Too much Lunesta?

April 14, 2008 3:24 PM

Is anybody aware of potential risks in increasing my dose of Lunesta beyond 3 mg? I have found that 3 mg of Lunesta doesn't always (in fact, only half the time) help me to sleep. Since my pills come in 3 mg form, I'm thinking of splitting them and taking 4.5 mg. I'm not on any other medications and won't be drinking when I take these.
posted by Cardinal Fang! to health & fitness (4 comments total)

Ask a doctor.

Dependence is always a risk with sleep medication.
posted by sondrialiac at 3:25 PM on April 14, 2008

Though possible, dependence is extremely unlikely with Lunesta. However, they've only done studies on the recommended doses of Lunesta.

What about trying other sleeping pills? For me, in terms of strength (YMMV, IANYD) and half-lives, Lunesta is at the lowest end of the spectrum (not good or bad, just doesn't act as strongly for me as other sleep aids) with Lunesta <>
If you end up using Ambien, you should take a little more care with that as it can be habituating. Also, if you're concerned about drug cost, Ambien went generic a few months ago and the generic version is very affordable.
posted by arnicae at 3:42 PM on April 14, 2008

Sorry, AskMe clearly doesn't like carrot symbols. That should have read:

For me, in terms of strength, Lunesta is less than Sonata which is less than Ambien. I've tried Rozerem, but didn't feel like it worked and felt wonky in the morning. Sonata has a similar half-life to Lunesta; why don't you talk to your doctor about trying it or one of the other sleeping pills on the market?
posted by arnicae at 3:44 PM on April 14, 2008

NEVER change your dosage without talking to your doctor first.
posted by Class Goat at 3:57 PM on April 14, 2008