eszopiclone) Withdrawal And Detox Timeline
The Lunesta withdrawal timeline can vary. For people who use Lunesta and stop after a week or two, the withdrawal symptoms usually go unnoticed. Those who use the drug heavily will experience symptoms that can last for weeks.
Days 1-2 Of Lunesta Withdrawal
For the first 24 hours after quitting Lunesta, a person will begin to experience withdrawal symptoms such as restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. Many of the initial withdrawal symptoms are usually the reemergence of symptoms the drug was used to treat. These are called rebound symptoms. Rebound symptoms happen when the symptoms the drug was prescribed to treat reemerge.
Days 3-7 Of Lunesta Withdrawal
Symptoms from the first two days will continue throughout the week and have the potential to ebb and flow in severity. Additional symptoms during this time include nausea, vomiting, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, and extreme sleepiness.
The end of the first full week is a challenging time for withdrawal symptoms. It is vital to have a reliable support system in place during this time, as many people may relapse and revert back to the drug to stop the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
Week 2 & Beyond Of Lunesta Withdrawal
After one week, most of the acute withdrawal symptoms have stopped. However, some people report lingering symptoms like fatigue, cravings, mood swings, and disruptions with sleep.
While most physical withdrawal symptoms ebb, a person may begin to experience psychological effects. Sadness and anger may emerge, and occasionally, poor sleep habits and insomnia may begin the cycle all over again.
Additional Symptoms Of Lunesta (Eszopiclone) Withdrawal
A withdrawal process is uncomfortable. During the process, everyone reacts differently and can experience a variety of symptoms. Many symptoms will depend on personal factors such as how long the drug was used and how often the drug was taken.
Additional symptoms that can be experienced during Lunesta withdrawal include:
- abdominal pain and cramping
- nausea or vomiting
- anxiety and depression
- nightmares or vivid dreams
- fatigue and weakness
- headaches or body aches
- loss of memory
- personality and mood changes
- changes in mood or mood swings
- hallucinations
- inability to sleep
- sensitivity to light
- seizures
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Why Does Lunesta Cause Withdrawal Symptoms?
While Lunesta was approved for long-term use, it is still classified by the DEA as a Schedule IV controlled substance because it has the potential for dependence and addiction. When someone takes more than the prescribed dose, he or she runs the risk of use and addiction. These larger doses may create tolerance, and eventually, a person can become dependent on the substance to function.
When Lunesta is removed from the body, the body immediately shows signs of withdrawal. These withdrawal symptoms are a sign that the body is trying to remove a foreign substance from the body. The symptoms of withdrawal can be mild to severe, and many people risk relapse in order to stop the symptoms.
Dangers Of Lunesta Withdrawal And Detox
Lunesta withdrawal affects each person differently. The level of acute withdrawal symptoms and the length of time they persist depends on the size of the dose and length of time a person has taken the drug.
Aside from an uncomfortable withdrawal, Lunesta can have long-term health risks. To stop the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, a person could take too high of a dose. This disregard for proper dosing could cause potential overdose, which can be fatal.
If you or a loved one wants to stop Lunesta, it is vital to speak with a healthcare provider. It can be very uncomfortable or painful to stop this drug on your own, and a skilled professional will be able to manage withdrawal symptoms and guide you through the drug detoxification process.
Getting Treatment For Lunesta (Eszopiclone) Withdrawal And Detox
The rates of prescription sleeping pill use, including Lunesta, have increased in recent years. If you or someone you love is struggling with eszopiclone addiction and withdrawal, help is available at Vertava Health treatment centers.
Our treatment centers offer detoxification programs, which include medical detoxification, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and medication-assisted therapy (MAT). There are a variety of successful treatments for Lunesta withdrawal and detox, but most doctors will first need to taper patients off Lunesta. This process involves a strictly scheduled decreased amount of Lunesta until the person is weaned off the substance.
Once Lunesta is successfully out of the system, additional addiction treatment services are essential to address the root cause of the addiction and why the habit continued. 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 (eszopiclone) withdrawal symptoms and the withdrawal timeline, or to find an Vertava Health detox program near you, reach out to one of our treatment specialists today.
